“That’s cool. I’m going to hang out down here and see if there are any more fights. This is kinda badass.”

I nod and say bye over my shoulder as I duck through the crowd. I take off, trying to get away from Royce once again. Why is it every time I’m near him, I feel like running away?

I almost make it to the stairs when a hand grabs my arm, turning me around. I close my eyes and curse myself. I know exactly who I’m going to find when he turns me around, and my eyes open to once again meet his.

CHAPTER 6

Royce

“What’s the rush, baby?” I say, and see the fire in her eyes.

“Don’t you dare call me that,” she hisses, and jerks her arm out of my hold.

She may be pissed I caught her, but I know she likes what she sees. I’ve only got on a pair of loose shorts that hang low on my hips, and right now she’s eye-fucking my happy trail.

“You like what you see?” She snaps her eyes back up to mine, and I see her blush. Fuck, what I wouldn’t give to see if she blushes all the way down to her tits.

“What are you doing here? Aren’t you afraid someone is going to smack that smile off your face?”

I smile even bigger, feeling my dimples crease. “No way, baby. I don’t ever let them touch me.”

“Must be a new experience then. Seems you’ve got people ready to climb all over you,” she says, crossing her arms and looking around at the women watching us.

Goddamn, I love when she sasses me. “The only one I want on my jungle gym keeps avoiding me.”

She lets out a huff and shakes her head. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“You know damn well what I mean,” I say, taking a step forward. She takes a step back, trying to keep her distance. “But we’re not in the office right now, baby. This is open territory. In fact,” I say, taking another step toward her as she takes another one back, “I’d say it’s pretty damn clear you’re in my world now.”

Her back hits the wall, and I move in front of her, putting my arms on either side of her shoulders. I lean down a little so we’re eye to eye. I can see the pulse beating in her neck, and I want to lean forward and lick her there.

“This is my bar. Not my fault you were down in the basement. I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”

“And?” I say, giving up the fight and leaning into her. I put my lips next to her ear and whisper, “Did you like what you saw?” I run my tongue along the edge of her ear and feel her shiver. “Because I damn well liked having your eyes on me.”

“Royce,” she says, and there’s a catch in her voice.