by Mina Carter
It was her turn to clear her throat. His attention returned to her face and he smiled, completely unapologetic. A woman didn’t dress the way she did tonight hoping not to get admired.
“I checked it out once or twice,” Jasmine shrugged. It was then the music picked up speed and the volume increased, a sudden crush of bodies standing, bouncing and gyrating their way to the dance floor. Luke reached out and rested his hand on Jasmine’s hip, the heat of her skin scalding through the fabric. He kept her firmly in her seat, even though a few vigorous males had attempted to pick her up and carry her off. Their drunken attempts at cajoling her into dancing would have, at any other time, made him laugh. Unfortunately, he’d suddenly felt this crippling sense of possessiveness to protect her. His wolf reared up and roared. Mine.
His narrowed look and low growl had them turning away quickly instead, a chorus of apologies trailing behind. His hand remained in place as the crowd dispersed, his attention firmly focused on keeping Jasmine safe. When his attention returned to Jasmine he was surprised to see her trying to hold in a laugh.
“Something funny?” Luke raised his brow, his hand unmoving. His fingers clenched reflexively.
“Those guys almost shat their pants.” She threw back her head and laughed. He answered in kind with a grin and leaned back, trailing his fingertips across her hip. His nostrils flared, the feel of her softness arousing beyond belief. She abruptly stopped smiling, her eyes intently searching his.
Did she feel what he felt, he wondered. Was he not alone in this need?
The silence lengthened, only to be broken by the bartender.
“What can I get you?” he asked Jasmine. Her attention shifted as she ordered a drink, and Luke was able to release the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He’d been so close, tempted even, to lean forward and taste her lips. Just once.
He needed to know what she tasted like, to see what it felt like buried to the hilt deep inside her, her hands clawing at his back.
He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. If he wasn’t careful tonight, he was afraid he might do something stupid. Like take her in his arms and give in to the wolf howling to get out.
Luke twisted on the bar stool, his pants growing tighter.
“Thank you,” Jasmine called to the bartender, grasping her cocktail and taking a sip. She sat the glass down and turned her attention back to Luke. His mind reeling, he turned his face away and directed a question towards the crowd. He had to shout, the music still blaring from dual speakers.
“The app wasn’t for you, then?” He pretended to watch a group of rowdy bachelorettes trying to get the bride to dance on a table. He wasn’t seeing anything, though. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of ripping off Jasmine’s dress and devouring every exposed inch of skin. Subconsciously he searched for an empty, dark lounge. He’d give his right arm to have her snuggled close to him in a dark booth, whispering in his ear.
“Not really, no,” he heard her reply. He looked back towards her and noted she was watching the same group of females. Her face lit with laughter, obviously enjoying the show.
“I prefer getting my dates the old fashioned way.” She gave him a sideways look before swiftly looking away. Luke’s brow rose.
Was that an invitation? His stomach jolted and he turned his full attention back towards her. Her cheeks were tinged a light red hue and he found it charming. She was flirting with him, and it was making her blush. Amusement skittered down his spine.
“Any tricks of the trade you’d care to share?” Luke was interested to know. Primarily for research purposes, being the opposite sex and all, and nothing to do with the idea that she may have employed said tricks on him in the past. Well, perhaps maybe a little.
The thought that she may have been flirting with him all this time caused warmth to spread throughout his chest.
“You want me to share my secrets with you, Luke?” Jasmine’s eyes were captivating. That wasn’t the only thing he wanted her to share with him, but he kept that thought to himself. He nodded instead, his eyes never leaving hers.
She tilted her head, pretending to consider. When her hand reached out and touched his sitting on the bar, his mind stopped. When she leaned forward close to his ear, he ceased breathing. She was so close, so deliciously close.
Her scent wafted across his senses and he closed his eyes, giving into the sensation and savoring. She leaned even closer, pressing herself up against him. His muscles tensed, the urge to grab her and crush her against him almost uncontrollable.
“Would you hand me those beer nuts, please?” she purred. He was sure he heard her purring, her lioness heritage would have definitely given her an edge in that regard. When he opened his eyes and looked at her, she was so close he could see specks of gold intertwined within the emerald of her eyes. She gave him a slow smile.
The urge to adjust himself reared to a head and he shifted back, clearing his throat to cover his discomfort. Leaning over he grabbed the beer nuts and slid them her way.
Touché Jasmine, he thought. Well played.
Her smile of victory lit her face and she popped a few nuts in her mouth, chewing confidently. He was silent a moment, trying to calm his wolf, who felt as if he was tearing at his chest, trying to claw his way out.
“I can see why you don’t use the app,” he finally managed. Luke was experienced enough in the dating game to recognize a well matched adversary.
She was definitely that.
“What about you? What secrets do you have, Luke?” There she went again, looking at him intently, wide almond eyes searing him to the spot. It was almost as if she could see right into the very heart of him.
He mentally shook his head, eager to make her as uncomfortable as she’d made him. Luke slowly leaned forward, letting her become aware of his size, taking up any empty space between them. Jasmine’s easy smile faltered as he claimed the space around her, dominating all that surrounded her.
“Excuse me,” he uttered deeply, his arm reaching across her and gently grazing her breasts. His stomach pressed into her side for a moment, before shifting back. Her swift intake of breath had him hiding a smile. He grabbed the bowl of nuts and his arm caressed her breasts softly once more, lingering, before he took a greedy handful and popped the lot in his mouth. His half smile spoke volumes.
He watched as Jasmine’s wide eyes zeroed in on him, her mouth slightly open, her breathing labored. Luke clenched his fists, unexpectedly annoyed their little game was just that, a game. He’d never wished more in his life he could throw caution to the wind and claim her for his.
Instead, Luke settled back and turned to face the bar, hiding his obvious desire.
“Well,” Jasmine finally supplied. “That is quite a good trick.” She gave a breathy laugh, brushing her hair out of her face.
“No wonder you’re rarely single.” She wrinkled her nose at him playfully. Luke reached for his beer again and took a drink, casting a sideways glance at Jasmine. Was she single? Was it finally time to try his hand and claim her?
“Are you here alone?” he asked, wondering if her banker was somewhere in the shadows, watching them. His hackles rose, possessiveness taking root once more. His wolf was selfish. Oblivious to Luke’s internal battle, Jasmine shook her head.
“I’m here with some girlfriends. They’re over there.” She pointed towards the VIP lounge. His eyes searched couches and sofas before landing on a group of five females. They all gave him a cheery wave once he found them.
He answered with a smile and a nod of his head. He was pleased to see it was her friends she was out with and not another man. Looked like the banker was out of the picture.
Good.
“I’d hate to keep you from your friends, Jasmine.” Luke turned to face her and caught her giving him a funny look, her eyes narrowed and brow slightly scrunched
“Well, I just came by to say hi, anyway.” There was that funny look again. Shrugging, she hopped off the barstool, pulling her s
kirt down in jerky motions. He watched admiringly, her breasts bobbing in invitation.
She didn’t notice him leering.
Leaning in, she gave him a swift kiss on his cheek, an act she’d performed a hundred times before. But this time, she stayed far longer than normal, the warmth of her lips branding him immobile.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she said in parting. She gave him a smile, her eyes suddenly far away, and made her way towards her friends. Luke turned and watched her walk away, her hips swaying back and forth, beckoning him to follow. He almost stood, willing to toss all the fucks he gave out the window.
Instead, he turned to his beer, pushing Jasmine from his mind. Looking around he found that, without Jasmine here to entertain him, he no longer wanted to stay. Throwing some bills on the counter he stood to leave, making his way through the crowd of people.
He deigned it fruitless to say goodbye to Jasmine, there really wasn’t any point.
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About the Author
Mina Carter is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of romance in many genres. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter and a bossy cat.
Connect with Mina online at:
@minacarter
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mina-carter.com