Misguided Vows (Lethal Vows Book 5)

Alina was chattier than normal on the drive to the restaurant, which was unnerving. I’m used to her ignoring, teasing, or snapping at me, the latter being my favorite. She asked questions about the plane, but I know she’s not interested in it. Something put her off, and I suspect it might’ve been an email or message she received because it only happened after she checked her phone.

We’re in the restaurant now, one that I must confess I’ve frequented quite a few times. She’s eaten half of her pasta with copious amounts of cheese and is nursing a glass of water. Ever since we sat down, she’s been quiet. That makes me even more uncomfortable than the chattier version of her from the car.

“So, let’s make a bet,” I suggest as the waiter brings over a side salad. I offer him a courteous smile as I reach for my water.

She takes another forkful and stares at me as she wipes her mouth. I see the spark of life appear in her eyes. This woman, if nothing else, likes a challenge.

“What type of bet?” she asks from behind the napkin.

The restaurant is filled with men in suits, which is perfect for the idea that comes to mind. I clock a man sitting at the bar. In fact, I noticed him the moment we walked into the restaurant. He happens to be the owner. A mischievous idea comes to me, and I can’t help but smirk.

“Let’s have some fun with it. If you fail, you come back to my room with me tonight.”

Her green gaze pins me. Honestly, I think that kind of loss is really a win for her, and it goes without saying it’s a win for me.

“What do I get out of this bet? I mean, you get me, but what do I get?” She taps her finger on her lip, and it draws my attention to that come-fuck-me mouth. I’m certain she’s doing it on purpose. “I can’t really think of anything worth it.”

I smirk with full confidence that I’m going to win this bet. “How about the plane?”

She chokes on her water, and I chuckle. If I’m being honest, I did intentionally wait until she was taking a sip because she chokes almost every time I say something shocking. I fucking love it.

When she looks up, she seems almost angry, and I’m not sure if it’s because of my perfect timing or the terms of the bet. She wipes at her mouth. “You can’t play that type of game.”

“I can and I will,” I assert as I lean in. “Come on, you know you want to.”

I can see it in her eyes. This little vixen is coaxed by danger. I imagine it’s gotten her into trouble a few times, which is perhaps why she’s so cautious. Rightly so, especially when it comes to men like me.

She leans in, as if we naturally gravitate toward one another in mischief. “What’s the bet?”

I pretend to casually search the room, but I already know who my target is.

I lick my lips, knowing full well she’s going to be in my bed on her back tonight.

I point to the man sitting at the bar. “I dare you to get the phone number of one of the men at the bar. If you succeed, I won’t have the pleasure of tasting you tonight and you’ll get a plane.”

She looks at me skeptically. “You’re really not joking, are you?” She sits back in disbelief. “What would I even do with a plane?”

“You sound so sure that you’ll win,” I taunt, because I know she can’t help but take the dangling bait.

“Have you seen me? Of course I’ll win.” She scoffs, and my cock twitches at her confidence. Because, yes, I have seen her, and she’s been the bane of my existence ever since.

“I have seen you, and I would personally give you my number in a heartbeat. So, are you up for the bet?”

She defiantly holds out her hand. “You’re on.”

I offer my hand in return. “But I get to choose whose number you get.” She squints but casually shrugs and shakes on it. Her eyes twinkle with certain victory, and I imagine mine mirror the same. She can’t help but smile, and my cock hardens at her arrogant confidence.

She will be mine tonight. Of that much, I’m certain.

“So who’s my target?” she asks, twisting around to look at those sitting at the bar.

“You really want the plane, huh?” I tease. “See that man sitting over there?” I point to the owner, who is sitting by himself. He’s dressed in a nice suit and is easy on the eyes. “Get his number. Oh, and did I mention you have a time limit?” I look down at my watch. “You have ten minutes. I’d get moving if I were you.”

She stands up and brushes her hands down her skirt as she leans down to me and smiles. “You’re on. I’m going to win that plane.”

“I’m going to win that,” I say, dropping my gaze to her cleavage, and I have every intention of staring at her ass as she walks away.

“No, you’re going to keep fantasizing, and don’t stare at my ass when I walk away,” she spits as she turns and heads to the bar.

I grin as my gaze dips to her ass and I secretly know she loves it.

This should be interesting…