things better if I'd tried. I needed to know how this asshole knew Daniela and what his intentions were with her. I wasn't about to let anyone get in the way of our reconciliation. I needed to size up the competition, if there even was a competition.
"So, Liam, right?"
He nodded.
I wanted to get some historical data. "I've never seen you around. Are you new in town?"
"Nope, I've lived in South Florida all my life. This scene just really isn't my thing," he answered before taking a swig of his beer.
"Come on, you like to party." I swirled my drink. "I'm sure you could have any woman in this club if you wanted."
"He already turned down a drink from a bootylicious bombshell," Chris chided.
"Superficial, shallow, and boring. Your free drink isn't worth the headache, and she isn't who I'm interested in." Liam's eyes were focused.
I could see he was a man on a fucking mission.
"Bro, but the blow job would've been worth the yapping," Chris pointed out. "And you could have ridden off on your horse with your princess afterward. Don't limit your options."
Liam glared at Chris before he turned to me. "Rick, this is your thing. According to Chris, you're the king of clubs. I respect that. It's just not my thing."
Daniela wasn't a clubber either . This little piece of information might work in his favor, and the motherfucker was interested in substance. Shit.
After finishing off his beer, Chris interjected, "Lucas's thing is his job, his career, his employment, his calling, his mission in life. What's the PC name for it these days?"
"If you don't mind me asking, what do you do?" I asked.
As I tossed back the last of my scotch, he tensed. I hoped he didn't think I was hitting on him. The questions were sounding like pick-up lines, and this was South Beach after all.
Chris answered before Liam could even open his mouth. "My friend here is the consummate Boy Scout. If your kitty is stuck in a tree, Lucas is your man."
Liam's eyes narrowed, and his brow furrowed.
Chris shook his head. "Chill out, bro. I'm just joking." He punched his friend on the arm. "First of all, Lieutenant Lucas is a member of the Miami-Dade County Fire Department. Is that better?" He looked over at me. "I have to give him credit because he's done some pretty badass shit." Chris then directed his attention to Liam. "Just lighten up. You're not on the job twenty-four-seven."
Great, so the asshole is a fucking hero, too. Girls ate that shit up. Daniela, with her fucking books, would let her imagination run wild with him. I need to neutralize him. Fast.
Chris and Liam tapped drinks. "Second of all," Chris said, looking over at Liam, "I have a give-Lucas-all-the-shit-I-want card today. He owes me big time."
Liam just shook his head and laughed. "Take your best shot. It's impossible for you to ruin my evening," he said.
I noticed he could barely take his eyes away from where Daniela was sitting.
I wanted to know how Chris came through for him, but then Daniela and her friends started walking down the stairs. As they eased their way onto the dance floor, Liam and I both straightened up to get a better view. Daniela had always been an amazing dancer. My dick throbbed as I watched her hands run up her body and through her hair. By the way she was moving, I could tell she'd had a few drinks. Her inhibitions were low, and she was ripe for fucking. From the corner of my eye, I looked over at Liam. He had this ridiculous smile on his face. He couldn't stop staring at her. Daniela didn't do pussy whipped. This might work in my favor.
I had the incredible urge to see if I could get a rise out of him. I leaned in closer to him. "Damn, look at her. She's a nine-alarm fire. I wouldn't mind getting a taste of that." I took a drink of my Black Label on the rocks.
"What did you just say?" Liam asked. His moronic smile was replaced by a deadly glare.
"Hey, take it easy. I'm just admiring." I put my hands up in surrender. "Is she with you or something? Thought you were
Juliet Chastain
Avery Corman
Angie Foster
Babe Hayes
Scarlett Metal
Kathi Daley
Matthew Costello
VickiLewis Thompson
Mickey Spillane
Janet Lee Carey