Page 2 of His Violent Vow

Confidence and power radiated off him in waves. When he gazed at her, he didn’t seem to notice the swell of the crowd or anything else but her. Maybe it was all in her imagination but something felt off about him.

Kat didn’t exactly stand out. No one would describe her as beautiful. The only time men flocked to her was when they wanted an in with her father. As a result, Kat didn’t have much experience with dating. She often dreamed of an older gentleman sweeping her off her feet. Unlike young and inexperienced men her age, her ideal man would be rough and unapologetic with her.

This guy seemed to be in his early forties, practically twice her age and right up her alley. The smile he flashed her both unsettled and excited her at the same time. That was good, wasn’t it? Eve and others invited her to have a good time, to momentarily forget her troubles.

Kat had never been an outgoing type of girl, but this man made her think twice. All her life, she’d been a dutiful daughter. Gina once called her safe and predictable. The comment stung and Gina apologized profusely afterward but it held a kernel of truth.

It wouldn’t hurt to let loose for once, especially if tonight would be Kat’s last night to be single.

“Allow me to buy you a drink,” he said.

“Sure,” she said.

He led her to the bar, politely keeping his distance. Eve took her gaze off her conquest and gave her a grin and thumbs-up sign. The handsome stranger noticed their interaction and gave her a quizzical look.

“She’s a friend,” Kat said.

He found them two empty seats by the bar, as if by magic. Was Kat dreaming? Maybe in reality, Kat had taken one drink too many and was knocked out.

Perhaps she had conjured up this stranger in her mind out of sheer desperation. After all, Kat would be consigned to her irreversible fate. All she could hope for was that her future husband would treat her decently. That he might be a monster on the outside, but in the bedroom he’d be different. Kat let out a laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

Kat sobered up quickly. She didn’t want this man to think she was a little unhinged, even though she was clearly not in the best state of mind.

“Nothing, I want to forget about my personal problems tonight.”

“I can help with that,” he said, flashing her a devilish smile which sent her heart aflutter.

“I didn’t catch your name,” Kat said.“I’m Gina, by the way.”

Her friends used aliases when they hooked up with nameless men. Kat decided she would do the same. Gina was the first name that came to mind. Her friend would forgive her.

“It’s nice to meet you, Gina with no last name. I’m Cole,” he said, flashing her a mouthful of white teeth.

“Same here,” Kat said.

The bartender served their drinks. He ordered beer for both of them without asking her what she wanted. That was fine with her. Tonight, Kat didn’t want to be burdened with making decisions.

She took a sip, winced, then took another. Cole noticed her discomfort and asked,“You don’t like beer?”

“I don’t drink often,” Kat corrected.

She took one long pull and even Cole seemed impressed. When she finished her beer, she ordered another. The bartender set another one on her table.

“Are you sure you should be telling me that?” Cole asked, raising both his eyebrows.

She set her beer down and boldly placed her hand on his. Kat had been surprised to see black ink peek under his cufflinks. In fact, small and large black stars covered his entire left hand. Something tugged at the back of her mind, a vital detail but it must not be important.

“Cole, you’re the sort of man who can get any woman he wants in this club. Why did you choose me?” she asked.

“You’re direct. I like that,” Cole said.

He placed his other hand, also inked, over hers. Whoever Cole was, he was no businessman. Danger bells rang in her head but at that moment, Kat didn’t care.

Cole gazed upon her like he wanted to feast on her and she shivered in anticipation.“Don’t avoid my question,” Kat said.

“Why did I choose you?” Cole seemed to give it some thought.“The moment I saw you, I knew I had to have you. Does that answer satisfy your curiosity?”

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