Danger (The Driven World)

Danger laughs. “That’s my woman,” he says into the microphone, but it almost feels like he’s staking his claim and my skin erupts with goosebumps.

Chapter 5

Danger

I stare into a camera with Monterey by my side. I place a hand on her backside, dangerously close to her tight ass, and she pushes my hand up higher. I laugh.

The main reason I couldn’t keep myself from telling the world that Monterey was my girl was because of her ex-boyfriend, Thad Jeffries. I heard they dated a long time ago, and I wasn’t gonna pass up the opportunity to put that fucker in his place.

And damn it worked. After the press conference I could see Thad trying to get some alone time to talk to Monterey, but she wasn’t having it.

She’s strong. And I have to say I like that about her.

She’s way too good for the likes of me, and if this thing were ever real, well, she’d realize that and leave me right where I stand.

Good thing it’s fake.

The Daily News takes one more snapshot of us and then the photographer smiles and nods. “Got enough,” he says and walks away.

“So, Monty, did you like your introduction as my girl?”

“Ok, no nicknames. Especially Monty. I sound like a poodle or something.”

I laugh. “Sorry, I just wanted to hurt Thad where it counts.”

She pulls me in for a hug when another reporter walks by. “It was actually perfect. I think I just might dislike him more than you.”

I let her arms wrap around me, and for once in my life I let this non-sexual act unfold. It feels weird. I don’t think I’ve been hugged, like an actual hug, in a really long time.

My eyes must be registering as all shock because Monterey takes one look at them and drops her hands to her side. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to touch…” her words fall away when I wrap my arms around her waist and squeeze her tight.

It’s just a hug, jackass.

I’m not sure why it’s affecting me so damn much, but for some reason it is.

I laugh a bit awkwardly when she steps away.

“I just need to talk to my father.”

I nod.

Fuck, our first interaction as a couple, and my chest is all warm and fuzzy. I need a drink. Pronto.

Luther and Monterey meet me near the entrance when they’re done talking to a few more media outlets.

“I think you and Monterey should take the Benz and drive to Indy. Get to know each other,” Luther says with a big smile all over his old-man face.

“Sure thing, sir,” I shake his hand as he gives me the key to his car. “I’ll take good care of her.”

“You bet you will. She’s my only heir.” Luther chuckles, and I won’t dare tell him I had meant I’d take good care of the car.

Monterey and I make our way to the parking area, and I open her car door. “I think I should drive,” she says, holding out her hand for the key.

“Not a chance in hell.” I leave her standing by the passenger door and make my way to the driver’s side and slide into the leather seat. “I figure you already packed?”

She nods, moving into the passenger seat. “Yes, my things and your things were moved into the trunk.”

“So efficient.” I click my tongue.

“Just drive.”

I smile. “Now that’s something I do very well. It’s actually the second best thing I’m good at.”

She rolls her eyes as I pull away from the curb. “Oh let me guess. The first one is sex.”

I crack a smile. “No, I was going to say eating pussy, but sure I guess driving is the third best thing I’m good at.”

“You really have way too much confidence for one man.”

I step on the accelerator and pull onto the interstate. “So tell me, what happened between you and Thad?”

She mumbles something incoherent and settles deeper into her seat. “Where do I begin?”

I smile. “Well, we have a long drive, why not start at the beginning.”

“He cheated on me.”

I swallow. She’s way too good for Thad. Hell, she’s even way too good for me. If I had friends they’d be lining up around the block telling me that this girl is definitely out of my league.

Good thing I don’t have any friends.

“So that’s what you want then?”

“Is monogamy really too much to ask for?”

I shrug. “No, that’s not what I mean. Do you want a husband? Is this what you’re looking for?”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “Well, if you’re asking me if I wanted you as my husband, the answer would be no.”

Monterey is one of those women who’s very confident in her own skin. She’s incredibly feminine. And a little too sweet. Also, a little too pure. It makes me want to dirty her up.

“You hungry?” I ask her after we’ve made it a few miles out of LA.