Dangerous Fling (Dangerous Noise 4)

I want to help ease his burden, however I can. It's not a friendly desire. It's not sexual either.

I'm very willing to fuck Mal out of his misery.

But I want more than that.

I ache for Mal.

He brings his other hand to my chin and tilts my head enough for us to be eye to eye.

His eyelids flutter closed as he presses his lips to mine.

My heart still aches but now it's warm too.

This isn't casual.

Does he feel it too?

Does he realize it?

The way he's kissing me, all soft and sweet and affectionate—he must feel something.

A laugh jerks me out of my thoughts. I jump backwards.

Ethan and Violet are standing in the lobby.

He smiles. "Why am I not surprised?"

"We're just talking." I smooth my dress so it's no longer riding up my leg.

Ethan nods right. He's dressed up in slacks and an oxford shirt. Violet looks as polished and pretty as she did at the after-party in a fit-and-flare black dress with sheer lace sleeves.

Okay, the outfit is also really sexy. The purple peep toe heels, crimson lips, and perfect smoky eye—not to mention the way her strawberry blonde hair is pinned back—only add to the goth sexpot vibe.

She smiles. "They never believe denials. I learned that the hard way. It's better to say nothing than to deny."

He wraps his arm around her waist. "Should they test that theory by asking what we

were doing before we came?"

She clears her throat.

"Thanks. I'll consider that." I try my best smile, but it's hard with all that frustration obvious in Mal's expression. "Should we get our table or wait?"

Ethan and Violet share a look. Then Ethan and Mal share a look.

Mal steps forward. "Why don't we sit down?" He makes eye contact with the hostess.

"Sure, sir." She grabs an impressive stack of menus. "Right this way."

We follow her into the quiet restaurant. It's a beautiful place overlooking Newport Harbor. The vibe is more romantic than familial—mostly couples staring into each other's eyes over the candlelight—but we're far enough in the corner that it doesn't matter.

Ethan and Violet take seats at the eight-person round table. She taps her crimson nails against the cream tablecloth.

Mal points to the seat with the best view of the harbor and pulls out the chair for me. Right now, he really looks like a nice boy to bring home to my parents. Not that my parents really care whether or not I date nice boys.

I slide into the seat and cross my legs. Shit, what do you do here? I don't go to fancy dinners. Only high school and college graduation.

I unfold my napkin and place it my lap. There.