The Keeping(92)

Before he could move, Melody leaned over the pool table to take a shot and the crowd erupted in approving catcalls. She looked up at her fans and smiled, batting her long lashes and giving her ass a little wiggle, which elicited even more cheers. Then, frowning in concentration, she stuck the tip of her tongue out of the corner of her mouth and lined up her shot. Ryne took in the angle and arrangement of the balls. It would be difficult, but a skilled player could feasibly clear the board. Somehow, he doubted Melody fell into that category. Ignoring the game, he looked at her instead.

Her hair was pulled up on top of her head in some form of knot though quite a few strands had escaped and fell about her face in interesting little ringlets. She exhaled, arranging her mouth so that the poof of air went upwards and lifted the curls for a moment before they settled back in place. Ryne noted that she wet her lips as her arm drew back, ready to strike the ball with the cue. She was wearing that red top he’d admired the other day, the one with the draw string around the neck.

He shifted his gaze to the neckline and stiffened. The tie was undone and the top was gaping open, giving everyone assembled an unrestricted view of her bountiful assets! Little wonder they were cheering! A rumble rose in his throat. No one should be looking at her, except him. Stepping forward, intent on hiding her from prying eyes, Ryne didn’t even notice that she’d made her move and the balls were rocketing across the pool table before tumbling into the pockets.

The crowded cheered and Melody stood up grinning, raising her arms in victory.

“Way to go, Mel!” Bryan whooped in obvious delight. “All right everybody, time to pay up!” He pulled a piece of paper and pencil from his pocket and looked expectantly at a disgruntled looking group of men.

Daniel grabbed Melody by the waist, gave her a congratulatory peck on the cheek, and then spun her around. “I knew you could do it, Mel! Three games in a row!”

“Daniel!” Ryne’s voice cut through the general air of jubilation like a knife, his fury a tangible thing.

Despite the noise of the crowd, Daniel seemed to have no difficulty hearing his Alpha’s voice; his response was immediate. The boy froze and unceremoniously let go of Melody who stumbled at the sudden lack of support.

“Ryne! You’re here.” Daniel winced even as he spoke and took a step back, his expression wary.

“And not a moment too soon. Did you forget my instructions?” Ryne snarled and flashed his eyes towards Melody before staring at his pack mate again. Daniel gulped and nudged Bryan who was busily collecting money from one of the patrons, not having noticed the general stillness that fell around the pool table. Bryan looked up, paled, and backed away.

Good. Get away from the girl. Ryne nodded in a brief acknowledgement of their obedience before focusing his attention on Melody. She was still looking a bit tipsy, but smiling happily none the less at the small group of men gathered around her. One was shaking her hand while another congratulated her, patting her on the back. Someone pressed a kiss to her cheek— No! They had no right. Without caring what the crowd might think, Ryne reached out and grabbed her by the arm, yanking her to his side. Despite the protests of those gathered, he strode across the bar, hustling Melody along with him.

He moved swiftly down the long dark hallway that led to the employee’s washroom, but when he reached the door his hand hovered over the handle. No, not here. Moving farther along, he opened another door and stepped inside. The sign proclaimed it to be Armand’s office, but he didn’t care. Kicking the door shut, he flicked the lock and turned with a growl to face the surprised woman by his side.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?”

Melody blinked at him owlishly, and then frowned. “Are you angry with me?”

“Angry? I’m...” He clamped his mouth shut unable to put into words the multitude of emotions he was feeling at that moment. She’d put herself on display, let other men touch her. On top of that she’d been drinking and who knows what might have happened with her inhibitions all...un-inhibited! Breathing heavily, he fought to remain in control.

“Ryne? Don’t be upset. I didn’t lose any money. I won all the games.” She was sliding her hand up his chest while staring up at him earnestly. He closed his eyes as delicious little frissons of electricity erupted along the pathway her hand had travelled. “What’s wrong? I was just waiting for you.” A hiccup escaped her lips and she giggled.

Ryne wrinkled his nose at the smell of beer on her breath. “You’ve been drinking.”

“Uh-huh. Armand gave me beer. Lots and lots of beer because you didn’t come at four like you said and I was waiting and waiting and waiting.” She shook her head disapprovingly and made tsking noises before ruining the whole effect by giggling again.