Chapter 1: The Tease of the Tavern
The dim light of the Rusty Anchor tavern flickered over the worn wooden tables, casting shadows that danced with the sultry rhythm of the jazz spilling from the old jukebox. Marissa Kane, a woman with a reputation for breaking hearts as easily as she broke rules, leaned against the bar, her tight leather jacket unzipped just enough to hint at the curves beneath. Her dark hair cascaded over one shoulder, and her piercing green eyes scanned the room with a predator’s precision. She wasn’t here for cheap beer or small talk. She was hunting.
Across the room, Jace Ryder nursed a whiskey, his rugged jaw clenched as he watched her. He’d heard the stories—Marissa was a wildfire, untamable and scorching. His kind of trouble. He adjusted his stance, the denim of his jeans straining against his growing interest. Catching her gaze, he raised his glass with a smirk.
“Looking for someone to burn, Kane?” Jace’s voice cut through the hum of the crowd, low and taunting.
Marissa’s lips curled into a wicked grin as she sauntered over, hips swaying with deliberate intent. “Only if they can handle the heat, Ryder. Most melt before they even get close.”
He chuckled, leaning in, the scent of her jasmine perfume hitting him like a punch. “I’m forged in fire, sweetheart. Try me.”
Her eyes flicked down to the bulge in his jeans, then back up, unapologetic. “Big talk. Let’s see if that cock of yours backs it up, or if it’s just another empty promise.”
Jace’s grin widened, his voice dropping to a growl. “Oh, it’s hard and ready, darlin’. Question is, can that sharp tongue of yours keep up?”
Marissa stepped closer, her chest brushing against his, her puffy nipples straining against the thin fabric of her tank top, a tantalizing tease under the leather. She could feel the heat radiating off him, and it made her pulse race. “My tongue’s a weapon, Jace. It’ll have you begging before I’m done.”
His hand slid to her waist, fingers digging in just enough to make her breath hitch. “I don’t beg, Marissa. But I’ll make that pussy of yours drip until you’re the one pleading.”
She laughed, a throaty sound that sent a jolt straight to his groin. “Keep dreaming, cowboy. I don’t plead. I take.”
The air between them crackled, charged with raw, unspoken need. Marissa’s hand trailed down his chest, bold and unyielding, stopping just above his belt. “Meet me out back in five. Let’s see if you’re all talk or if you can fuck as good as you flirt.”
Jace’s eyes darkened, his grip tightening on her waist. “Five minutes, Kane. Don’t keep me waiting, or I’ll come find that fine ass of yours myself.”
As she pulled away, her smirk promised chaos, and Jace knew he was in deep. The tavern faded into a blur as he watched her stride toward the back door, every step a dare. His blood roared, cock throbbing with anticipation. Whatever happened next, it was going to be explosive—and he was ready to burn.
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