She started to move by them when the same big guy squeezed her elbow tighter.
“I ain’t finished talking to you.”
She was shocked, and if she didn’t have the bruised ribs she would have used one of her moves on the asshole. But she didn’t have to, as the deep Texan voice roared over her shoulder.
“I suggest you release her now, Dudley, or I’ll break your fucking neck.”
She swallowed hard as Dudley immediately released her then stepped back. His friends took off, leaving him standing there with his mouth hanging open.
“I was just talking with her.”
“Don’t look that way to me. She’s off limits. Got it?”
Dudley nodded then quickly turned and left.
Susanna began to turn toward Monte when she felt his arm go around her waist and his face press against her cheek and ear.
“You are supposed to be resting. Doctor’s orders.”
She shivered from a combination of his anger and his sexy voice.
“I was just heading up now to rest a bit. I had that under control.”
“Sure you did. Now move.” He took her hand but kept his arm around her waist gently as he guided her through the crowd, being sure to make a pathway so she wouldn’t get bumped. It wasn’t hard to do despite the crowded club. People saw Monte coming and got out of the way fast. It was just like when BJ was in the club. The crowds parted like the Red Sea as he walked through.
She saw Ava on their way toward the private door that exited to the back rooms and elevator.
“Are you okay?” Ava asked, concerned. Then she looked at Monte, and he tipped his hat at her.
Before Susanna could answer, Monte did for her.
“She overdid it. She needs to rest a bit. Can you handle things?”
She raised her eyebrows at him and gave him the once-over. Susanna chuckled.
“Take care of the patient and I’ll handle things down here.”
He smiled and then turned Susanna toward the doorway as Ava winked at Susanna.
The gossip was going to be even worse tonight.
They headed into the elevator, and Susanna tried to move away from Monte. He held her against his body, and as she glanced up over her shoulder to tell him she was fine, she saw the serious expression in his eyes. He was pissed off.
She looked up toward the surveillance camera and waved at Carl and Richie, knowing that they were watching this. Once she got into her office and the back room, there were no more cameras.
The doors opened and they exited the elevator, making their way to her office.
She opened it and walked into the room and immediately leaned against the desk. Her ribs were hurting, but she tried to play it off.
“So what brings you around the club tonight?”
He didn’t answer. Instead, he took off his Stetson and placed it on her desk, brushing by her hip as his arm passed her. She shivered from the slight contact then swallowed hard. She was completely aroused with him this close to her.
He stepped into her space and placed his hands on the desk behind her, locking her in place.
He stared down into her eyes.
“First of all, you’re supposed to be resting. You’re in pain and haven’t taken anything the doctor gave you.”