Page 31

He wondered if the secrets he was keeping were already wearing on her.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you lookthatintense. And that’s saying something.”

He casually tucked his phone into the inside pocket of his jacket and stared up at the one woman in this place he actively avoided. Maria was the club’s president’s sister. And he didn’t want Lobo on his case for any reason, but especially for thinking he had a thing for her. He didn’t need that kind of scrutiny from anyone in the club.

Lobo could be extreme. He was a womanizer, alcoholic, and sometimes quick to settle a slight with his fists just for fun. He thought showing how tough and unforgiving he could be made him look strong to the others. Really, he was a bully who had command of a bunch of followers who also wanted to look tough and cool.

Viper had dealt with a lot worse.

He’d learned in any situation to keep his mouth shut, stay alert, and be ready for anything.

He stared at Maria and didn’t say anything about her comment.

She put her hands on the table and leaned over, giving him a view of her curves. “Are you ever happy, Viper?”

He kept his gaze directly on hers. “Sometimes.” He’d been happier than he could remember being in a long while kissing Lyric last night.

“What makes you happy?”

He picked up the glass in front of him. “A cold beer.” Actually, he preferred the red wine Lyric had been drinking last night. And the food. And the company.

Maria shocked the hell out of him and sat down at the table beside him. Close. Too close.

More than one of the guys in the room glanced their way.

He barely looked at her.

“You’ve made some good friends here. These guys... they all speak highly of you.”

He met her gaze, wondering where she was going with this.

“They all say you’re quiet but focused. You’re good at your job.” Her gaze turned sultry. “I love a man who knows how to use his hands.”

That was as unexpected as her sitting with him. “Are you flirting with me?”

“Not well, if you have to ask.” She pouted. “I think I’m missing out on something. You and me, we could be good together. Unless there’s someone else?”

He didn’t dare mention Lyric. But he didn’t wantto give her hope either. “I prefer to keep Lobo off my back.”

“My brother has no say in what I do, or who I do it with.”

He tried a different tactic to dissuade her from him. “I like this place and the people here. I don’t want to do anything to mess that up.”

“Including me.” The raised brow and sexy pout didn’t get her what she wanted.

“Excuse me?” Because he couldn’t believe she’d meant that he didn’t wantto doher.

“You like me, too. Right?” The grin said she was messing with him.

“I hardly know you, but from what I’ve heard, everyone thinks you’re nice.”

“Is that all?”

Maybe a little flattery would get her to stop this. “A beautiful woman like you doesn’t need me to shower her with compliments.”

“That’s only two. You think I’m nice and beautiful. That’s something to build on.”

He shook his head. “I appreciate the interest, but I’m not looking to get into anything right now with anyone.”