Page 5 of Dark Alliance
He grins a little, reclining in the seat like he’s settling into his throne. “I guess my clever plan worked. You look way better in that jacket than I do, anyway.”
It’s been months—years—since a man like Dane complimented me, and I can’t stop the helpless little fluster buzzing in my head as I fidget with the top button of the jacket. “Are you going to order me a drink, Mr. Ryder?”
“Of course. Since we don’t have a server yet, I can hit up the bar.” He studies me for a moment, that dark gaze dragging over my body. “Martini. Grey Goose, extra dry, extra dirty, extra olives.”
On the rare occasion I imbibe hard alcohol in public, a good martini is my go-to. “Sounds great. How’d you know?”
“A lucky guess.” Dane’s hand brushes my arm as he heads for the bar.
My skin tingles in the places he touched as I track him across the room, my eyes lingering on his broad shoulders and muscular thighs.
Dane Ryder is gorgeous. Lush brown hair rolls in waves that need a haircut but work for him. A five o’clock shadow of chestnut stubble frames a face chiseled straight from marble.
Not to mention his ass in those tailored pants…
He’s got a baseball player’s build, tall and strong and sturdy. I wonder what he does to maintain his physique. Or did that body, face, and voice come with the deal he signed with the devil?
Before my dirty thoughts can start running away from me, a bitter, desire-dampening echo seeps into my brain.
What’s he see in me?
Shaking my head, I dip my nose to the jacket’s collar and inhale another hit of his delicious cologne. Just because he’s the most attractive man who’s ever paid attention to me doesn’t mean I don’tdeservethat attention. I refuse to let self-doubt ruin this night.
With everything else going on…I need this win.
“Here you go, Caterina.” Dane sets a martini glass on the table as he settles back into his seat.
“You can call me Cat. Everyone else does.”
“We’ll see. I’m not like everyone else.” He scoots around the booth, his warmth creeping closer.
I sip my martini, relieved that the three olives give me something to do with my hands.
He drapes an arm along the leather behind my head. “Tell me about Cat the Museum Worker.”
Much easier than discussing Cat the Mafia Princess, so I gladly accept the cue. “I’ve lived in Brooklyn my whole life. I’ve got a father and a younger brother, and in my free time, I like swimming.”
Ice clinks as he swallows the amber liquid. “You don’t look like much of a swimmer.”
I raise my chin. “I’ll have you know I was an all-star in middle and high school and swam in college. I still hold local records.”
“I’m sensing a ‘but.’”
As strange as chatting about myself is, I enjoy commanding this man’s attention. I recline in my seat. “But after one too many rotator cuff injuries, I lost my chance at the Olympic team. I still swim to let off steam and relax, though.”
His gaze stays locked on my face while I talk, intense in a way that has my tongue thickening and my stomach tightening. I lick my lips, catching the way his eyes track the motion.
After clearing my throat, I continue. “Anyway, my focus shifted to books and art, I found a second passion, and here we are.” I slide an olive off the stick with my teeth. “I’m talking too much. You go.”
“The abridged version like yours?” He raises a sexy brow, that smile hiding who even knows what secrets. “Okay. I was born and raised in Los Angeles.”
“I knew that wasn’t New York City hair.” I quickly gulp down some of my martini. Why did I interrupt him like that?
Dane just smiles again, a small gold hoop flashing in his left ear as he tilts his head. “Observant. I’m here for work.” He finishes off his glass and flags a server. “Another brandy here, and another martini for the lady. Now, where was I?”
I’ve already forgotten, so I instead blurt the first thing on my mind. “Your eyes are stunning. Some women would kill for those lashes.” Shit. Where’s that second martini?
He grins a little, those dark irises glittering in the dim light. “Yours are too. Hazel, right? I love that green-gold stuff.”
