by Lori Foster
At least Tiffany was a good cook.
Refusing to think any further than the here and now, Dean finished off the breakfast, then indulged in a long, hot shower. Some of his stiffness eased. A good scrubbing left him refreshed and removed the last of the dried blood. After he’d toweled off, he found his pain pills and popped one, then shaved and brushed his teeth and…
He gave up.
As Cam requested, he’d go home. He’d talk to her. He’d talk to Jacki. But nothing had changed and he’d be sure they knew that. They had nothing in common anymore, beyond blood. And when it came right down to it, blood didn’t stand for much.
If it had, they would have been raised together instead of on opposite sides of the country.
If it mattered at all, one of his sisters would have contacted him before now.
Within four hours of deciding, Dean finished a dozen phone calls, packed up his belongings, turned in the key on his week-by-week rental, and booked a flight.
Simon was pissed. But he’d get over it. Dean didn’t go into details on why he needed to make the sudden trip on top of being beat to a pulp, and Simon didn’t press it. He had Dean’s cell number, and Dean promised to call him when he got settled in Harmony.
It wasn’t like he had to be training three times a day now, the way he did in preparation for a fight.
With recent trips to Europe, the UK, and Boston, he was up on his PR. He had offers pending from other sponsors, but they could wait. He deserved a few months off.
He deserved to see his family.
And more than that, he deserved a chance for retribution.
STANDING on the interior balcony, her bare arms folded over the cool steel railing, Eve Lavon watched the line dancing below. In so many ways, Roger’s place was the perfect setting for a bachelorette party. The low-key honky-tonk offered drinks, dancing, private rooms, a festive environment…but God, she detested Roger. She didn’t want to do business with the swine.
Blindly Eve reached for her longneck beer sitting on the tiny round table beside her. She finished it off, then turned to head for the bar to get another.
The sight of a tall man, roughed up and rugged, standing in the doorway, stopped her in her tracks.
He perused the area with a jaundiced eye, lip curled in disgust, body set in lines of weariness. Obviously Roger’s place wasn’t quite what he’d expected.
From the outside, Roger’s Rodeo looked like any other small-time bar. From the inside, it boasted a disco atmosphere with an open first floor that overlooked the basement below by way of a balcony that circled the entire floor. Both levels provided a bar, and each floor had a smattering of private rooms. But the action happened downstairs: line dancing, mechanical bull rides, billiards, pinball machines.
Two-seater tables lined the balcony, with enough space between to accommodate spectators. Tonight Eve had come to watch, to make a decision on whether or not to organize an event in one of the private rooms in the basement. Harmony, Kentucky, didn’t have a lot of options, and most of what it did have, Roger owned. The group hiring her wasn’t interested in going out of town, so…
The hunk locked eyes with her.
Eve’s heart skipped a beat. It seemed her all-business night was about to include pleasure.
As he started forward, he looked…way too intense. And really beat up. But sexy, too. Rock hard and ripped, all machismo and confidence despite the bruises.
To Eve’s surprise, when he got right in front of her, his mouth lifted on one side—and he stepped around her to peer over the balcony.
Playing hard to get? Amusement and interest unfurled inside her. Turning, Eve took up her position against the railing again. “First time here?”
Without taking his gaze from the dancers below, he rumbled, “Probably my last, too.”
Nice, deep voice. A flutter stirred in her belly. “Not if you plan to be in Harmony long. Roger’s Rodeo is about the only decent place to drink socially.”
One thick shoulder lifted. “Drinking alone has its perks.”
“Those being?”
“Less noise.” He turned toward her, and his gaze boldly searched every inch of her person. “You drinking alone tonight?”
“Not anymore.” She saluted him with her empty beer. “So did a bull stomp all over you, or did you forget your parachute when you jumped from the plane?”
He stared at her mouth. “It was a Russian bull, and mean as hell.”
“I take it the bull won?”
“Actually, no.”
“Ah. Well, looks are deceiving.”
His gaze came back to hers. “I hope not.”
Those three words dripped sensual suggestion. Eve almost sighed. How could one man possess so much appeal? It had been a very long time since she’d felt this drawn. She wanted to get closer to him. She wanted to touch him.
Even in the crowded bar, with the smell of liquor and sweat hanging in the air, she could detect his scent. Rich and reminiscent of the outdoors, it suggested that he’d had a long drive, probably with the windows down. She liked that.
His mussed, light brown hair nearly matched the mellow color of his expressive eyes. He stood easily six-four, towering over her by damn near a foot. His worn jeans and black T-shirt hung loosely on his frame, but solid muscles shown anyway. Whatever he did, he kept his body shredded, without a single ounce of fat.
Eve glanced behind her, saw an empty nook, and said, “Wanna grab a seat?”
His gaze searched hers. “Is a seat my only option for now?”
Lord help her, she wanted to melt. Instead she donned a cocky smile. “For now.”
Both sides of his mouth lifted. “Then, yeah, I’ll take a seat, especially if it comes with a beer.”
Finally having a good excuse, Eve wrapped her fingers around his wrist on the pretense of guiding him to the room. He had thick bones, hot skin, and crisp hair. The fact that her fingers couldn’t completely encircle his wrist got her heart pumping double time.
Along the way to the semiprivate alcove, Eve paused at the bar to say, “Bring us some beers, will ya, Dave?”
“Be right there.”
“Thanks.” They reached the room just in time to head off another couple. “Sorry,” Eve said, and slipped in before them.
Once inside she had to release him, but she held out her hand. “I’m Eve, by the way.”
He looked at her outstretched hand, but didn’t accept the handshake. Instead he captured her wrist, lifted her palm to his mouth, and put the gentlest of kisses there. Still holding on to her, he whispered, “Hi, Eve.”
Get a grip, Eve told herself. She sucked in a deep breath and leaned close as if sharing a confidence. “I’m already sold. You can ease up now.”
His thumb teased over the inside of her wrist. Slowly he shook his head. “No, I don’t think I can.”
“Really?” Damn it, she squeaked. Clearing her throat, she said, “Try, okay?”
“How about one taste first?”
“One taste?” Yeah, sounded like a hell of an idea. “You mean…?”
With one small tug, he had her up against him. His free hand flattened on the small of her back, but not in restraint. She in no way felt forced.
She felt…seduced.
And wasn’t that a unique thing?
“A kiss,” he told her, and his breath brushed her lips. “Just a small one.”
Would she be able to control herself? Doubtful. Harmony did not have men like him. Her experience was limited. She’d never encountered—
Hot, damp heat touched her lower lip and her thoughts shattered. Lightly he traced the tip of his tongue to the corner of her mouth and back again, and sure enough, her lips parted.
He didn’t overpower her with the kiss. In fact the contact of his mouth on hers was so light that he somehow lured her into leaning into him, trying to get more.
His head tilted the tiniest bit, his tongue pressed in, touched the edge of her teeth, slicked beyond to meet her tongue…. And he retrea
ted.
Breathing hard, Eve finally realized that he’d released her. Her eyes fluttered open to find him watching her with so much force, she felt snared.
“Wow.”
Something flared in his light brown eyes, an inferno exploding, and she knew she’d just sealed her fate—at least for that night. “So.” She tried to gather her thoughts. “How about—”
Someone grabbed her arm from behind. Taken off guard, she stumbled back and almost fell.
The hunk reacted with incredible reflexes. Within a single second, she was free, upright, and somehow behind him.
She heard Roger sneer, “I guess I’m interrupting?”
Oh shit. Double shit. How could she have forgotten about Roger the Repulsive?
She ducked to the side of her hunk to meet Roger’s seething condemnation. A glance at the hunk showed no expression at all. He didn’t look angry. Or concerned. He didn’t look like a man who’d reacted instinctively to a situation with lightning speed.
“Sorry about that.”
“Save your excuses,” Roger bit off.
“I wasn’t talking to you.” She stepped between the men, putting Roger at her back. “I can’t imagine how,” she said with a smile, “but I forgot that I’m meeting Roger tonight to discuss business.”
“Business, huh?”
“He owns this joint. I’m an events coordinator.” She lifted her shoulders to share her predicament. “The town doesn’t boast a lot of options, so I’m forced here on a regular occasion.”
“Forced?” Roger snarled. “Without me, you wouldn’t have a business.”
Now that was too over the top. Eve prepared to blast him, but he beat her to the punch.
“Find your manners and introduce me.”
“Right.” She really shouldn’t go out of her way to provoke Roger. He was right that without him and his establishments, her business wouldn’t be nearly so lucrative. “Roger Sims, proprietor.” She gestured toward the hunk. “And you are?”
He smiled.
Roger gave a caustic laugh. “You don’t even know his name? Now why doesn’t that surprise me?”
They both ignored Roger.
Propping one shoulder against the wall, the hunk said, “Most people call me Havoc.”
“Seriously?” How odd. Sure, he’d caused havoc to her system, but that couldn’t be his given name. “Oh wait. Is that like a fighting label?”
Roger pushed himself closer. “I hope you’re joking.”
Havoc winked at her.
Fascinating, Eve thought. And, somehow, the name suited him. “So how come Havoc? I mean, why not Mayhem? Why not Destruction?”
“I didn’t choose it. You fight, you get dubbed. When a name sticks, it sticks.”
“It’s idiotic,” Roger said.
Havoc’s gaze flicked to him, dismissed him as insignificant, and came back to her. “How long will your meeting be?”
Their lack of attention didn’t sit well with Roger. “It’s going to take a while so you might as well forget it.”
In the most emotionless voice imaginable, with no expression whatsoever, the hunk said to Roger, “I don’t like you very much.”
“Is that supposed to bother me?”
“Just stating a fact.”
Roger bunched up. “Are you trying to pick a fight with me?”
Eve barely swallowed a groan. Roger was such a bully that he often egged some poor schmuck into throwing the first punch. Then he’d turn around and have the guy arrested for starting a brawl—a brawl that Roger usually finished.
But Havoc just said, “Nope.”
That threw Roger, but only for a moment. “You’re a fighter who’s afraid to fight?”
Havoc laughed. “No.”
“Then—”
Taking Eve’s arm, Havoc pulled her a few steps away from Roger. After gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, he asked, “So how long will you be?”
Elation rose. Finally someone who didn’t give a fig what Roger thought. Someone rational who wouldn’t be pulled into an idiotic pissing contest. Havoc could be her knight in shining armor.
Was he moving to Harmony? She sure hoped so.
“Not long at all.” She turned to face Roger. “I’ll take the night we already discussed. The price you gave is fine. Seven hours, from eight P.M. to three A.M. Three private rooms. Exclusive use of the mechanical bull.” She held out her hand. “Deal?”
Roger locked his teeth. “You need to sign the contract.” Rather than accept her hand, he encircled her wrist in a fist. “We can go to my office now to take care of that.”
As usual Roger’s grip was too tight. Eve winced, half expecting her knight to intercede.
But he didn’t.
His restraint amazed and thrilled her. Attempting to free herself, Eve strained away from Roger. “Since when do I need to sign a contract on the spot?”
The more she tried to pull away, the tighter his fingers clenched. “Summers are busy, you know that. If you want me to hold the time for you, you need to sign.” Determined to have his way, Roger tugged her forward a step.
Eve didn’t mean to, but she winced.
Havoc straightened from his lazy position. As if discussing the weather, he said, “No offense to your liberated soul, but do you need any help?”
Glaring at Roger, Eve said, “No, because he’s going to let me go right now.”
Instead Roger jerked her forward another few inches. “If you want—”
“Sorry, but I can’t take it.” Again Havoc’s movements were fluid and fast. Everything seemed to happen at once. His hand circled Roger’s wrist and squeezed.
On a grunt of pain, Roger’s fingers opened, freeing Eve. Almost at the same time, Roger yanked hard against Havoc’s hold—and Havoc just let go.
Probably because he wasn’t expecting that, Roger stumbled backward. He fetched up against a table, lost his balance, and fell on his ass. The table tipped onto him, causing an awful clatter.
Good thing Dave hadn’t yet brought their beers or they’d be broken on the floor.
Inside Eve laughed at Roger’s predicament. Outside she mimicked Havoc and pretended disinterest. While Roger struggled to right himself, she asked Havoc, “Did you mean for that to happen?”
“I meant for him to let you go.”
“I could have handled it.”
He lifted her arm and lightly brushed his thumb over her skin where red finger marks showed. “Before or after he bruised you?”
“It’s a complicated situation.”
“Yeah?” Leaning against the wall, he asked, “How so?”
Before she could answer, Roger regained his feet. Red faced and shaking with fury, he said through his teeth, “I want you out of my place. Now.”
With regret Havoc faced her. “I don’t suppose you’re ready to go?”
How she wished she could. “Sorry, no.”
“Get out.”
Going on tiptoes, Eve crowded into Roger’s space. “Back off, Roger. You caused this and you know it.”
“He attacked me.”
“Because you had your hands on me. Again.”
His nostrils flared. “And any other man’s hands are fine, just not mine?”
Eve could barely breathe. She didn’t understand Roger and never would. “One way or another,” she promised, “I’m going to make Cam see the truth about you.”
“I could say the very same thing.” His shoulders straightened. “If it wasn’t for Cam, I’d tell you to find another place for your functions. Be very glad that she’s your friend.” Those words were still hanging in the air when Roger turned on his heel and stalked out.
A little embarrassed by her outburst, Eve peeked at Havoc. He stood fixed behind her, his face a mask, his gaze piercing as he stared at her.
In some indefinable way, he suddenly seemed very, very different.
“Well.” Eve clasped her hands together in regret. “I have no idea how I always end up in these awkwa
rd predicaments, but at least that should take care of my scene for the day.”
“Who’s Cam?”
Havoc’s tone and stance indicated boredom, but his eyes told a different story. They blazed with emotion.
Was he angry with Roger and hoping to hide it? How could she know, when she’d only just met him?
“Cam Conor. My best friend.”
He gave a small nod, then asked, “What does she have to do with Roger?”
Eve rubbed her forehead. “Unfortunately Roger wants to marry her. He’s asked her a couple of times now. And although Cam hasn’t said yes, she isn’t really saying no, either.”
Loud music and a cacophony of voices couldn’t drown out the sudden stillness between them. Havoc watched her with unwavering attention, leaving her a little intimidated.
Eve tried a laugh. “But that’s my problem.” Seeing a way to ease the tension, she asked, “So what do you think of Harmony so far?”
“Not much.”
Damn but she wished he’d smile just a little. “And me?” Eve tipped her head at him. “Have I made an impression?”
“You lead an interesting life.”
With relief she chuckled at his teasing observation. “Not really. For the most part, I manage to get along with Roger. Not because I like him, but because Cam might marry him. So I bite holes in my tongue, try to keep my opinions to myself, and—”
“Fend off his advances?”
Now he was way off base. “I wouldn’t call them advances as much as unnecessary interest. I’ve always assumed it’s because I’m Cam’s friend. Like maybe he’s just going out of his way to make friends with me because Cam and I are so tight.”
“No.”
She made a face. “Then who knows? I’ve never been able to understand Roger.”
Done with that topic, Havoc asked, “So now what?”
Eve looked at her watch and wanted to curse the fates. “I’m afraid my coach is about to turn into a pumpkin.”
“Let it. I have a rental right outside.”
The man was far too tempting. “Look, I don’t usually pick up guys in bars. I never pick up fighters named Havoc.” Her laugh went flat. “Roger was right about one thing. I’m not on my best behavior tonight. The only upshot is that I’m not likely to ever see you again, so I don’t have to worry about your opinion of me.”
