Possession(Sons of Odin MC)(30)

“That’s preposterous. You’re a convicted felon. Why would he take your word over mine?”

The professional noose tightened around her neck a little more. “Uncle Alex always sides with me,” he said flatly.

Her mouth gaped, shocked at his threat. “Get out of my office.”

He didn’t budge. Suddenly her cellphone jumped to life on top of her desk. A perfect excuse to disregard Kline’s continued unwanted presence. “Hello?” she answered, voice a bit shaky.

“Tina, you okay?” Vincent asked.

“Yes,” she said, turning away from Kline. “In the middle of things.”

“Kline?”

“Yes.”

Silence followed.

“I want to see you tonight. We need to talk.”

“Text me,” Tina suggested. “We’ll finalize a time and place.” She hung up.

“Clandestine meetings with other clients?” Kline tsked. “Now I know.”

“Know what?” She turned around, glaring at him, not wanting an answer. Maybe he’d accuse her of subliminally seducing him, because she’d never done anything to cause this obsession he seemed to have. “If you don’t leave my office now, you’ll get an armed escort downstairs.”

“Relax.” Kline slowly stood up. “I’m pleased you reconsidered the decision to dump my case. I’ll set an appointment with Madeline for next week. We still have plenty to discuss, Ms. Bethel.” He headed for the exit, then glanced over his shoulder. “Have a lovely afternoon.”

After the door clicked shut, Tina picked up the closest object off her desk and flung it against the farthest wall. Staples exploded everywhere and she fell back against her chair. Something needed to be done about Mr. Barnes.





Chapter 14


Vincent drew a deep breath before he knocked on Tina’s front door. The day’s events had definitely influenced the decision he’d made. He wanted to see her again—maybe even needed to. Though the bitter past still haunted him, she’d renewed his hope for something better. Maybe not a full-scale relationship, but a chance to feel alive again. Only a woman could provide the kind of companionship and relief he’d craved since the night he met Tina in the parking lot at Valhalla.

Yeah, she’d conjured old feelings like a magician. Confused him. Made him stir-crazy whenever she refused his sound advice. But her smile, penetrating eyes, girlish laughter, and mischievous streak sucked him right into her world. He combed his fingers through his hair. Would she reject him? How many times had he pushed her away, begging her to understand why he wouldn’t surrender to their mutual attraction?

Vincent knew this could go one of two ways. She’d either send him packing or do what he’d grown accustomed to where Tina was concerned, devour him with enthusiasm. He pounded on the door.

She met him with a warm smile, eyeing the single white rose and bottle of red wine in his hands. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said.

Vincent’s gaze traveled slowly down her body in deep appreciation. Dressed in silky shorts and a white tank top, her curves popped. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “So am I.”

He followed her into the living room and couldn’t believe the song playing on the stereo: Cutting Crew’s “I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight.” The tune from Lang’s wedding reception. The night he choked like a high school boy and retreated behind the defensive walls he’d so carefully constructed after his second divorce. There’d be no repeat tonight.

He set the wine on the table, then offered the flower.

Her soft smile said it all. “Thank you, it’s beautiful.”

Then he did something surprising: he tugged her into his arms and started to sway to the beat of the music. Hands locked behind her back, he sighed as she nuzzled close and kissed his chest. For the first time in years, excitement swirled inside him, the nervous anticipation of what came next.

“Tina?”

“Hmmm?” She looked up.

There were so many things to say. “I can’t make any promises. But I can tell you how I feel right now. Since the night you showed up, I’ve been in a fucking daze, unable to concentrate on anything but you.”

Tina studied his features, her green eyes narrowing. “I’ve wanted you since the first time we met, Vincent. I’m not afraid to admit it. And if tonight is all you can give me, so be it.”

The song ended, then restarted. “Did you…”

“Looped it,” she finished on a sassy grin.

He slowly backed her against the wall near the end of the sofa. Music affected Vincent in ways he couldn’t express, and knowing she’d picked this song for him, it gave him a fucking erection. He plucked the rose out of her hand and dropped it on the end table. When he turned back, she hadn’t moved an inch.