“Does it look like I’m playing?” Her jaw tightened and she threw his hand away when he tried to grab her wrist. He raised his palms in a sign of surrender and Sunny turned to leave.
He lunged forward and grabbed her around the waist. She struggled against him, but he tightened his hold. The serving tray in her hand crashed to the floor. The man’s large sweaty palms slid around her bared mid section and she dug at his fingers, but he chuckled and tightened his grip.
Don’t lose it, don’t panic.
Sunny threw her hands behind her to wrap them around his neck, pulling his head down with a whack to her shoulder. The stranger’s nose connected with a loud thud and he shook his head. Pain streaked down her shoulder, but she ignored it.
Joe from the next table stood to come to her aid, but the greasy blue eyed ape shoved him backward with one hand, he stumbled into his table of friends and fell to the floor.
“Back off—” Sunny’s gaze darted around as she tried to find the part time bouncer. He usually seemed to pick and choose his hours and even when he was supposed to be on duty, he’d be scarce.
“You like it rough, kitten, is that it?” He yanked her down onto his lap and held her there. His scent, a mixture of booze, cigars and sweat made her want to gag. The feel of his breath on her neck and his body against hers sent a shock of revulsion through her. Anger and panic collided inside of her. Her heel dug into his shin at the same time as she angled her elbow and rammed it into his ribs. “I told you to—”
His body stiffened and his fingers dug into her stomach. “Hey, get—”
“Let the lady up.”
The hard edged voice came from above. The man loosened his grip and Sunny stopped struggling. They both looked up into the solid stare of Judson’s dark smoldering eyes. His solid frame towered over them, blocking out the smoky lights overhead.
Sunny swallowed. He looked intimidating. Part of her resented his interference, but another part welcomed it. He stepped closer, his eyes silver slits. “Let her up.”
The low growl of Judson’s voice sent a wave of unease through Sunny. Her body went stiff, the stranger still held her, but slid his damp palms around to her back.
“Hey man, calm down.” He shoved her away from him with such force her ankle twisted and her heel fell off. Judson steadied her with one hand before she fell to her knees. “I’m just messing around.” The younger man’s voice shook.
Judson circled her waist with his arm and drew her behind him. “Get out.”
“Oh, come on man. It was a joke.” He looked around Judson’s bulk and smiled at Sunny. “You’re okay, right? You know I wasn’t serious, right?”
“Leave. Now.” Judson’s voice crashed like thunder.
Sunny gimped back, not sure if she should intervene, or let Judson flex his muscles on her behalf. The stranger scrutinized Sunny and kicked her heel toward her. Judson stepped forward, shoulders back, fists tight. Benny came up beside Sunny pulling her back.
“Okay, okay.” The smaller man stood and stared at Judson. “I’m leaving.” He stepped past Judson, but turned his head to keep him in sight as he slinked toward the exit.
The bar had gone deadly quiet. All eyes were on the dirty-blond man and Judson.
Once the stranger reached the door he turned toward the room then yelled, “You better watch your back, dude. You don’t know who you just messed with.” He yanked the door open with such force it hit him in the nose. His head shot back, he shouted a curse then stumbled outside wiping blood from his face.
As soon as the door latched behind him, the conversations in the bar resumed. Shouts, laughter, and music mingled at a normal cadence. Like nothing happened.
Sunny’s legs shook. Kelly came up beside her, grabbed Sunny’s forlorn heel from the floor at her feet, and helped her to a wooden stool by the bar.
“Are you okay?” She rubbed Sunny’s back. “Do you want a drink?”
“No.” She gave Kelly a shaky smile and slid the shoe on her foot. Dragging her hand up her calves, she rested both palms on her knees. “I’m okay.”
Sunny turned in her seat and searched the room until her gaze connected with Judson’s. How should she deal with what just happened? The way he came to her rescue and took over the situation crushed her independent streak. Yet at the same time her pulse spun out of control. He was not only amazing, but his actions had been downright sexy. A major turn on. But, she didn’t want him to think she couldn’t take care of herself. He walked toward her, bent down, and placed his hands on her shoulders. Her limbs melted at the concern in his eyes. Kelly hurried away.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, yeah I’m fine.” Her eyes misted up and her throat scratched. She blinked in quick succession. The delayed reaction to near disaster boiled over then spilled out.
“Now you understand why I wanted to be here?”
“Thanks, but I would’ve been fine.” Her chin trembled and she ran her hand up and down her thigh. A break down in front of Judson wasn’t high on her list of things she wanted to do at the moment.
“I can take you home if you want.” His soft tone would be her undoing. Whenever she was on the verge of tears, and someone spoke to her in a soothing voice, she wanted to cry.
“I don’t want to go home,” she snapped, digging her fingers into her palms. Her words came out sharp, not what she’d intended, but she was fighting to keep her control.
The set of his jaw indicated he didn’t like her decision.
Instead of arguing with her, Judson turned to Benny. “Is this a normal occurrence? Where are your bouncers?”
His commanding voice caused Benny’s jaw to drop as his gaze skimmed over the crowded bar, looking for the man on duty. “He was here a—”
Annoyed, Sunny stood then took a step forward. “Leave Benny out of this. I can take care of myself. I admit I didn’t have it under control at that precise moment, but I would’ve if you hadn’t jumped in.” When she inhaled and smelled the light scent of his cologne, her anger was almost forgotten. He smelled fresh, woodsy and delicious. Her hand rose to her pendant and she twisted it on the chain.
“Really? You expect me to believe you would’ve been able to talk your way out of trouble?”
“Trouble? There was no trouble.”
“Not yet, but it was on its way.”
“Jeez, give me a break. You think if you hadn’t rescued me I’d have been dragged from the bar kicking and screaming? I’ve handled situations like that before, as a matter of fact just last week.” She tilted her head with a defiant lift of her chin.
“Tonight you didn’t have to, because I was here.” Judson’s voice lowered as he took a step toward her.
“I’m not going to argue with you about this.” She glared. “I guess we’ll never know how I definitely would’ve handled the situation since you jumped in before I’d finished.”
Sunny backed up, stumbling in her heels. She ran her hand through her hair, spun around, and stormed toward the sanctuary of the ladies room.
The one stall bathroom door slammed shut behind her and she pressed the lock into place. The faded green and white foiled wallpaper covered every wall in the small space and winked at her as the solitary light over the sink reflected against it. She balanced her hands on either side of the porcelain sink and stared at her reflection in the mirror.
He infuriated her. She shouldn’t even care what he thought of her, but she did. Then when he blamed Benny…
She turned on the water cupping her hands. They filled with the velvet smooth water and she splashed it onto her face. Sunny had told Benny several times he needed to hire a reliable bouncer to control the rowdies. The lame brain he paid now never seemed to be of any help if someone got out of control. She had no idea where he disappeared to, but she and all the dancers had to rely on Benny’s help, and sometimes Slater’s, and they weren’t getting any younger.
Closing her eyes, she pressed her forehead against the cool surface of the mirror. A tear
squeezed from her eyelid then slid down her cheek.
What if he was right? She’d never had any trouble handling herself before, but then again she’d never been in a situation quite like that one. Every other time she’d had a man get out of control she’d curbed their advances before things got carried away.
She cringed remembering how she’d been pinned on that man’s lap. Could she have gotten away without Judson’s help? And, what if her family was right? She wanted a challenge, but maybe she was in way over her head.
No way.
Sunny opened her eyes and smiled at her reflection. Even though she was little in stature, her willpower demanded she take care of herself. If she needed to fight, she would. Being raised with four over powering brothers had prepared her to wrestle her way out of tight spots. And, if things got out of control and a weapon was necessary, she could handle that as well. Her Dad had taught all of his kids to use a gun properly.
A moment of surprise wouldn’t distract her from her goal.
Sunny fluffed her hair, put on her game face, and stepped into the packed bar. Judson sat across the room, his eyes trained on the door she’d come out of. She met his stare, gave him a tight smile, and strolled toward him.
“Get your stuff. You’re off duty as of now.” His strong voice flowed in one ear and out the other.
“You are not the boss of me.” She walked past him and took her place on the opposite side of the bar.
“Benny cleared it. You have the rest of the night off.” His voice lowered to a dangerous level. “Get your stuff. I’m taking you home.”
“Get a cotton swab and clean out the wax.” She rested her palms on the counter and met his gaze across the bar. “I’m. Not. Leaving.”
“Sunny, I said—”
“I heard what you said, big guy. I’m not leaving. I’m finishing my shift.” She lifted her eyebrows. “Stay, leave, make your choice, because I’ve already made mine.”
His face turned to stone. Sunny craned her neck when he stood from the stool, walked around the bar then stopped in front of her. She took two steps back colliding with the oak cabinets behind her.
“Don’t…don’t even think…think about it.” Her voice broke.
Judson’s left eyebrow cocked, his eyes flashed silver. He picked her up, tossed her over his shoulder, and strolled from the bar.
Sunny pummeled his back all the way to the parking lot. Her ears echoed with the shouts and laughter that followed them through the bar.
“You’re embarrassing me, put me down.”
Judson didn’t speak. His stride never slowed as he walked to his car. He held her in place with a firm hand, unlocked the door, and tossed her onto the back seat with a solid thud.
“Buckle up.”
The door slammed.
“You’re acting like you have a say in how I live my life.” She yelled.
He looked at her as he rounded the car shaking his head.
“Another hot shot detective is the last person that will tell me what to do.” Sunny fumed.
He meant business, but so did she. She pulled herself up, reached for the door and flung it open. Jumping from the car she charged toward the bar. Whether he liked it or not she’d finish her shift. Damn it, she was in the middle of an investigation.
Triumph lightened her step. She placed her hand on the door. Solid footsteps sounded behind her, panic surged through her chest as she turned the knob. Judson’s strong, lean fingers clamped over her forearm and snapped a set of steel handcuffs over her wrist. Open mouthed her gaze flipped to his face. Her lips sputtered, but she couldn’t form one syllable, let alone a whole word.
“Okay, Wildcat, have it your way. We’ll play hardball.” He locked the other cuff around his wrist and pulled her toward him. “Let’s go.”
She plowed into his sturdy chest. Her lips snapped shut and she glared up at him. He tugged her along the pavement toward the car she’d vacated only seconds ago.
Her gaze danced around the packed parking lot. There were plenty of cars, but no people in sight. Sunny pulled her arm then remembered her last experience with Judson and handcuffs. She wouldn’t be going anywhere he didn’t dictate. Hopping along to keep up with his pace, she let her arm go limp. At least nobody would witness her walk of humiliation across the asphalt.
Chapter Six
Sunny glared through the side window in the backseat, sulking all the way to her apartment. How dare Judson think he could use strong man tactics without her objection. On the other hand, his caveman attitude had excited her sending flames coursing through her body to spots she hadn’t even known could get heated.
Even as they pulled up to her four-plex, images of his body pressed up against hers, hands moving over her skin once behind the closed doors of her apartment flashed through her mind. A warm flush spread over her skin and she did her best to concentrate on the overgrown shrub in her neighbor’s yard in an attempt to force the thoughts from her head and get her body back under control.
She lowered her eyelids just far enough to still peek at Judson from beneath her lashes as he cut the motor and climbed from the car. What was it about him that sent her pulse out of control with anger one second and leaping with excitement the next? She’d seen and dated hot guys before. Hell, most of her brother’s friends and several of their colleagues were eye popping stud muffins, yet she never reacted to any of them this way.
Sunny raised her chin staring straight ahead, refusing to acknowledge Judson’s presence when he opened the back door. Her libido in control, the anger bubbling inside of her rose to the surface, but she needed to prepare before confronting him.
He should’ve realized the jeopardy he put their investigation in when he hoisted her bodily from the bar. It sent her the message he was in control. Like her family, he probably believed she was unable to handle the situation. The idea infuriated her. She agreed to work with Judson because he would be able to teach her and help her grow as an investigator, but he needed to trust her and most of all—he needed to respect her. To earn his respect meant more to her at the moment than proving her ability to her family.
“Come on, move it.”
His authoritative tone annoyed her even further as the sexy timbre flowed over her senses sending goose bumps racing across her body. Crap, even her nipples pebbled and pushed against the flimsy fabric of her top. She folded her arms over her chest hoping he hadn’t noticed and turned her face to lean into the soft cushion of the leather seat. Not that she could sit in the car all night, but making him work for her compliance was the little form of payback she needed.
“Do you want a repeat performance? I’d be more than happy to have your neighbors watch me carry you inside.” His voice held a menacing quality. “Or better yet, I could put your cuffs back on and drag you across the front lawn.”
Sunny snapped her neck around wide eyed. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Wouldn’t I?” He leaned through the door and invited her to move toward him with the crook of his finger.
“Damn you, Judson Blackwolf.” She slid across the seat, pushed past him with a thump to his shoulder, and stalked up the walkway. With her hand on her hip, she turned to him when she reached the porch. “I don’t have my keys, they were in…”
He moved to the step below her and dangled her small leather carry-all from his finger; a slow grin spread across his sensual lips.
Sunny clenched her jaw. “How’d you get that?”
“Benny tucked it into my jacket on the way out. I think you were too preoccupied to notice.” His lips twitched. Sunny snatched her pocketbook from his fingers, glad he’d gotten it because of the letter hidden inside. Not that he’d get the chance to see it tonight. The sooner he left the better. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold her anger in check.
Pushing the door open, she stepped across the threshold. Judson lodged his foot inside the door before she could close it in his face.
“I don’t think so, Wildcat. As long as y
ou’re free tonight, we might as well go over those pictures.”
She splayed her fingers across her mouth and yawned. “I don’t think so, Detective Blackwolf. I’m tired and going to bed.” Sunny spoke in hard, clipped words. She lowered her gaze to look at his foot, jutting her chin forward. “Move it or lose it.”
His lopsided grin turned into a full blown laugh. He pushed the solid oak door open as if the pressure she applied against it meant nothing. “Go to bed then. I’m going over those pictures.”
For several moments neither budged. Sunny broke eye contact first. She wanted to work on the case, but spending time with him at the moment was impossible. Her emotions and her body weren’t her own and she feared she might do something she’d regret if she had to sit in her tiny office with him. Better to forget the DeVito case tonight and start fresh in the morning.
“You’re insufferable.”
“Right back at you. Now, are you going to move or do I have to lift you out of the way?”
She threw her hands into the air and turned toward her bedroom. “Do whatever turns you on, but lock up when you leave.” Her loud footsteps reverberated across the wooden floors. When she reached her bedroom and turned he stood in the same spot she’d left him. His eyes shown bright, his lopsided smile and tilt of his head echoed his amusement. If there’d been something handy, she’d have thrown it at him.
Sunny flung her hair over her shoulder then slammed the door. His muffled laughter followed her into the room. She’d acted like a child, but she felt better.
****
Sunny stretched and yawned. Chocolate meowed and rubbed his face against her chin.
“Good morning, Choco. Is the bad man gone?” She sighed. Chocolate answered her with a soft purr and a head butt against her cheek. Sunny kicked the tangled cotton sheets from her legs as she recalled her confrontation with Judson the night before. When she saw him again, he’d get a piece of her mind. His actions last night reminded her of how her brothers treated her, and she didn’t need another brother.
Some Like It in Handcuffs Page 7