“Are you sure about this?” I question him again.
“We’ve being kicking around for weeks now and coming up with nothing. As far as I can see this could be our one chance to infiltrate the Death Valley Irish and eliminate them once and for all.”
“Okay,” I nod in agreement. “Let’s vote.”
Chapter
Ten
Smoke
Alesser woman would have broken by now. Tears, red eyes, sniveling and begging to leave, but not her. Now, back in my office, she sits opposite me with an air of strength, defiance and determination. As sexy as she fucking is, she also annoys the shit out of me for that reason.
I was rough on her, I know that. Grabbing her, talking to her like she’s nothing but a piece of crap was way out of order. In my defense, it was fucking hard because she has awakened something in me that I thought couldn’t be possible.
My bad behavior was partly because I couldn’t let her or my brothers see what effect she has on me. I don’t want to admit it to myself, never mind anyone else. So, my defenses came up, rendering me a cruel asshole.
I already felt that I’d tainted the inner sanctum of where only club members are sanctioned to go, so oncethe voting was done and the gavel was down, I had moved back to my office before calling Tenley back to find out her fate.
“What’s the verdict?” She gives me a smug glare but however much she tries to hide her fear, I see it. I can smell it.
“That’s entirely up to you.”
“So, I can leave?” her eyes widen, surprised that I’m even giving her an option.
“If you wish,” I reply cocking my head to one side. She gets to her feet and starts toward the door. “But you won’t, not if you want that interview you’ve been working so hard to get.” The hand she has on the door handle stops before it works the catch. “The question is, just how much further are you willing to go to get your headline?”
Slowly, she turns to face me, her back falling against the closed door.
“What exactly is it that I need to do to get that?”
“You get cozy with Paddy Dunne, like I said,” I lean back into my chair, the backrest tilting so I can make eye contact with her without stretching my neck. “You’ll work for us, the Young Outlaws, and only us. You get us the information we need; in return you get your exclusive.”
Her lips start to move as she mumbles to herself, “What the fuck will I need to do to get him to trust me?” I don’t think she realizes she’s saying it loud enough for me to hear. Her brows knit together in thought. It takes her a few seconds before she speaks directly to me. “And what happens if I say no? Would you still let me leave?”
“Sure.” I tell her. Yet there’s no visible sign of her relaxing as I get out of my seat and walk towards her. I stand close, so close that she has to tip her head back to look me in the eye. I inhale her scent of fresh-cut flowers, mint and the ocean. A bloom of pink flashes across her cheeks. Her plump lips part as a nervous sigh escapes them. It’s when I’m up close like this that I can see the faint splatter of freckles across her nose that’s been muted with a thin layer of makeup. I’d bet anyone a hundred dollars that underneath the paint and powder, her look is more girl next door than sexy temptress. I’m not sure which of the two I find more appealing.
I could continue to let her think that she has a get out option, instead I put her out of her misery rather than let her fall further into a false sense of security.
“But if you do leave, we will make your life a living hell.” Another step forward is all it takes to lose the small amount of space still between us. I lean in until my mouth brushes the shell of her ear. “We will watch your every move; sabotage any chance you get of progressing in your field of work and have you turfed out of your home quicker than you could possibly imagine. If you utter one negative or damming word to anyone about my club, I will personally end you.”
“Yay to the enticing options,” she snickers nervously, a waver in her voice telling me that my intimidation is working. “I don’t think I have much of an option then, do I?”
“Not unless you’re a masochist.”
I should really step away from her, except that red painted pouty mouth of hers has me mesmerized.Violet’s lips were always painted red and her kiss was as sweet as cherries. If I kissed Tenley with my eyes closed, would it spark a memory? If it did, would it be a passionate, hot fire that would run through my veins, and a vision of my love, or will it sear my heart with the vicious pain of loss and guilt.
I’ve not been tempted by any woman since Violet, and I’m stunned that I’ve even let myself be enticed by this woman.
Suddenly, my head becomes clear, and I jump back like I’ve been burned with a naked flame putting distance between us before temptation becomes too intense to ignore.
The tension in the room is palpable as we stand staring at each other, neither of us uttering a word. I get the impression that she’s waiting for me to speak up first, but I hold my tongue. Tenley eventually breaks the silence.
“You’re deluded if you think I have the knowhow or the ability to fool a man like Paddy Dunne. From what I do know about him, he’s not easily deceived.” She stands with a fisted hand resting on her hip, her confident, cock expression painted back on her face.
“I’m sure a pretty woman like you will know exactly what is needed to get him under your spell.”
“Just what are you insinuating?” She scowls at me, not that it flaws her perfect face much, merely a subtle line or two between her eyes.
