Page 21 of Bone's Destiny

“She is.” He pulled out a picture and handed it to me. “And a ray of sunshine.”

“How old did you say?” I gulped, never having seen someone so goddamn beautiful before. Her blonde hair shined like spun gold, and her blue eyes sparkled. She had full pink lips and skin that looked soft as silk. My dick twitched, but I shut that shit down. She might not be of legal age.

“I didn’t give her age before.” Cobra smiled like he knew the thoughts running through my head. “She’s twenty.”

And the dirty thoughts commenced. Guilt came next. In the photo, she appeared innocent. I wondered when it had been taken.

There was no telling what this girl had been through and if she’d been abused. Yet, all I could think about was dirtying her up.

“You’re sure quiet over there. What do you think?”

I glanced at Cobra. “I think she’s lucky you’re rescuing her.”

“No, she’s lucky you are.”

I studied her some more. It had been my experience that women with innocent faces had the dirtiest minds and were the wildest. I wondered if that was true with Destiny.

Destiny. I let her name play on my tongue, feeling something spark inside me. Probably indigestion from all the lies and deceit killing me from the inside out.

10

Destiny

Tequila shots and the giant tray of nachos took up every bit of counter space in front of me. I didn’t waste time eating and drinking. I shoveled chip after chip into my mouth, not caring if I looked like a pig. I was determined to finish the platter of spicy deliciousness and drink all I could before my appointment.

Roland had been right about them not carding me. I prayed they also wouldn’t give me a bill. The nachos alone were twenty-five bucks. I was sure the two shots of tequila I’d already downed were at least that much.

Stop watching me.The dude with tattoos on his neck and forearms had been drying the same wine glass for several minutes. He’d taken my order instead of the lady bartender. Worst luck ever. Why wouldn’t he go bother some other woman and take his narrowed gray eyes with him and leave me alone?

I tried to ignore him while I ate. Let the taste of the food and music distract me. Lose myself in the booze and swankiness of the room. I could pretend I had enough money in my non-existent wallet to pay the check when the time came and then leave the parking lot in my make-believe Porsche.

Giggling to myself, I inadvertently snorted, which made me laugh more.

Two more tequila shots appeared.

“Oh, I didn’t order those,” I told the grumpy, sexy bartender. Sexy? The alcohol must’ve been working its magic. I was sure I hadn’t thought he was anything to look at ten minutes ago.

“I know.”

“Well, I don’t want them.”

“Okay.” He shrugged and reached for them.

“Wait! Are you going to charge me for them if I didn’t order them?” I swallowed and bit my lip.

He lowered and leaned on the bar, drilling his gaze into my eyes. No words, just an intensity I felt electrocute my nervous system.

“Well, are you? Your answer will determine whether I want them or not.” I shifted on my stool and tugged my over-the-shoulder shirt to reveal more cleavage.

“No. Drinks are on the house, pretty lady.” His eyes dropped to my chest.

“Fabulous. Thank you so much!” I threw back a shot and playfully sucked on a lime. My lips felt five times bigger. My face was probably red because, oh man, was it hot there.

Mr. Grumpy Sexy, or was it Sexy Grumpy? Didn’t matter. The bartender dude didn’t leave. He just stayed there watching me like I was some science project.

“Wanna bite?” I lifted a chip piled high with seasoned chicken, black beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. “I mean, you’re staring at me like you’re waiting for me to offer some.” Honestly, I didn’t want to share my food, but if he said yes, I’d give him a taste. I wasn’t a rude, selfish person.

“Do I make you nervous?” The corner of his full lips twitched as if he was fighting back a smile.

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