He turned back to Rosanna. “Yep. You reckon I’ll be able to get her away from that mob without any trouble?” He took a casual swig from the bottle.
“You make sure you do or I’ll shoot every one of you.”
He gave her a nod and walked to the table, taking up position behind Samantha’s chair. He bit back a curse when he glanced down and noticed that not only was her top cut low in the front, it was completely nonexistent in the back except for a tiny strap that ran just under her shoulder blades. From the way she sat, he could see the creamy smooth color of her skin, the sleek line of her spine. Against his better judgment, his gaze followed that line, all the way to the top of her jeans.
She turned, drawing all eyes with her movement.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m wondering that myself,” he muttered.
She turned back around and waved her hand. “Horseman, everybody. Everybody, horseman.”
He smiled with a playfulness he didn’t feel. “Hey guys. I hope you won’t mind if I borrow the little lady. We have business to discuss.” He wrapped his hand around her arm and jerked her to her feet.
“Jesus, horseman, all you had to do was ask,” Samantha bit out, but thankfully, didn’t fight him.
Caleb ignored the men yelling protests as he dragged Samantha toward the door.
“Don’t even think about it, boys,” he heard Rosanna say. “Keep your seats or get the hell out and don’t come back. Ever.”
The noise immediately died down. None of the regulars wanted to tempt fate when it held a shotgun.
Caleb all but shoved Samantha out the front door and turned her into the side of the building. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing here?”
Hurt flashed in her eyes at his words. “Why do you even care? Christ, Caleb. You’ve hated me since day one. Why are you even here?” Samantha pushed at his chest. “Let me go, damn it!”
“I’m not letting you go anywhere. Look at yourself, Samantha. You’re dressed like a hooker. Where is your self-respect?”
“My self … oh, you bastard. It’s about to be shoved up your ass.”
Caleb’s palm shot out, effectively blocking the knee she’d meant for his balls.
“Tsk, tsk. Is that any way to treat your ride?”
Her expression melted into horror. “Oh, hell no. I’m gonna kick Alec’s ass for this. I’ll call a cab before I go anywhere with you.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
Caleb literally vibrated with anger. He’d never struck a woman in his life, but right now he wanted nothing more than to turn her over his knee and tan her ass. He shoved his cell phone in her hand. “Call your cab. You’ll sit in my truck while you wait and I’ll follow until I’m sure you’re home safe.”
“Go home, Caleb. I’ll find my own way. I don’t need you. There’s plenty of men here who can get me home. In fact, Mark has made me a very interesting offer.”
“Mark?”
She raised a delicate shoulder in a shrug, but Caleb knew better. The woman was hell on wheels.
“He’s the guy who brought me here. It’s only fair to let him take me home.”
He cocked a brow. “Is that so? Then why did you call Alec?” Caleb released her, walking her back into the wall. “Here’s what I think. I think you know damn good and well how childish you’re acting. So, why don’t you stop fighting and let me take your stubborn ass home. The sooner you cooperate, the sooner we can be away from each other. Got it?”
“Fuck you.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Caleb laced his fingers with hers and started toward his truck. “And before you get any ideas, I wouldn’t push me any further if I were you. I won’t think twice about tossing you over my shoulder.” She stayed silent, wisely taking his threat to heart. “Good girl. Do you have a bag or a purse or something? If you do, I’ll go back —”
He stopped abruptly, the skin at the back of his neck tingling. He glanced back at the door of the bar, but no one had exited behind them. His gut tightened as he scanned the lot, the feeling of unease growing with every step.
Placing his hand against the small of Samantha’s back, Caleb maneuvered her against his side, shielding her between his body and the line of vehicles as they walked around.
“I didn’t bring a purse.” She wiggled against him. “Stop doing that.”
He glanced down at her. “Doing what?”
“Touching my back like that.”
He curled his hand around her waist. He wasn’t letting her go until they got to the safety of his truck, so she’d just have to deal. “Better?”