by Roma, Laurie
A beautiful woman with short blonde spiky hair and a long sweep of bangs came over to where Mikayla was sitting. She had a no-nonsense attitude and an easy smile that made Mikayla like her instantly. “Hi, welcome to the Twisted Tap. I’m Roz Bowers and this is my place. What can I getcha?”
“Mikayla. Please tell me you have food.”
Roz’s laughter was throaty and raw. “We sure do, Mikayla. We make a mean cheeseburger.”
“Load me up then. And I’ll take a light on tap.”
“Got it. I’ll put your order in right away.”
Roz moved down the bar to put the order into the computer while Mikayla took a good look around the bar. The crowd gathered inside the cozy interior was eclectic. A smile played over her lips as she saw a table of old men off to the sides, playing a game of poker. There were several younger women sitting together near the front of the bar. There was something in the back of the room that had their attention even though they tried to pretend they weren’t looking. Curiosity had her head turning to the left so she could see the rest of the room.
Her eyes were immediately caught by a man playing pool at the far end. She felt a quick blast of heat sear through her as their eyes met.
His face was of a fallen angel or that of a damned god, forced to live amongst mortals. It was a carved masterpiece with a strong, chiseled jaw, high cheekbones and an arrogant brow. He had dark-black hair that fell haphazardly around his face and full, sensual lips that were made to kiss a woman’s body.
He was cast partially in shadows. Turned away from her, he held his body so the left side of him was concealed in darkness. Even so, Mikayla could see faint burn scars on the left side of his cheek, down his neck that disappeared into the collar of his T-shirt. To her, the scars did nothing to quash the sudden hunger that had her pussy growing wet at the sight of him.
At the quick scan, she put him at around six foot four with a body heavy with muscle. The thick black sweater he wore would have been average on any other body, but on him it simply molded over his large chest like second skin. Long legs were encased in jeans worn white with wear at the knees and she saw a glimpse of what looked like cowboy boots on his feet under the table.
In the dim light she could barely make out the long, thick lashes that were hooded over sharp green eyes. His piercing eyes never left hers as she took in his every feature and met her gaze with equal intensity.
Damn, he was hot.
Something about this man had Mikayla’s internal radar pinging danger. Years of training had her summing up a person with nothing more than a glance and she could tell that this man was trouble with a capital T. No, he wasn’t an enemy combatant, but she felt something that made her instantly wary.
No matter how good-looking this man was, the very last thing she needed right now was a relationship, no matter how short. She wasn’t really on vacation. She was here to heal so she could get back to work. But that man had done something to her. He had lit a fuse of need deep inside her that she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Too long.
With a silent sigh of regret, she broke their strange connection. Mikayla’s gaze swung back to Roz as she set a beer down in front of her on the bar. She could still sense the man’s eyes on her, felt it in her core and forced herself to control her breathing and remain unaffected to the outside world. She heard the loud clack come from the pool table as the man took his shot but refused to look back over. Instead, she raised the glass to her lips and took a small sip before setting the glass down again, pleased that her hands were steady as always.
A sniper’s hands never shook.
“Thanks.”
Roz leaned on the bar and smiled. Mikayla could see Roz was around her own age, and her hazel eyes were sharp with intelligence. “Welcome. You new in town?”
Mikayla sighed. “Yes, I’m staying at a friend’s place.”
Roz’s eyebrow rose at that. “A friend, huh? Well, since you’re here alone I'm guessing you would be friends with the extremely yummy Brett Michaels?” At Mikayla’s silent stare, Roz laughed. “I’m friends with Brett. Actually, he’s like my second or third cousin so he is actually family, so don’t worry. Not that you would be, looking like you do. I’d have guessed you knew him because you have the same look about you. You know, the look that first screams cop, but naw, you guys are a different breed. Private security or something, right?”
Or something.
“I work with Brett at Mac Securities,” Mikayla replied.
Roz nodded. “Thought so. I inherited this bar from my dad when he retired. Well, he hasn’t really retired. He’s the one over there in the blue shirt playing poker with his buddies. But I’ve been a bartender for years. We notice things about people most others wouldn’t. Like I noticed you’re walking with that cane, but you only started leaning on it when you came in and other people could see you. That tells me it’s something recent and not a permanent injury.”
Mikayla was intrigued by Roz’s assessment of her. Yeah, she could see how this woman was related to her commander. She cocked her head to the side in a silent gesture for the other woman to continue. Roz’s voice lowered as she did so.
“I also know if you’re friends with Brett then you and I are going to get along just fine, even though I don’t normally get along with too many women. I can’t stand catty bitches. But you don’t strike me as one of those. Because of that, I’m gonna say that I also noticed you looking at Gage. Well, more like I watched the two of you eye-fuck each other for thirty seconds. Hell, he’s still looking at you. You know who he is, right?”
Mikayla’s brow rose. “Should I?”
Roz smiled. “That’s Gage Stark.”
The name sparked something in Mikayla’s memory then her eyes widened in recognition. Gage Stark was a former actor with an Oscar and a few Golden Globes under his belt. She had watched his movies with the other agents many times in the private theater at IAD headquarters. He was an action film star until something had forced him into seclusion. “The actor? I think I read something about his accident.”
“Wasn’t an accident. Some asshole actor wanted more screen time so they sabotaged the car Gage was driving during a movie shoot. Gage was well known for doing his own stunts so it was easy to do. Gage is…I love the guy like a brother, but he’s pretty intense and doesn’t do relationships. I just thought you should know if you were thinking about—”
“That’s not going to be an issue,” Mikayla said firmly before taking another sip of her beer. The warning had been given carefully and she knew there was more to it than just a friendly gesture.
Roz nodded. “So, you and Brett. Are you…?”
“We’re close,” Mikayla allowed. She wouldn’t confirm or deny what her actual relationship was with her friend.
Roz laughed. “You’d have to be if you are staying up at his castle. I guess it really won’t be an issue.”
“What’s not an issue?” Katie walked up to the seat next to Mikayla and sat down.
Roz turned to pour Katie a beer when a waitress walked up to set a basket with a cheeseburger and fries in front of Mikayla. The smell of the cheeseburger and greasy fries was like ambrosia to Mikayla and she dug into her food right after thanking the waitress.
“I don’t think we have to worry about Mikayla being part of the airhead clan.” Roz jerked a head toward the table of giggling women sitting in the front of the bar.
“Good. Not that some of them aren’t nice, but they seriously get on my nerves when they group up like that,” Katie said, turning to Mikayla with a sheepish smile. “Sorry, small-town gossip. Most of the women in town treat me and Roz like we’re misfits.”
Roz snorted before she drank from her own beer. “Those bitches don’t like me ‘cause I tell it like it is. And Katie here doesn’t get out much. Her family keeps a pretty tight leash on her.”
“It’s true. I know I don’t fit in with them. They think I’m a tomboy, which, I guess I sort of am. That’s what
I get for living with two overly protective older brothers and our cousin. Our mom died when I was eight and my dad raised us until he died of cancer a few years ago,” Katie said. “It’s just hard in a small town when most of the women want to be my friend just to get close to the men in my family.”
Mikayla was at a loss for what to say, so she repeated her earlier statement. “That’s not going to be an issue.”
Katie smiled. “I know. Besides, I met you first. Anyways, most of the people in town hang out here at the bar so you’ll get a feel for everyone pretty quick.”
“I don’t think I’m going to be in town long,” Mikayla said after as she finished the last bite of her cheeseburger.
“Oh, that’s a shame,” Katie said. The sincerity in her voice baffled Mikayla. She had just met these women five minutes ago and yet the younger woman was acting as if she was abandoning her. Katie forced a smile onto her face. “Well, your food is on me. Consider it my apology for Wulf,” Katie said.
“There’s no need for that—” Mikayla began.
Roz groaned. “Aw hell, did you bring that beast with you?”
“Don’t worry, I left him in your mud room,” Katie said quickly.
“I’m surprised he let you put him in there.” Roz frowned at her friend then her brows furrowed with concern as she turned to Mikayla. “Did that big beast attack you?”
“No, actually he knocked her down in the parking lot and licked her,” Katie replied, much to the amazement of the other woman.
“That’s…”
“Amazing, I know,” Katie finished. “I’ve never seen anything like it. The only one he is that friendly with is my brother, Gage.”
At the reminder of the dangerous man playing pool Mikayla finished her beer and set the empty glass down on the table. “It was nice meeting you both, but I have to get going. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again soon.” She pulled out some bills and set it down on the bar top.
“Oh no! Please let me pay. I have to make up for what Wulf did!”
Mikayla was about to answer when she saw the man from the shadows approaching them out of her periphery. She had to hold back a shiver of awareness as she felt the heat of his body against her side.
“What did Wulf do?”
His voice was a deep, rough timbre that vibrated through Mikayla’s body. It annoyed her to have such a visceral reaction to a man she didn’t even know. She turned her head to see Gage Stark standing next to her, his left side turned away from her, but she could still see the faint hint of scars. His dark beauty was even more potent up close and personal. Once again their eyes locked and held for a moment before those intense green eyes slid over to his sister.
“What did Wulf do, Katie? And what are you doing here? You were supposed to take Wulf home after the appointment with the vet.” Gage’s voice held a natural thread of command that told Mikayla he was used to being obeyed. There was something about that hint of irritation in his voice that had her narrowing her eyes at him. Mikayla couldn’t stop herself from interceding when she saw the cowed look on the younger woman’s face.
“Seems to me if Wulf is your dog, maybe you should be the one to take him home instead of treating your sister like your slave,” Mikayla said casually as she accepted the change the wide-eyed Roz slid onto the bar in front of her. She mentally calculated the tip, tripled it, and left the money on the bar top. She turned back to see Gage’s glowing green eyes had focused completely on her.
Mikayla took her cane in her hand and swiveled her chair so she slid from her seat and moved around his large body in one fluid move. Gage turned with her, keeping the left side of his face hidden. Mikayla smiled warmly at Katie and Roz. “See you later. Thanks for the good eats and the company.”
“Anytime,” Roz said, her voice filled with amusement.
“See you soon!” Katie said.
Mikayla began walking toward the entrance when she felt Gage move to her left, easily pacing her. “Do you need a ride?”
“Nope. My car is right outside.”
“Then I’ll walk you to your car.”
She let out a small chuckle. “I think I remember where I parked just fine without you.”
Mikayla watched as a small smile spread across his lips and a dimple appeared on his cheek. Damn, that little indent made her want to lick it. It really wasn’t fair that he looked even better when he smiled.
“I’m sure you do. I’ll walk you out anyways.”
As they approached the front door, a pretty blonde popped up from her chair and hurried over. “Gage,” the blonde whispered breathlessly. “You’re not leaving already, are you? I was hoping we could—”
“Not now, Chrissy.”
The blonde’s smile fell and her lips twisted as she glared at Mikayla. She ignored the blonde and kept walking toward the door, her hand reaching out for the handle when Gage’s large hand covered hers. He leaned in, his hot breath sending a shiver down her spine as he whispered into her ear.
“A woman doesn’t open doors when she’s with me.”
Mikayla turned her head slowly so their lips were a breath apart from each other. “Good thing I’m not with you then, isn’t it?” She jerked the door open, welcoming the blast of cold air as it hit her face, cooling the lust burning in her belly.
Gage followed her outside into the parking lot, walking beside her silently as she made her way to the large SUV. She hit the button on the key fob to open the doors and turned to face him, noting that he kept his body turned away from her to minimize her view of his scarred face.
He really was sinfully good looking. Playing around with this man was not a good idea, even if her libido told her differently. Roz had given her the warning for a reason, and until she knew more she would not be getting any closer to this man. She saw the lust burning in his eyes, but there was something else there that made her wary. Still, curiosity had her asking, “Why exactly are you out here with me?”
“There has been some trouble in this area. Haven’t you heard about it?”
Her interest was sparked. She leaned against the side of the SUV and cocked her head to the side. “What trouble?”
“Some women have gone missing in the neighboring towns and in Denver. You shouldn’t be out alone at night. It’s dangerous and you’re injured. Should you even be out? You could slip on the ice or something.”
Mikayla smiled. “Don’t worry. I can take care of myself.” She opened the car door and turned back when he spoke.
“Why did you say that inside, about my sister?”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Are you kidding?”
“No,” he said through gritted teeth. She couldn’t tell it if was due to anger or the cold. Either way, the question was ridiculous. She sighed.
Were some men seriously that clueless?
“You were completely disrespectful to her. I figured someone should call you out on it.”
Gage took a step forward, crowding her with his large body. A white cloud swirled out as he released a harsh breath into the night air. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. I love my sister,” he growled in anger.
“You may love her, but you don’t respect her very much. You ordered her home after she took your dog to the vet while you and friends played pool in the bar? Maybe you don’t know what thank you means, but that would have been a better way to start that conversation. Now, I will say thank you for the touch of chivalry walking me out here and for the warning. It was appreciated.” She opened the door to the vehicle and got inside, careful not to jar her leg. She stuck the key in the car and started it.
His eyes had narrowed as he frowned at her. Even with that sinister look on his face and the scars on one side, it didn’t detract from his dark appeal. “We aren’t through with this conversation.”
“We are for now.” Mikayla was surprised she didn’t burst into flames at the sudden flare of heat in his bright emerald-green eyes.
“Come home with me.”
Sh
e blinked in surprise.
“I want you,” Gage said, his voice a low, heated whisper. “If you agree, this wouldn’t be a date. I don’t date. This would be me fucking you until you come so hard you pass out. That’s it.”
Oh hell no, seriously?
Idiot.
Did he really think she was just going to drop her panties because he said that? Not that she was wearing any. Mikayla sighed loudly and fought back the urge to slam her head into the steering wheel. Why did shit like this always happen to her? It was a good thing she had firsthand knowledge of the irrational way men’s minds worked sometimes since she worked with a bunch of them daily, or else she might have to hurt him. Badly. “You’d have better luck with the blonde inside. Goodnight, Mr. Stark.”
“So you do know who I am.”
“Yes, I do. Which is more than I can say for you.” She started to close the door, but his large hand holding it stopped her.
“You can’t tell me you aren’t attracted to me. I see that you are. What’s your name?”
Mikayla sent him a mischievous smile. “Perhaps you should have started this particular conversation with that question. Goodnight.”
She shifted the SUV into gear and released the break just enough so the SUV pulled forward, jerking the door out of his grasp. She slammed the door closed and pulled into the street, watching as Gage grew smaller in her rearview mirror.
Chapter Three
Mikayla woke to dark-gray skies after a fitful night of sleep. Sleep never came easy for her, since the nightmares always seemed to be waiting as soon as she closed her eyes. But last night had been different. Her dreams had been haunted by Gage’s piercing green eyes watching her as her body moved over his, as she was taken under him, as pleasure turned her body to liquid gold.
The stupid, arrogant bastard.
Never before had she had such vivid dreams that left her aching with hunger to be touched after she woke. But now in the daylight it was all she could do not to jump directly into the cold snow outside to chill her overheated body back to normal. Instead, she had treated herself to a hot shower, after which she changed the bandages on her leg. She dressed for the day in loose black drawstring pants and a thick purple thermal shirt before leaving the bedroom she had claimed on the main floor.
