Page 47 of Perfect Assumption
I have to suppress my laughter because by the annoyance on his face, it’s clear it wasn’t going to be flowery compliments about my looks. Though to be honest, the dumbfounded expression on his face when I walked in to greet him at Carys’s was worth so much more than Louie’s smooth lines.
“How about handing over my date so I can, I don’t know, take her inside. Maybe so she can see what Redemption is all about?” Ward grumbles. He holds out a hand that is a sign I take to mean I’m to move near him. When I do, Ward doesn’t get ridiculously touchy-feely, causing me to relax. That is until Louie jokes, “Be glad Mike isn’t here. You know he has a weakness for redheads.”
His fingers, which had been lying gently on the center of my back, clench, making my already nervous stomach churn harder. I begin to wobble on my heels. I know I would have toppled over if not for the steadying pressure against my back. If it weren’t for the light… My head becomes slightly woozy until I hear Ward say, “I would assume there wouldn’t be any problems with one of my oldest friends trying to poach the woman I’m escorting. And if there were, all I’d have to do would be to let you know. Certainly, no one wants to incur any unpleasantness while trying to enjoy themselves inside.”
“See that remains the case,” Louie orders. His eyes wander up and down me again. “This one’s gonna be pure trouble.”
For just a moment, I wonder if he recognizes me. I feel a film of moisture form on the back of my neck, but there’s no way for me to get to it with the way Carys styled my helmet hair. But in that split second, I realize Louie’s not staring at me with derision but male appreciation.
Oh.
I lower my eyes, I hope demurely. “I wouldn’t say trouble, exactly.”
Ward sighs even as Louie begins to chuckle. “Undiluted trouble. Keep an eye on your woman, Burke.”
“A close one. Are we good to pass?”
Confidence returning, I lift my head. Unfortunately when I do, it puts my eyes right in line with Ward’s which are burning with something I’ve never seen before, not even when he kissed me.
More so than any other time since it’s occurred, I can’t get that kiss out of my mind. Maybe because it’s the first time since it happened we’re alone together. Or perhaps it’s because Ward’s not limiting himself to just holding my arm. I can feel the warmth of his fingers as they contract slightly, and despite the armor of touching protecting the tips from dragging across my skin, it still causes chills to race up my exposed skin. I’m both terrified and excited to understand what I’m feeling. And if he’s feeling the same way. My heart starts to beat in a rapid staccato.
But now’s not the time. Now we have to go find out information that could break the heart of someone I’d lay my life down for.
I’m jolted from my thoughts when Louie says to Ward, “Yep. Try not to corrupt her too much.”
Ward guides me toward the curtains that cut off the visual and sound of the club from the waiting throngs of people. As we approach, it’s carefully pulled aside. Two scantily clad bodies are standing by doors. Almost by telekinesis, the curtains lower just as the doors open and a flood of sound and lights rush toward us.
It isn’t until we’re about to cross the threshold Ward touches my cheek to get my attention; I’ve been so absorbed, I jump slightly. “What is it?”
“Are you ready to be redeemed?” Then a wickedness brightens his normally solemn features. “Angie, before we go any further, I have to say one thing.”
I skid to a halt, almost tripping on the wickedly high heels. “Say it.”
“No matter what’s happened between us, I’m going to try to make it right.”
“Ward…” I can’t say more past the lump in my throat. I bravely reach up and rub the stubble running along the edge of his face. Heart thundering in my chest, I wonder if he’s just as confused by what this is as I am. I try to curve my lips at him for the first time in what feels like forever.
I’m rewarded by him rubbing his thumb along the apple of my cheek before reaching down to take my hand. “I’m going to enjoy every second of watching you experience tonight.”
His hand drops, and he takes my elbow. My lips part on a gasp as we step past a couple twisted together on a platform. “Are they dancing or are they…” A gasp of mixed horror and intrigue escape my lips when I realize it could be either.
Ward merely grins but doesn’t say either way.
And realizing no one here is going to judge them even if they are doing something borderline illegal, all the tension leaves my body for the first time in ten years. A spark I haven’t felt in far too long lights inside me. It’s excitement.
I whirl around and demand, “What should we do first?”
He hesitantly reaches for my hand “The first thing we need to do is get you a drink.”
“As long as the drink’s sealed when it’s handed to me,” I say firmly.
“You can trust the bartenders, Angie.”
“I trust no one, Ward,” I tell him truthfully.
Thinking I mean him, he squeezes my fingers. “The night’s still young…Angel,” he says before leading me further into the bright sparkling light.
* * *
