Urban Wolf by Zerlina Valinski Read Free Book Online Page B

reflection in the mirror on the wall. “And yes, he told me he was single.” She glanced over her shoulder at the ring.
    “ I know money isn’t the most important, but it certainly helps.” Patty came around the side of the desk to zip up Regan's dress. “Besides, if he didn’t have a dime, he looks so good it wouldn’t matter anyway.”
    “ Maybe the ring belongs to a relative. Who knows?” Ragen walked to stand in front of the floor length mirror on the other side of the room. She admired how the sequin dress hugged her hips, accentuating her figure perfectly. “I do look pretty good.” She turned around. “Ok. I guess I’m ready to go on.”
    “ You’ll do wonderful. You look absolutely marvelous in this dress! You’ll bring down the house and your new man too.  Now, go sing your heart out.” Patty hugged her then opened the door leading her out. 

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Ragen gave all she had to her performance . The musicians were exceptional in their accompaniment, making her sound all the more spectacular. The audience seemed enamored watching her while they moved to the music. Flawlessly, she emulated the pop artist’s sensual words.  During most of her performance she maintained eye contact with Liam.  His eye color intensified as he watched, glowing in the dim lighting. As she watched him, something magical passed between them. When the music ended with her last invitation for her lover to come on over , the crowd exploded with applause, whoops and hollers.
    “Another one, give us another one,” a group of men yelled. 
    “Come on, sexy baby,” one man yelled as he hit the table with his hands.
    “ I’ll come on over,” another joined in. He tried to stand up as the others at his table tugged on his shirt to keep him in his chair. 
    “Thank you.” Ragen gave her most dazzling smile in an attempt to appease her audience. “I think my turn’s over. Thanks again everyone.” She nodded then waved as she moved off stage. Still several men hooped and hollered her name. The adrenaline of the moment rushed through her making her feel light headed.
    “Thank you…Ms. Ragen Kerrigan. We’ll be announcing our winner soon. Meanwhile,” the emcee pointed to the band behind him, “everyone please enjoy the dance music provided by our in- house instrumentalists.”  The musicians began playing rhythmic tunes intended for slow dancing. On her way down the stage steps, Liam greeted her, his hand out waiting for her to accept his assistance. The smile on his face made her feel like warm butter melting under the heat of the glorious summer sun. Her body tingled with anticipation. When his large warm hand grasped hers, a sizzling rippled up her arm, traveling straight to her heart and almost making her falter in her step.  Momentarily dazed, she hesitated, her heartbeat pounded in her chest. 
    “Would you like to dance with me?” he bent close, whispering in her ear.
    She nodded. “Yes, I’d love to.” They walked slowly through the crowd to the edge of the room, possessiveness apparent in his gaze.
    She followed him out onto the dance floor. As they reached the middle of the floor, he pulled her into his arms  and kissed her cheek. The warmth of his body surrounded her, encouraging her to allow him more opportunities to be closer to her.
    Ragen had never allowed herself to feel such strong emotions, especially for a mere man. She prided herself on being able to maintain a kind of aloofness in her relationships. But Liam thrilled her and she found her desire for him was overpowering.
    This is not…normal. She shut her eyes briefly, attempting to reassemble her straying thoughts. When she opened them, the intensity of her feelings remained along with her body’s response to him.
    Other couples joined them on the dance floor swaying to the music. The melody and rhythm were seductive, enticing. The Long Island Iced Tea she drank had relaxed her and lowered her inhibitions. As if realizing her