Page 21 of Forget Me Not

I’m taken aback by his accusation, so much so that my pulse quickens with nervousness. Why would he say that? What does he know? Instead of letting him see that he actually riled me, I scoff. “You’re delusional.”

“I saw you steal from that sweet lady's purse then use that money to buy the drink I spilled.”

There’s no way his words are a coincidence. So he saw me, who the fuck cares? No one is going to believe this guy. Besides, it was six fucking dollars that the lady probably didn’t even notice was missing.

“So, you admit you’re the one who spilled it then?” When he doesn’t respond, I lose it. “You know what? Fuck you. You’re just a crazy drunk who walked into the wrong bar, in the wrong town. Better watch your back. People get crazy around these parts.” I spin on my heel to leave, but I’m halted by a strong hand on my wrist. His fingers tangle around with tenacity, showing that I’m not going anywhere until he lets me.

Alaric tsks, a shit-eating grin on his face. “You do realize that stealing from the mayor’s wife was a very bad move for someone trying to find their place in this town?”

My teeth grind as I careen forward, our eyes level. “You don’t know a thing about me.”

“I know you stole.”

“Prove it.” With his iron grip on me, my pulse begins to race. I don’t like being caught off guard, but even more so, I don’t like it when I’m touched without consent.

“Don’t test me, little girl.”

“Quit calling me a little girl, asshole.” I try to pull away again, but his grip only tightens. I bite my tongue to prevent the tears that want to well up from springing to life.

“Quit calling me an asshole,little girl.”

I don’t attempt to break free again; I happen to like the attention of rich older men with cocky attitudes, even if he is pushing the limits. It makes it all the more satisfying when I put them in their place and take what I want. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you’re a pain in the ass.”

“So what if I am. What are you gonna do about it?”

The next thing I know, Alaric is on his feet, snatching my purse off the bar and taking my hand. This time, I fight back, jerking my arm to no avail. “What are you doing? Let go of me! And give me my damn purse!”

My heart begins to race as memories of past events infiltrate my mind. I’ve dealt with aggressive men before, and most of the time, I’ve come out on top. Other times, I lost the fight. I have a scary feeling in the pit of my stomach that Alaric is the kind of man that doesn’t lose. Probably should’ve just kept my mouth shut.

We hit the hall to the bathrooms and Alaric spins me around, shoving me hard into the wall between the two bathroom doors. His palms plant on either side of my head, caging me in. “You sure do like to run your mouth, don’t you?”

I mock him with a grin. “Better than saying nothing at all.” I go to duck around him, but he lowers one arm, using it as a barrier to keep me in place.My gaze slides up and down his arm, my lips twitching as I fight the urge to smack it down.

“Is it, though?” He drops his chin, inhaling a deep breath. There’s a beat of silence before his eyes flicker back to mine. His finger trails along my bottom lip and he watches each stroke intently. “That pretty mouth is going to get you in trouble one of these days.”

My eyebrows rise, challenging him. “Maybe I like trouble.”

A shiver runs through me and I drag my tongue along the top of my teeth. Being this close to him is intoxicating. Even more so than the vodka. He’s an arrogant jerk, but for some reason, I’m unequivocally drawn to this man. It’s a mystery I can't put my finger on. It has to be his strikingly good looks and his wealth. Even not knowing what he does for a living, I’m certain it’s a desirable, high-ranking position. Not to mention, I love a challenge and this man has handed me one on a shiny silver platter.

He thrusts his chin out, eyes wide with wonder. “Is that so?”

I’ve got him right where I want him. All I have to do is say the word and this night will end exactly how I need it to. Men like sex. They like the idea of sex, and the act of it. It’s the aftermath they so carefully avoid. Most want a one-night stand, and looking at Alaric, I’m certain he’s a no-strings-attached sort of guy. Therefore, I can offer him something he can’t refuse.

My eyes drag down to his mouth before my hands rise to cradle the back of his head. “Very much so.” My fingers sink into his soft hair and I pull his face closer to mine, tempting him without giving him too much, too soon.

His mouth ghosts over mine in a tantalizing way that has my insides quivering. “How long are you in town for?” he asks, his tone a low rumble.

“Just stopped for the night on my way to bigger and better places. You?”

“I’m not staying in Lockhaven. My hotel is in the city, but I’ll be checking out tomorrow morning.”

“Perfect.”

He quirks a brow. “Why’s that?”

“Because after tonight, I never wanna see your face again.”

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