“Typical chick music.”
“Steve Perry has the voice of an angel.”
“It’s rock and roll, sugar. Guys shouldn’t sound like angels. They should sound like sick bastards who’ll butt fuck your little sister and leave her with herpes.”
Laughing, I roll my eyes. “That might be the most disgusting thing anyone’s ever said to me.”
“Really? You grew up a fairy princess, huh?”
“How dare you mock my childhood growing up in a castle? Besides, a guy once asked to pee on me in the shower, so I’m not a totally sheltered princess.”
Popping a chip in his mouth, Ford mutters, “I promise I’ll never hint that. In or near a shower. Even if you have sissy taste in music.”
Laughing again, I flip him off. “Journey is the best band ever.”
Ford pushes his foot against mine and smiles. “I’ll humor you because you’re so damn pretty.”
“Bullshit. You just can’t defend your crappy choices. First, you try to distract me. Then you get me hot with those compliments.”
“Are you hot?”
“No. I’m pretty fucked out.”
“Give it a few minutes. I’m sending my sexual healing vibes,” he says, waving his fingers at me.
Laughing hard now, I throw a pillow across the table at him. Ford catches it easily and sets it next to him.
“What’s your favorite song?” I ask.
“Like ever?” he mocks, batting his eyes. When he sees my expression change, Ford smiles. “Fragile little princess, aren’t you?”
“You have no idea.”
Ford presses his foot against mine again and I see something different in his eyes. I’m not sure what he’s thinking, but I’m nervous now.
“Cat Scratch Fever is badass,” he says, tapping the balls of our feet together. “Nugent is the man.”
“He’s a man, sure.”
Ford smirks. “I want you to come over here,” he says in a low edgy voice. “Right here.”
I look at where he’s patting the couch. “And if I say no?”
“Why would you?”
“Guys like you want the chase. Should I really make it that easy for you?”
“I already caught you. You’re mine to do with what I please.”
“Oh, really?” I say, struggling against the urge to roll my eyes.
“Are you afraid of staying caught?”
“I’m afraid of getting chewed up and spit out when you’re ready for a new hunt.”
“Why let reality fuck up the fantasy? We’re not people who get many delusions in life. Let’s enjoy this one.”
Considering his words, I nod. “My pussy needs a break.”
“There are other ways to make me smile.”
“I’m eating.”
“True. I’ll be patient. I have a talent for waiting for the perfect time to attack.”
“My pussy thanks you.”
“Keep taking about your pussy and my patience won’t last.”
Laughing at his expression, I press my foot against his and enjoy more chips. We sit silently, eating and listening to the music. Ford looks sleepy and I feel the same way. Since he’s in no hurry for me to leave, I wonder if a nap would be out of the question. If I was at Darby’s, I’d be curled up in bed by now.
“What are you thinking?” he asks, grabbing for his ringing phone.
“I wouldn’t mind a nap.”
Ford grins until he sees the text. All the softness in face disappears and I am faced with the guy who “enforces” for the club. The music downstairs stops and I suspect Pax received the same text. Setting aside my chips, I wait for him to blow me off so he can work.
“I have to go,” he says, standing up. “You should take that nap and I’ll be back later. We’ll go out for dinner.”
Ford is still talking when he walks down the hallway to his bedroom. I follow after him, not wanting him to leave.
“Have you heard of the Elvis cover band that plays at the City by Night club? They’re called Blue Hawaii and they do rock versions of his songs. The band is pretty good and the club serves seafood.”
“I’ve never heard of them,” I say while he tugs on a jersey over his tee.
Ford shoves his feet into boots and straps them tight. Once he’s dressed, he takes my hand and guides me back into the living room.
“Ford!” Pax calls from downstairs.
“I know. I’m coming.”
Ford turns to me and cradles my face in his powerful hands. “This thing will take a few hours at least. When I get back, we’ll go out and eat. Sound good?”
Tugging at his shirt, I smile. “Be careful.”
“No one in this fucking place can touch me and Pax,” he says, kissing me softly before nipping at my lip playfully. “Don’t worry. Just relax. Eat or watch TV or sleep. Whatever you want. Folgers will keep you safe.”
“Keep me safe?” I say, losing my smile.