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“I came for the damn dog,” Eb said.“Don’t steal someone’s dog.That’s a real shit move.”He tucked the gun in the back waistband of his jeans.“Now we’re going to leave.You’re going to keep breathing, Ivan.And that will be the end of things.”
“That’s not the end for me,” Ivan told him flatly.
“Fine.Then come after me.I’ll probably shoot you.Or maybe I’ll?—”
“I’ll tell your gang buddies that you’re an informant,” Naomi chimed.“Do not test me.”
Ivan peered around Eb so he could see Naomi.“Hudson told me to take the dog.A week before he died, he said the dog had to go.Like the good friend I am, I simply followed orders.”His attention shifted back to Eb.“Are you a good friend?Or are you the kind of friend who fucks a dead partner’s wife?”
Eb smiled at him.
Ivan blinked.Then looked nervous.Good.He should be nervous.
“I’m the kind of person you don’t want as an enemy,” Eb informed him.But those words were for Naomi, too.You don’t want me as an enemy, but that’s exactly what I am.“Stay out of my way.And stayawayfrom Naomi.”Because Ivan would just screw up Eb’s plans if he interfered.
“There’s a back door to the bar,” Naomi said softly.She grabbed Eb’s hand.“Come with me.”
He went with her, and, sure enough, there was another doorinsidethat back office.One that led directly outside, to the rear of the bar.The dog stayed at her side, and Ivan followed them out.But he didn’t shout for backup.Didn’t say anything at all until?—
“It will be your funeral next,” he warned Eb.
Then Ivan retreated and slammed the rear door shut.
Hell.Eb sucked in a long breath.“We need to haul ass, now.”Because that sure had sounded like a threat to him.Her truck waited about twenty feet away.The tricky woman had circled behind the bar and crept inside while he distracted the gang.Damn cold of her to use him that way.Sneaky and cold.
She ran for the truck.Hauled open the driver’s side.The Golden Retriever shot in before her.She jumped into the seat, then turned her head toward Eb.
“Go!”he snarled at her.
“Get in!Jump in the back!”
No, his business was not finished.But with the truck’s driver side door open, he did lean in close to her.“Don’t lie to me again.”
“Will you get in the truck?His men could come storming out any minute!”
His gaze fell to her mouth.That delectable mouth.The mouth that had teased and tormented him.And he?—
Fuck.
He kissed her.
His lips slammed down on hers in a fast, frantic kiss.One that he had not intended.This was not the place.The grimy alley behind a Russian gang leader’s rundown bar was not the place for a first kiss.This was not the time.
And he should never, ever be kissing her.
But he was.
She tastes as good as she smells.
He wanted to taste her everywhere.Hell.
Eb pulled back before he could give in to the absolutely savage need that knifed through him.
“Wh-what was that for?”
“For the audience that’s watching.”He was sure Ivan had eyes on them.But, no, the kiss actually hadn’t been for that bullshit reason.The kiss had been because he’d walked a knife’s edge of desire for Naomi for far too long.“Now get the hell out of here.Iwillsee you at your place.”
“Don’t you dare get shot.”She touched her lips.Then caught herself and let her hand fall.“Or bruised.Or damaged—or beat up by a gang?—”