Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Though I must admit, if there is anyone who could tempt me to give a real relationship a shot, it’s Rainey.
I glance at the dance floor, my gaze locking on the subject of my desire, as she dances along with her friend and the crowd of people enjoying the techno beat. Wearing a royal blue, fitted dress that hits mid-thigh, she’s a vision of luscious curves and beauty. Her chocolate brown hair hangs down her back in waves, long and tempting. A man could curl those locks around his hand and pull as he enters her from behind. My dick twitches at the thought, making me appreciate my black slacks and the dim lighting.
As the night wears on, drinks flow from the waitstaff and it’s obvious from how she’s dancing more freely that Rainey has passed her limit. She’s celebrating and having fun, and I can’t fault her for that, but I can watch and make sure no asshole tries to take advantage.
“Hey,” Tristan says, joining me at the corner of the bar. “What’s up?”
I glance at the man who helped make mine and Jack’s dream possible. The three of us are a good team, each of us with our own responsibilities.
“Just keeping an eye on things,” I tell him. On nights we’re open, I always hang out on the floor.
Tristan raises his eyebrow. “Don’t you mean keeping an eye on one person in particular?”
I stiffen, surprised I’ve given myself away. There’s no doubt he’s referring to Rainey, so I won’t try and lie my way out, but the last thing I need is for Jack to realize I want his sister. “I’m just making sure the women are safe.”
Tristan lets out a laugh. “If women aren’t safe in our club, we have problem. But tell yourself whatever lets you sleep at night.”
I ignore the ribbing.
He leans in, not just because it’s hard to hear over the music, but I sense he has more to say that he doesn’t want anyone to overhear. “Why the hell don’t you make a move?” he asks.
I meet his gaze. “In what world would Jack think I’m good enough for his sister?”
“In what world are you not?” Tristan counters.
I’m not down on myself, never have been. I’m aware of how far I’ve come and I’m damn proud of it. That doesn’t mean I can’t accept reality. I’ve already listed in my head all the reasons Rainey and I can never be together, but a more important one exists and it’s the one Tristan would understand the most.
Propping my arm on the counter, I meet his gaze. “The one where I have a record,” I remind him.
“Expunged,” he volleys right back. “You were sixteen and you’ve turned your life around since then.”
My foster father was a judge. Thanks to his connections at the time, he made a deal. As long as I testified against the guys I ran with, and I was never arrested again, my record would be expunged at eighteen. Didn’t mean I wasn’t the person who was there when my friends planned a home invasion.
“Maybe so, but I remember the days when Jack’s parents didn’t approve of him hanging out with me.” Not that they were wrong. “Turning my life around or not, I can’t imagine Ian Dare would want me anywhere near his only daughter except as her brother’s business partner. Besides, I don’t want to fuck up our business by pissing off Jack. So, time to change the subject.”
Tristan holds up his hands. “Fine. I get where you’re coming from, but things change. So do people’s opinions.” He rises from his seat. “Jack left early but Mike and Layla are here, and they’ll be closing,” he says of our managers. “I need to head home, too. I have a meeting in the morning.”
I nod. Tristan isn’t just a club owner, he’s a real estate mogul and his schedule isn’t an easy one. Which is why he’s our silent partner, though we get his input on anything important. “See you tomorrow night.”
He nods once and walks off.
No sooner is he gone than my gaze darts back to the dance floor in time to see Rainey stumble into a man who grasps her forearms to steady her. I decide the women have had enough to drink and their fill of dancing, too.
I push back from my seat and make my way through the crowd, knowing how to maneuver to get where I want to go and not get stuck behind groups who have no intention of stepping aside.
Rainey’s hands are on the man’s chest, and she tips her head back and laughs. “I’ve been such a klutz tonight!”
“Come on, let’s keep dancing,” Kaylee says, tugging her friend’s arm.
“Yes! Let’s!” Rainey spins away from the man I assume is a stranger and right into me. “Oops!” She tilts her head back and those gorgeous indigo eyes, an inherited family trait, stare into mine. “Lucas,” she says in a breathless whisper.