Page 44 of Boost

“Fuckin’ A.” He set his empty glass on the bar top and indicated to the barman for another. “You get used to it.”

“Unlikely,” I muttered.

This scene wasn’t mine, and I was grateful when Boss Lady’s red dress pulled my attention to the side, a second before her intoxicating perfume took ownership of my thoughts. Her voice then shattered them.

“Colton, we should get started.”

He wove a hand onto Rylee’s hip, then cuffed me on the shoulder. “Showtime, Raffie.”

I couldn’t move. My feet stayed glued to the spot and my grip on the bar didn’t ease. I hated being thrust into the limelight. Correction; I hated being thrust into themediaspotlight. Give me fame on the streets any day, but not this fucking circus.

Barely four steps away, Greer turned and glanced expectantly over her shoulder. Her expression filled with genuine concern, and she backtracked to stand before me.

“Rafael, we need to be seated.”

“You go without me, Boss Lady. I’m good here.”At the bar.

Her long, dark lashes narrowed subtly as she tipped her head to the side. The angle was odd, almost as if she subconsciously invited my mouth to hers. I took the inch and pushed it a mile, stepping closer and easily becoming lost in her orbit.

“Raf,” Greer hissed, and my eyes lifted to meet hers. They burned with intensity and drive.

“I prefer to keep a low profile, mamacita.” Things had already changedtoo muchfor me because of this foundation.

Frown lines needled their way between her brows, then cleared once she assumed my meaning. She didn’t though. Not that part of me. Not thetruereason I needed to avoid the media wherever possible.

Her fingers landed on my forearm. It was the first touch initiated from her, and I welcomed it. It grounded me. Stabilized me somehow.

“The choice is yours. I know you’ve had to make sacrifices to be part of this foundation. I’m not taking away from what’s important to you, but not all sacrifices end negatively.”

Sincerity radiated from her expression as if compelling me to believe her. I wanted to, I really fucking did, but it wasn’t that simple. Not when I had to fight tooth and nail to get to where I was today.

Boss Lady’s squeeze on my arm brought me back to the present.

“Convince me,” I hissed, after another sip of liquor.

She inched closer with purpose and lowered her voice. “Ask yourself this, Rafael; tonight, are you the King of the underground, or the respected businessman whose name alone is a sought-after brand? The media will portray you the way they see you, and it’s up to you, tous,to shape and mold them any way we can.”

I pulled back from her touch as if each of her vehemently stated words were lashings against my bare skin. I tipped my chin and studied her down my nose, feeling amusement and pride spread throughout my chest when she fearlessly held my glare.

“Agree to a date and I’ll do it.”

Her chin tucked back indignantly. “You’reblackmailingme?”

I smirked. “It’s not blackmail if you already know you want to do it, mamacita.”

“Greer,” she snapped, easily getting riled.

Getting myself comfortable, I set both elbows behind me on the bar and casually leaned back in wait. I even went so far as crossing one ankle over the other and grinning at her. This was going to be too easy. I had her in a box with only one way out; a date with me.

As if smelling my victory, her spine straightened, and she pulled her shoulders back. I swear the little boy in me cowered a little from the enraged flash in her eyes.

“I’m not going to force you, but I sure as hell won’t ever date you if you don’t get your ass seated by the time Colton hits the stage.”

With that, Boss Lady turned on her heel and breezed through the crowd like she owned them, swaying hips and all.

Tossing back what was left of my second, andlast,Old Fashioned, I muttered a string of curses under my breath, then pushed off the bar. I strode in the direction she moved, as if she was literally leading me by the balls.

Chapter 19

---