Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 59146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
“Don’t recall seeing a scene,” I said. “Just a woman enjoying her birthday.”
He aimed a sidelong glance at Juniper, talking over her like she wasn’t even there. “I’m just concerned. She gets like this, you know? Overwhelmed, caught up in the moment, and then it’s messy for everyone involved. I’m just trying to keep things from getting out of hand.” He leaned in as if imparting a big fucking secret. “She has a tendency to latch on to anyone who gives her attention. You should be careful unless you want a permanent roommate.”
“Say all you want,” Juniper spat, shaking in her anger. Close as she was to me, I could feel her trembling. “I wasn’t the one who moved into your apartment and never left. And I don’t remember inviting you to stay the first night either. You just made yourself at home.”
“I don’t think I caught your name.” The bastard ignored Juniper completely. “I’m Brett Calloway, real estate agent to the rich and famous here in Nashville.”
“I couldn’t give a good Goddamn what you’re sellin’, Bretty boy. Ain’t no one here buyin’. That I can guarantee you.”
The blonde on his arm was trying to edge away but Brett held her there, like she was a prop. His eyes cut sideways, checking for an audience. Sully and Darby were in plain view behind him, both casual, but alert. Backup. Even the bartender watched as he polished a glass.
Brett reached for her wrist, probably meant it as gentle, but I blocked him by turning to put my strong side to him and myself more in front of Junie. I focused my gaze on Brett, gently loosening Junie’s hold on my T-shirt. I brought her fingers to my lips to kiss as I held his gaze, then took a step toward the bastard.
“Easy, big guy. Just making sure Junie’s OK.”
“Junie,” I said, not looking away from Brett. “You want to leave with this guy?”
“No way in fucking hell I want to leave with him.” Juniper’s voice rang strong from behind me. I felt her hand slide into my back pocket and wanted to puff out my chest.
Bretty boy went all red in the face. “All right, man,” he said. “Whatever. Enjoy.”
The music cut out for a split second, just long enough for me to shout out, “Happy birthday, Juniper!” The bar cheered, and people closed in to wish a perfect stranger a happy birthday. I grabbed Juniper’s hand before she could get swept away in the crowd of well-wishers. No one in Throttle would hurt her but I wanted to stay close, unwilling to end my time with her just yet.
The blonde let go of Brett, backing away with a look of profound distaste on her face. It looked like she’d just realized what kind of man she was holding onto. She turned to leave and Brett followed her. Oktober met my gaze across the room, and he and Mia followed the pair outside. None of us would allow a woman to be hurt in our territory if we were in a position to prevent it. We included Throttle in our territory even if it was mostly considered neutral. They’d make sure the woman with Brett had an alternate ride home if she wanted it.
Juniper looked up at me, lips trembling but not with sadness. She started to giggle but tried valiantly to hold it back. Finally, she gave up and sagged against me as she laughed. “Thank you, Inferno,” she said, breathless. “God, thank you so much!”
We hung out the rest of the night. Drinking. Talking. Dancing. I watched as a beautiful, charismatic woman came to life right before my eyes. She laughed and smiled and even let me kiss her again.
By midnight the bar had thinned, the crowd reduced to regulars. Juniper turned to me with a contented smile. “I should probably head out.” She nibbled her bottom lip and couldn’t meet my gaze. The flush in her cheeks said she was either drunk or turned on. Since she’d only had one beer, I figured it was the latter.
“Want company?” I grinned at her.
Instantly her smile was back, bright as ever. “Not sure I’m up for another performance tonight.”
“No performance necessary,” I said. “Just a ride. We can cruise downtown. Music Row is likely still hoppin’.”
“I think that sounds just about perfect.”
I stood and reached for her hand, helping her to her feet. We left through the side door to where I parked along the sidewalk. The temperature had dropped twenty degrees in the last hour. I shrugged off my jacket and draped it over her shoulders. It looked better on her than was good for my peace of mind, but I tried not to think too much about the satisfaction I got from seeing her in my jacket. She didn’t protest the gesture, just cinched it tighter and shot me a shy glance.