Page 6 of The Devils Melody
I don’t respond, because I know he’s fucking right, but that doesn’t mean I have to listen.
As the song comes to an end, a round of cheers erupts from the bar. Wren offers a small smile in return before stepping off the stage and grabbing her apron. I don’t miss the way she exhales as soon as she’s no longer in the spotlight. She might think no one is paying attention to her,but I am.
She heads straight for our table, her eyes scanning for her next task. Before she reaches us, she pulls her notepad out of the pocket of her apron. To her misfortune, the pen slips from her fingers, bouncing across the floor until it rolls and stops at the toe of my boot.
I glance down, my boots heavy against the floor, before lifting my gaze back to her. She bends quickly to grab it, mumbling something under her breath. With a quick motion, I reach down and pick it up for her. Wren’s small hand grazes mine, a fleeting touch that spreads heat from my skin all the way to the hollow ache deep in my core.
Her gaze drifts lazily up my arm, tracing the intricate designs of my tattoos, no doubt. My little addiction’s stare lingers a moment too long at my chest, and I can almost feel the heat of it piercing through the fabric of my shirt. I don’t mind. In fact, I kind of like her checking me out. I’ve been waiting for this moment since I first laid eyes on her.
“Careful,” I say smiling, my voice low. “Wouldn’t want you to lose this.”
Her cheeks turn a bright pink and she looks at me like she doesn’t have any brain function. Wren finally realizes she’s staring and clears her throat. “Thanks.” Her voice has a hint of nervousness in it, but she reaches out, her fingers fully brushing against mine as she takes the pen.
“No problem,” I reply, offering her a slow, deliberate grin, not missing the way she’s clearly trying to regain her composure.
That’s right, baby. Let those feelings take over you, like they’ve taken over me.
She straightens and looks down at her notepad, obviously trying to hide the flush on her face. “What can I get you guys?” Wren asks, forcing her voice to sound more nonchalant.
I lean back in my chair, looking over at Nox, who looks as though he just now realized what I’ve been up to these last couple of weeks. Is that annoyance I’m clocking, or perhaps jealousy?
“Loretta already took our drink order, but I think she may have gotten a little busy. You wouldn’t mind grabbing those for us, would you,little bird?”
She looks up at the mention of the nickname I just gave her and those cheeks get a little bit darker.
“And what, exactly, makes you think I want to be called ‘little bird?’”
“Is a wren not a bird?”
Wren stares at me intently but doesn’t respond right away. After a beat, she rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “Whatever, what’d you order?”
She goes to put pen to paper, but I can see the slight tremor in her hand. Oh, I think I’ve just ruffled her feathers. That’s too bad. I think I’m gonna enjoy pissing off my new pet.
“Just a beer and a dry old fashioned, sweetheart.”
Her eyes lift to mine, “Any specific beer?”
Leaning in, I whisper so only she can hear me, “Bring me your favorite.”
She lets out a soft, short laugh, scribbling something down on her pad. She glances up at me, a crooked smile playing on her lips.
“I don’t drink that piss water. I’m more of a margaritagirl. I could bring you one of those if you want, with a cute little umbrella. Make itrealspecial for ya.” She winks at me and goddamn, I think I’m fucking in love with this girl. I knew she had some fire in her.
“Anything else?” she asks, as if she didn’t just knock the breath out of me with that wink.
“I’m sure you could help me with a lot of things, but the drinks will do for now.” I give her a mischievous smirk and wink back at her.
“Jesus, fuck.” Nox curses, dropping his arms on the table, causing the silverware to clink. I bet this isn't what he had in mind when I told him I found a new spot for us.
With a nervous laugh, she turns and walks off to get our drinks.Damn does she look good from behind.I can’t help but keep my eyes on her, so when an arm darts out and grabs her, I don't miss it. I recognize him immediately. It’s the little shit from outside.How the fuck did he get in?
The moment she flinches, I’m out of my seat, my chair scraping loudly against the floor.
I’m going to kill this motherfucker.
3
Lennox
