Only Skin Deep by Mahalia Levey Read Free Book Online Page A

just going to deliver a
message.”
    “Need
a partner?”
    Donato chuckled. “Why the hell not.” He let his gaze drift across the club. “Everything else all
good?”
    “No
other problems have come across the system,” Tomas replied.
    “Good.
Let’s hope it’s an otherwise easy night then.”
    “You’re
a good man, boss. Don’t let anyone else say otherwise.”
    “Thank
you, Tomas. No one has the balls to.”
    Nadja appeared relaxed with Deja next to her engaged in deep conversation. However, the shot glass hadn’t been
touched. He edged closer to them, satisfied for the moment with the outcome of
the incident. He gathered from snippets of their conversation that Nadja was more embarrassed over being stuck to his pants
than anything else. As soon as they saw him, the chatter cut short. “Ladies.”
    “ Donato ,” Deja greeted with a
smile.
    He
looked at Nadja . “I thought I told you to make sure
the glass was empty when I returned.”
    Liquid
stung his eyes. He blinked and reached for a napkin to wipe the alcohol
dripping off his face and neck. The sheer gall of the temptress in front of him
stunned him. Activity around them halted as people whispered. His jaw ticked,
and anger hit full force. He tried counting before reacting, but he wasn’t
surprised at all when it failed to work.
    Deja stood as a barrier. “Move it,” he roared, his gaze
catching Derek coming forward.
    Pushing Deja out of the way proved difficult. “ Donato , she didn’t mean to be so brazen.”
    “Like
hell I didn’t. I won’t be bullied by anyone Donato ,
including you,” Nadja said, peeking out from around
her friend.
    “ Deja , I suggest you get out of his way,” Derek interjected,
his hand on her arm. “ Nadja’s a big girl, and she’s
not in imminent danger. Plus I don’t want to get beat down trying to protect
you for something we have nothing to do with.”
    Deja stuck her finger out at Derek. “She’s my friend, and I
don’t need a punk for a man, so if this is the real you, then we have nothing
else to discuss.”
    Donato chuckled at Derek’s perplexed expression. “ Nadja , come here.”
    “I’m
fine where I’m at, Donato .” Nadja held her ground.
    Derek
hauled Deja into his arms. “We’ll take this up in the
hotel. Later, Donato .”
    Donato slid his gaze to Derek. “Good luck with her.” As the
newcomer walked away with Deja , he had a clear view
of Nadja . Anger shone in her glare. The stinging in
his eyes had receded, or his anger blocked out the smarting pain. Either way, she was a sitting duck, and she knew it. He
continued to gaze at her, keeping his face stoic. “You can’t move fast in that
gown. The best option is for you to get up and come with me peacefully. You
know actions have consequences.” As she processed the information, his anger
turned to amusement and then lust. Life with her would never be boring, and
he’d get accustomed to her fiery demeanor. Who knows, pricking that passionate
temper might prove fun.
    “Don’t
fire me,” Nadja muttered, sliding off the barstool
and walking over to him.
    “Smart girl.” He pressed a hand at the small of her back,
drawing her into his embrace. “Firing you is the last thing on my mind.”
    “What’s
the first?”
    “This.”
Her scent had been driving him insane all night. The urge to taste her now won
as he parted her mouth with his own, sliding his tongue in to taste her spicy
essence. Sweet and supple, she tasted of heaven on a warm sunny day. He groaned
and wrapped his arms tighter about her, pushing deeper, sealing her taste to
memory. Her haggard breathing told him she hungered. Slender arms gripped his
own. The background faded, leaving just her. “I can’t believe you tossed a
drink at me,” he murmured, breaking off the kiss.
    “I’m—”
    “ Shh . You’re not sorry. I saw it in your face.” He nipped
her lip and rubbed her back, his hand dangerously close to gripping her sweet
ass. Remembering they were at