Sensing he means a guy and not family, I shake my head.
“Have you lived in Little Memphis long?” I ask, forcing my gaze on him.
His eyes study my face in an intense way that I can’t bear. I focus my gaze on my unappealing beer.
“All my life,” he says.
Ford is suddenly closer. I don’t see him move and I don’t think I moved closer to him. He’s close enough for me to feel the heat radiating off his strong body. My cheeks flush and I have trouble not running for the door. Attractive men have noticed me before, but never anyone like Ford.
“What do you guys do?” I ask, trying to distract from his proximity and my flushed cheeks.
This question is a huge mistake, causing them both to stare at me. I feel small and stupid now.
“We’re enforcers for the club,” Pax says while Ford just looks at me. “Do you know what that means?”
“No, not really.”
“Probably best that way.”
Nodding, I force my gaze to meet Ford’s. He’s wearing a hint of a smile and I suspect he thinks I’m stupid.
“Did you come here tonight to see someone particular?” When I shake my head, his smile grows. “Is this you playing hard to get?”
“I’m just here hanging with the guys,” I say, realizing as soon as the words leave my mouth that I sound like a fucking idiot.
“Let me tell you a story,” he says, leaning closer until his lips are an inch from my ear. “Once upon a time, there was a hot piece of tail who dressed like a boy. She wore flannel and baggy jeans and trucker hats. She kept all her pretty curves hidden, but no one was fooled especially not my dick. The end.”
His hot breath against my skin is making me crazy. My impulsive side wants to kiss him. Touch him. Taste him. I’m desperate to lose control and let him do with me anything he wants.
Instead I look him in the eye and play cool, despite the hunger I see in his predator eyes.
“I like that story, but I’m not hiding anything. I’m saving my pretty curves for a guy I have my eye on.”
“Really?” he says, leaning closer until our lips are nearly touching.
“You don’t know him,” I mumble, ditching the idea of ever hooking up with Ford.
Ford’s eyes narrow possessively. “Who?”
“I said you don’t know him.”
“Bullshit. I know everyone.”
Despite the anger rushing off him, I laugh. “You can’t know everyone. You only know the people around here. My guy doesn’t run in your circle. He’s straight-laced. A geeky type.”
“What’s his name?” Ford asks, glaring at me.
Pax starts laughing at me. Or maybe he’s laughing at Ford.
“What. Is. His. Name?” Ford growls.
Scooting away from him doesn’t give me space for long before he moves over.
“Tell me his name, Shay.”
“Why?”
“I want to check him out. Make sure he’s safe for you.”
Hearing this comment, Pax snorts and finally draws the attention of his brother who growls, “Fuck off.”
I try to use their glaring contest for a getaway, but Ford seizes my wrist.
“Let go,” I say, struggling.
“Tell me his name and you’ll be as free as a bird.”
My brain screams for me to back down. Should I admit I’m lying? Or just give him a fake name? Except why should I bow to his dangerous anger? What difference does it make what Ford Reed thinks?
I stare into his angry blue eyes, holding his gaze for nearly a minute. He doesn’t blink, of course. He refuses to blink for cold motherfuckers who mess with the club. No way will he back off for a girl like me.
Looking away, I focus on my drink. He holds my wrist for another few minutes while Pax glances between us and grins.
“What makes you think I won’t torture the info out of you?” Ford asks, letting go of my wrist so he can reach for his beer.
“You want to fuck me. I can’t imagine any way I’d say yes if you torture me. Raping me won’t go over well with Lucky either.”
Ford glares sideways at me. “I won’t have to take anything, Shay. You’ll give it willingly.”
“She’ll beg for it,” Pax adds, laughing at his brother.
“Beg?” I mutter. “I don’t like sex enough to beg for it.”
“You’re not doing it right, darling,” Ford says, leaning into me again.
“I’m a simple girl and I want a simple guy. You’re complicated, so I guess I’ll miss out on your talents.”
“Complicated,” Pax snorts, sliding out of the booth. “You two are stupid. I’m finding a drunk slut.”
“Fuck off then,” Ford says without sounding angry.
After Pax leaves, I act casual, but it’s a lie. Ford’s making me nervous, so I blurt out. “If I made you think I was interested, I’m sorry.”
Ford grins. “Bullshit, darling. You want it, but you’re scared. Fair enough. I’d be scared of me too.”
Rolling my eyes, I start sliding out of the booth. “I should get going. I promised Darby I’d be home early.”
Ford takes my wrist again. “Want a ride?”