Page 4 of The Forbidden Note

The three strangers watch him leave with hawk-like stares.

“Thank you,” I say, easing my purse over my shoulder.

The newcomer with the beautiful almond-shaped eyes stalks off, looking annoyed. The blond guy taps my rescuer on the shoulder. They exchange a loaded nod before he walks off too, blending into the darkness.

“You okay?” the stranger asks.

I nod.

There are so many words in the English language. With all the books I’ve read, you’d think I’d have a better grasp of them. But I’m drawing a blank.

The bartender arrives with my card.

I take it and slip it in my purse.

“Are you leaving?” The stranger looks at me.

I chew on my bottom lip. The smart thing to do is go home to my empty apartment. I have a flight tomorrow. I have my new job on Monday.

Something deep in my chest stops me.

Tonight, we’re being more like her. We’re being brave, remember?

I reclaim my seat. “I could use another drink.”

CHAPTERTWO

GREY

His eyes slide over me and the smile he aims my way is dangerous. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

A hundred butterflies start bashing around in my stomach.

I set my card on the counter. “This round is on me.”

“No way.” He slides the card in my direction.

“The least I can do is buy you and your friends a drink.”

“Put your card back, tiger. That’s not going to happen.”

“Tiger?”

He nods to my dress.

I glance down. “This is cheetah print.”

“Looks like a tiger to me.” His eyes stay locked on mine. He leans closer to be heard above the music. “Graceful. Sly. Pounces when the time is right. I think tiger fits you better.”

A whiff of darkness, like a plume of smoke, rises inside me.

Mischievous.

A little insidious.

I swivel toward him.

Our thighs are touching, but he doesn’t move away.

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