Page 10 of Don't Lie To Me

He leans in close, his breath warm on my ear as he shifts my hair over my shoulder, his lips brushing my earlobe. “You’re sexy as fuck when you get all bossy. I’ll have that drink. You can ask me whatever it is you need to, I’m an open book. Then you will show me what’s back there.” He motions with his eyes to my private rooms. He knows exactly what’s back there, his cunning smile says as much.

Down the far side of the room stands this space’s bar, a gleaming black stone countertop with silver trim that stretches the length of the wall, its polished surface reflecting the soft light of the chandeliers hanging above. Approaching it, I gesture to Erica, our bartender, for two drinks before guiding Romeo to a quieter table. This table is nearly always vacant as the view of the dancers isn’t great from here, but it’s a personal favorite of mine. The lighting is low, and in a worldwhere I feel like I’m always stuck in the spotlight, I can escape for a moment and catch my breath here. I move into the red velvet booth, and instead of sitting opposite me, Romeo moves in beside me, the fabric of his suit brushing against my exposed leg because he’s so close.

Our drinks are placed in front of us, and I smile at Erica and offer her a thanks. She nods and leaves us alone, but not before giving me a look, one that saysI hope you know what you’re doing, boss.

Collecting my glass, I glance his way as I think on what he just said. He’s an open book. We will see about that. “Alright. You want to go back there with me, I want to know what you’re really doing in my club tonight. It’s pretty clear you have no interest in getting to know anyone other than me. I’m going to ask you ten questions, and if I think you have answered them honestly, I will finish my tour.”

“If you don’t?” He raises a brow.

I purse my lips, thinking on it. “It will be time for you to leave my club.”

He nods. “That sounds fair.” He picks up his tumbler and takes a large swig. “Shoot.”

“Are you a cop?” I ask quickly, waiting for his reaction.

He nearly chokes on his second mouthful of whiskey. “Fuck no. Do I look like a fucking cop?” He looks insulted.

I shrug, a silly smirk painting my face. “I guess not. But it was fun to see your reaction when I asked you.”

“Do you get cops sniffing around this place?” he asks more seriously, his eyes scanning the room.

“Not really. Things have been a little different since the new squad came in from New York, but it’s nothing my brothers and I can’t handle.”

He doesn’t look convinced, but what does he care? I guess all of his family hate the cops just like mine. “What’s your second question, doll face?”

“Why are you calling me that?” I can feel the blush on my cheeks as I question him. It’s not what I was going to ask, but I’m intrigued.

He takes my hand in his and kisses the back of my fingers. “Your exquisite features are flawless, your skin like porcelain. Don’t tell me it’s the first time anyone has noticed.”

I can’t help but smirk back at him; he’s just too charming. “That was a wasted question.”

“Eight left, better make the most of them,” he says, and I know he agrees with me.

I raise a challenging brow, knowing he’s not going to enjoy the rest of my quiz as much. “What is your intention in spending time with me tonight? You don’t strike me as someone who does anything without a good reason.”

With a lingering touch, his hand moves from mine, sliding down my leg and then delicately caressing my thigh, right where the hem of my dress sits. My skin tingles with anticipation where his fingers trailed. A strange intensity in his gaze makes my breath catch and a nervous flutter ignite in my chest. He knows what he’s doing to me, turning me the hell on. “You’re right, I came here tonight for you.” He grins devilishly.

“Why?” I splutter out, my heart kicking up a beat at the possessiveness in his honesty.

“Is that question four?” He smirks, a sly glint in his eyes.

Shit! “It wasn’t, but it is now,” I demand, needing to know the answer.

His grin twists, and I know this is half his game, to make me so flustered I can’t think straight. “I wanted to meet the fierce bikerchick they all talk about. You have to know your name is whispered in awe and fear, even back home where I’m from. I heard what you did to Valentina Moretti. Maybe I was curious, maybe it was more than that.” The way his eyes meet with mine and look straight into my soul as he responds makes me feel all warm inside. He wants to know the real me. No one wants to know the real me, most people are too afraid to get close to me.

My teeth sink into my bottom lip, nibbling as I try to work out what to ask him next. He’s so damn smooth, and I’m running out of questions. “I’m not all bad.” I sigh heavily, feeling the weight of my life’s choices bearing down on my shoulders.

“I’m sure.” His hand slips a little higher up my leg, causing a scattering of goosebumps to cover me like a blanket.

I suck in a deep breath, trying to get my racing heart under control so I can think straight around him. Dear God, save me, Romeo’s touch has such a crazy effect on me I’m already giddy.

The way he watches me, he knows his power. He’s enjoying watching me squirm way too much. “Wouldn’t matter to me if you were. I’m no saint myself, sweetheart.”

“That surprises me.” I chuckle sarcastically. It’s damn obvious he’s on the wrong side of the law. They all are around here. My question is, would he fuck me over if he had the chance? But if I ask it like that, I’m the one who will come off like a bitch. I run my eyes over him, checking out every little detail. From his expensive suit to the Rolex on his wrist, he exudes wealth, but that is just a façade. I want to know what really makes him tick. “You’ve got this whole ‘dark and mysterious’ thing down. Does it work on every girl, or just the ones you’re trying to manipulate into bed?” I bat my lashes playfully, knowing that question could really sting if his intentions are dodgy.

A dark chuckle rumbles out of him, and I think he’s impressed. “I’m not trying to manipulate you, doll face. We both know from the second our eyes locked I was going to make you mine, and I have been very forward at making my intentions clear.” His hand slips a little higher, this time parting my legs, as he runs a hand over my silky thong, touching me right there. Right where I want him to. “Maybe it’s you who is trying to seduce me with your sexy-as-fuck little body and pretty face. I could ask you that same question. What do you want from me?” His gaze is heated in a way that intensifies the electricity already bouncing between us.

I shake my head, suddenly lost for words. I want only one thing, but I can’t ask him for it. How would that even go? I need you to rid me of my virginity so I don’t have to go on being a fraud anymore.

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