The Mane Event
Page 53

Because I made them a job offer today and Id hate to rescind it because one of them fucked you.
A job offer for what?
Smitty and I are starting a business.
Something in high-level personal and business security or are you two just going to be bounty hunters?
Mace straightened up in surprise. How did you know?
Come on, Mace. Youve wanted to save the world since Ive known you. I mean, it makes sense. You milk the rich and famous, which will let you help those who normally couldnt afford you. People cops cant help. Unless you really are planning on becoming a bounty hunter.
I dont see me being a bounty hunter. Having criminals tied up in my trunk would bother me. Cause really Id rather shoot them in the head.
It certainly will be fun watching you transition back into normal society. Dez thought about that for a minute. You know, this could really work for you two. With your familys connections and Smittys charmyou two could make a lot of money.
His charm? What about mine?
She knew he wouldnt appreciate her burst of hysterical laughter, but who the hell was he kidding? The mans charm was in his lack of charm.
She cleared her throat again. Sorry.
You never answered my question.
About the guys? No, Mace. I never dated them. She didnt date at all while in the military. She had too many male friends. She knew what all of them were up to with women, and she made it her mission never to end up on the bad side of that situation. So she worked hard and kept her legs closed for four years. A lonely life, but she got used to it.
Good.
Im glad I brought you such joy.
Dez glanced around. Shed put her dogs food out and they still hadnt shown up to eat. Where the hell are Sig and Sauer?
Under the table, Mace muttered, focusing on his ice cream.
With a frown, she crouched down and looked under her kitchen table. And there they werecowering.
Poor things.
At this rate theyre going to starve to death.
Theyll get used to me. Dez chose to ignore that statement and what it implied. Instead, she stood up and finally asked him the question shed wanted to ask him for a few hours now.
She took another spoonful of ice cream. Smittys like you, too, isnt he?
Mace glanced at her. Why would you say that?
Lots of reasons. But mostly because he has a happy spot.
Every man has a happy spot. Some of us have several.
Not that happy spot. She glanced down at the rest of her icecream. Already full, she handed it to Mace. The man had a killer appetite. He has one on the back of his neck. If you scratch it, his leg shakes.
Mace slammed the bowl down on the countertop. For some unknown reason, she didnt jump. She did, however, look at him like hed lost his mind. Is there something going on between you and Smitty?
Ah. He had lost his mind. Of course not. It just feels very comfortable with him. Kind of like with my dogs. She grabbed Maces arm. Oh my God. Is he a dog?
Wolf. And if you want to go out with him, you can, you know.
Wha
You know what? Im lying. No, you cant.
Dez stared at Mace. Holy shit, the man is jealous. First off, I dont wanna go out with Smitty. He talks too slow. Id have to kill him. And second, what do you mean I cant go out with him? I can go out with anybody I want to.
This had to be the stupidest argument two grown people could have but, clearly, Mace didnt care. And apparently neither did she.
Mace stepped in front of her. He placed both of his arms on either side of her, the island at her back.
Lets get this straight now, woman. You and mewere a couple.
I didnt agree to that.
Dont care.
Dez let out an exasperated sigh and went to run her hands through her hair, but Mace grabbed her wrists.
She tried to pull her arms out of his grasp, but he held tight. Mace, it doesnt work that way. Were not together because you say we are.
Yeah, but if we fall in
With strength she had no idea she possessed, Dez snatched one arm away and slapped her hand over Maces mouth. Hard.
Dont. You. Dare.
Gold eyes stared at her. Few people knew how to read Maces eyes. Mostly they simply freaked everybody out. But she always knew Maces feelings from what she saw in his eyes. Like right now, she knew shed hurt him.
Aw, Mace, dont be hurt. Please. Were just notwe just cantno.
Heaving a heavy sigh, Mace took her hand off his mouth and kissed her fingers. He took both her arms and dropped them down by her side as he pulled her close. He lowered his forehead until it touched hers.
I understand.
You do? Really?
Yeah. Really.
Then she heard metal click as Mace stepped away from her. She tugged her arms and realized the son of a bitch had locked her to one of the thick metal supports attached to the kitchen island.
I understand I need to convince you were meant to be together.