by Sandra Owens
“Make sure his mug stays full,” Alex said.
“Yes, boss.” John Boy bowed as he backed away.
It was still noisy, but not as loud as earlier since the bikers had moved to the back room for a game of pool. Nate pulled a chair over, putting it next to Trina. “Nate Gentry. You must be Trina, and you’re Ramon, right?”
“Interesting place you got,” Ramon said. “Is every night this busy?”
Alex could see Ramon calculating just how much money the bar could launder. “No, some are busier.” He shrugged. “It’s a popular biker hangout.”
Ramon set his mug on the table after downing half the glass. “How much you think you can pass through here?”
“How much you got in mind?” Alex countered. It was a relief to finally see the operation moving forward. If it weren’t for Madison being an Alonzo family member, he would be enjoying himself, but that little fact was stealing his fun.
“Keep in mind that we have some other side businesses we can utilize,” Nate said.
“Such as?” Trina stuck her finger in her martini and then sucked on it, her eyes locked on Nate’s.
Nate winked at her. “None of your business, beautiful.”
John Boy appeared, setting down another mug of Fuerte, then he picked up Ramon’s empty one and slipped away.
“Sounds like the boys in the back are getting rowdy,” Court said. “I better go keep an eye on things before they start throwing barstools. Good to meet you both. Whatever my brothers say goes for me.”
Alex wished he’d thought of that excuse to leave first, but Ramon was his fish, so he was stuck with him. Trina had practically climbed onto Nate’s lap and had her fingers braided through his ponytail.
“Tell me something,” Nate said. “Which one of you is the boss?”
Ramon tapped his chest. “My father’s turning the operation over to me. Trina’s my lieutenant.”
Alex darted a glance at Nate to see if he caught the glare Trina sent Ramon, and got a slight nod. That was information she hadn’t wanted shared. He wondered if there was an internal battle going on for top spot. If he had to guess, Trina was the more ruthless and smarter of the two, but they were both dangerous, and he wasn’t going to underestimate either one.
“That hasn’t happened yet.” Trina tucked in her chin, exposing her neck, and slightly parted her lips as she peered up at Nate with hooded eyes. “At the moment Ramon and I are equals.”
Alex was impressed. He had a fascination with body language, and that look was a classic siren call that few women were able to master. Trina sure had.
“Beautiful, there is no one equal to you,” Nate said, earning a sultry smile from the woman.
“I have something for you.” Alex pulled a sticky note from his pocket. “It’s the numbers for the three offshore accounts we set up to funnel the money into.” He held it up. “Who gets it?”
Trina snatched the note from his hand and stuffed it into her bra. “If we’ve finished our business, how about a little playtime?”
Thankfully, the question was directed at Nate, and Alex stood. “No playtime for me. A few members of a rival gang just walked in, and I need to go help Court keep the peace.”
He walked away, unconcerned about leaving Trina to Nate. His big brother could handle vipers just fine. All he wanted was for the night to be over so tomorrow would come, and he would be that much closer to seeing Madison.
Madison had fully intended to refuse Alex’s dinner invitation, which was why she was so annoyed at herself as she sat across the table from him at Havana 1957, a popular South Beach restaurant. She was supposed to be getting over him, but she obviously wasn’t doing so well with that. All he’d had to do was turn those dark eyes of his on her, smile in that bone-melting way, and brush his thumb over her bottom lip as he said, “Please, Madison, have dinner with me.”
The no that had been on the tip of her tongue had come out sounding an awful lot like an okay, and now here she was. Besides, he’d said he would tell her where he’d gone with Ramon and Trina. That had been bugging her ever since she’d watched him walk away with them.
“What would you like to drink?” Alex asked when the waiter appeared.
“A mango daiquiri.” To keep a clear head, she should stick to water, but she couldn’t resist ordering her favorite drink. “And a glass of water, please.” She’d sip her daiquiri, make it last a while, then switch over to the water.
“A Michelada Cubanada for me,” Alex said.
“You like those?” The cold beer with lime juice and Clamato was served over ice with a rim of salt and a lime slice on the mug.
“Love ’em. Ever tried one?”
“No. Sounds horrible.” She glanced around the restaurant. Were any of Ramon’s minions here tonight?
“Madison?”
“Mmm?”
“Look at me.”
She’d been trying hard not to. Looking at him pleased her heart, and that had to stop.
“That’s better,” he said when her eyes connected with his. “You’re beautiful, you know.”
So was he. She could drown in those fathomless dark eyes. “The last time I asked what you wanted from me, you said you didn’t know. I’m asking again, Alex, because whether I ever want to see you again depends on your answer.”
The waiter arrived with their drinks, and she sat back in her chair, letting out a frustrated breath. If Alex thought he was getting a reprieve, he would be wrong.
“Are you ready to order?” the waiter asked.
“I’d like the ropa vieja.” The shredded beef in criollo sauce was one of her favorite Cuban dishes.
Alex closed his menu. “Same for me.”
“Do you actually like Cuban food, or did you just think I’d prefer it?” she asked after the waiter left. “I guess what I’m asking is if this is a”—she made air quotes—“how much can I impress Madison by playing to her heritage kind of date?” Okay, so she was feeling snarky, and maybe he didn’t deserve it, but then he’d taken off with Trina, so maybe he did.
“I happen to love Cuban food. As for you, I have no idea what you like since this is the first time we’ve dined together. I’d very much like to change that, Madison.”
She trailed her finger around the rim of the daiquiri glass as she considered how to respond. His gaze hadn’t left her face, and she decided to wait him out, see if he’d finally answer her question. If he was playing some kind of game, she wanted no part of it. On the other hand, if he could convince her that he was truly interested in her, that he wasn’t involved in whatever Ramon had going on, and that he wasn’t playing with Trina on the side, then she might decide to explore the chemistry crackling between them. He smiled, and that sexy curve of his lips sent a tingle racing down her spine, all the way to her toes. Oh, yeah, it was crackling all right.
“Did you know that’s an interrogator’s trick? The keep-silent bit until the person under the white light starts sweating and squirming, and then confesses all.” He lifted his glass in a salute, giving her a wink. “You’d make a damn good one, Mad. Interrogator, I mean.”
Mad. She was the only person who ever shortened her name, and for Alex to do it sounded strangely intimate. As if he had the right to give her a pet name.
“So far, it doesn’t seem to be working.” And how did he know about interrogator tricks, anyway? And what was with the funny look on his face as soon as he’d said that?
He chuckled. “Believe me, it is. So the question is, what do I want from you?”
“And?” He had his left hand wrapped around his glass, his index finger making a trail in the condensation. As she followed his movements, she imagined how those long fingers would feel dancing over her skin. What kind of lover would he be? Tender? Demanding? She thought he would likely be both, and as she wondered if she’d ever know how it felt to be touched that intimately by him, she shivered.
“I’d give my Harley to know what you’re thinking right now.”
Heat burned her cheeks, and she knew she was blushing, which would only confirm that she was thinking exactly what he thought she was. When she lifted her gaze to his, she sucked in a breath. His eyes had darkened to velvety black and were shimmering with desire, intently focused on her.
“I was thinking about my grocery list. I’m out of baking soda.” No way would she admit to where she wanted his fingers.
A grin flashed on his face, then he laughed. “Little liar, but I’ll let it go for now. Besides”—he reached across the table and stroked his fingers, the very ones she’d been envisioning touching her, over the top of her hand—“I have a great imagination, and when it comes to you, it’s working overtime.”
Before she could think of a response, their food was delivered, and Alex removed his hand, sitting back in his seat. Her skin tingled where his fingers had been, and it was only because the waiter stood next to her that she didn’t grab Alex’s hand and beg him to touch her again . . . wherever he wanted.
“This is really good,” Alex said, taking a bite of his ropa vieja after the waiter left.
“I can make it for you sometime.” Where had that come from? He still hadn’t answered her question, and she wasn’t cooking anything for him until he did.
He lifted his gaze from his food to her. “I’d like that. Very much. Tell you what. Let’s enjoy our dinner without any heavy talk. I’m going to answer your question, but it’s a beautiful night, and I’d like to take a walk on the beach with you, then you can ask me anything you want and I’ll answer.”
“Anything?” Because she had a ton of questions.
“Yes.”
“Deal.” And surprisingly she was able to enjoy herself. Alex was interesting to talk to and seemed able to converse on any subject, but she especially liked that he shared her love of books. He’d even read a few romances and was a fan of Nora Roberts’s J. D. Robb books.
“I have a secret crush on Eve,” he said.
“Since she’s fictional, I won’t hold that against you.” She groaned as she pushed her plate away. “No more for me.”
“Dessert?”
“Not even, but go ahead and have something if you want. I’ll have a cup of coffee if you do.”
“How about we stop somewhere for coffee and dessert later? I’m ready to walk off this meal.”
“That sounds good.” Somehow during dinner, the turmoil that had been raging like a storm in her mind had calmed. He’d promised to answer her questions, and depending on what he said, either she would see him again or she wouldn’t. It was as simple as that. Ha! Who was she kidding? Nothing to do with Alex was simple. Maybe that was why he intrigued her.
As they walked out of the restaurant, he put his hand on her lower back, and it was both a protective and possessive gesture. She liked his hand there.
It wasn’t a long ride to the beach, and once they were parked, she removed her shoes, and after taking off his shoes and socks, Alex rolled up the legs of his jeans. When she got out of the car, the wind blew her dress up, and she grabbed at it.
“Beautiful view,” Alex said, stepping up behind her and prying her hands from the hem. “One you shouldn’t try to hide.”
“Men,” she grumbled.
“Yeah, we’re bad boys, always wanting to see up a girl’s dress.” He took her hand, lacing their fingers. “I’m a happy man tonight. Want to know why?”
Madison sighed as she dug her toes into the still-warm sand. “Sure, I’ll bite.”
He tilted his head and peered down at her, a half grin on his face. “You can bite me anytime the urge strikes, and as hard as you want.” He squeezed her hand.
She wished he wouldn’t say things like that because now she was thinking of all the places on his body she could scrape her teeth over.
“I’m happy because I’m with you. I wasn’t sure you’d come out with me tonight.”
“I wasn’t going to.” He had the sleeves of his blue button-down shirt rolled up, and as they walked, her arm brushed over his. Every place he touched her prickled with awareness, and she leaned her face toward him, inhaling the starch from his shirt and the unique spiciness that was Alex.
They reached the edge of the water, and she let the waves splash around her ankles. She’d given up on holding her dress down. It was dark and there was no one else on the beach, and the warm August breeze felt nice on her legs and thighs. Sensual even, but she thought that might have something to do with the man who was still holding her hand.
“Would you like me to answer your question now, Madison?”
“Yes, please.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Alex slowed his steps but didn’t stop walking. He hated lying to her about who and what he was and that he was going after her family. Although he hadn’t actually lied, more like omitted important facts, but he didn’t think she would see the difference. When the day came that she found out, would she forgive him? It was a risk he was willing to take because he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind no matter how hard he tried.
He had to be careful around her, though. He’d slipped when he’d told her keeping silent was an interrogator’s trick. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he’d seen the question—why did he know something like that?—in her eyes. It was hard to think straight around her, but as long as he kept on his toes so he didn’t make a mistake like that again, he’d be okay.
“There’s no denying that we’re attracted to each other, Madison, and if we’re going to see each other, I don’t want to sneak around to do it. I won’t sneak around like we’re doing something wrong.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
He stepped in front of her. The wind blew her hair out behind her, and as she looked up at him, the moonlight soft on her face, he thought he’d never seen anything more beautiful.
“So we’re going to allow Ramon to dictate our lives? That doesn’t sit well with me. I want to spend time with you, and not just by slipping through your bedroom window in the middle of the night. You asked me what I wanted, and that’s it.”
“You don’t understand.” She focused her gaze out over the ocean.
He put a finger under her chin and turned her face back to him. “Then enlighten me.”
“Can we sit?”
“Sure.” He took her hand and led her up to dry sand. “Is this okay?”
“What are you doing?”
He paused with his hand on the last button of his shirt. “Taking it off for you to sit on.”
“That’s really sweet, but I’m not worried about my dress. It’s just dry sand.” She slapped her forehead. “How silly of me. By all means, take off your shirt. I’m thinking I’ll enjoy the view.”
“Wicked girl.” He kept his shirt on, but left it unbuttoned should she decide later she wanted to explore the view. “Tell me what I don’t understand,” he said, once they were seated.
She brought up her knees and wrapped her arms around them. That caused the hem of her dress to slide up her legs, exposing her thighs. He told his eyes to stay on her face, but they refused to obey.
“Like what you see?”
Busted. “I’d be lying through my teeth if I said I didn’t. I’m a man. Show us some skin and we turn into drooling idiots.” He brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. “Talk to me, Madison.”
“Okay, it’s like this. My parents loved each other and both loved me. We had a great family. A little over a year ago, my dad was killed by a hit-and-run driver when he was leaving the newspaper one night.”
“Newspaper?”
“He was an investigative journalist, a damn good one. Michael Parker. Ever heard of him?”
“Hell, yeah. That was your father? He was a legend.”
She nodded. “He really was. The theory is that it was someone who’d had too much to drink, but I’m not so sure. He was working on something and had seemed troubled the last few weeks before that horrible night. They never caught the person who hit him. The only perso
n around was the night guard, and he didn’t see what happened. He heard something hit the building near the entrance”—she shuddered—“and went outside to investigate. The something turned out to be my dad’s body.”
Alex wrapped his arm around her shoulder and tucked her into his side, hating the quiver in her voice. “Go on.”
“Until that night, my life was perfect. So was my mother’s. She loved my father and she’s lost without him. She grew up in a time when it was her job to keep the men in her life happy, whether that was her father, brother, or husband. That always irritated my dad. Love him? For sure, but he hated how she always put his needs ahead of hers.”
“I think I would have liked your father.” And an investigative journalist killed when he was working on a story that troubled him? Alex didn’t believe in coincidences, and he would pull the police report at the very least.
She smiled, her eyes lighting up. “Oh, you would have. I’m sure of it.”
“What story was he working on?”
“That’s the weird thing. Usually he would talk to mom and me about his stories. He trusted us not to repeat anything he told us, but this time he just kind of closed up. I guess I’ll never know.”
Alex’s antennae twitched. “How does any of this relate to you and me having to hide that we’re seeing each other?”
“My mother’s lost without my father. After he died, she fell into a deep depression. Actually, and I hate even saying this, but she can’t cope without a man in her life. Since my dad’s death, my uncle Jose has stepped in.” She made swirls in the sand with her fingers. “He’s got some kind of control over her.”
“I’m still not understanding.”
“Ramon can be vindictive when someone displeases him. All he has to do is go to his father and complain about me. Uncle Jose will then tell my mother he isn’t pleased with me, and if I don’t toe the line, my uncle will get upset, which my mother can’t handle.” She sighed as she brushed the sand from her fingers. “She’s really fragile right now.”