“I’ve learned to depend on one person only—me.”
“That’s good, but you need someone to have your back. You know to fight and stand by you no matter what. I’ve got my brothers and can depend on them to fight or give up their life for me as I would for them without a second thought. Citizens just don’t fuckin’ get it.”
“A mushroom-Swiss burger, a salad—dressing on the side,” a waiter said, putting the plate in front of Mia. He put the other burger in front of Army, asked if they wanted anything else, then promised to return to fill the water glasses.
“This looks so good,” Mia gushed as she cut her burger in half.
“They have the best damn fries. Try one.”
Army held one up and she smiled and leaned forward. His lips pressed against hers, leaving the salty taste of the fry in her mouth. He winked at her, kissed her again and then fed it to her. “Good?” His intense gaze deepened, and she could feel the level of sexual tension between them begin to rise.
Mia’s tongue skimmed around her lips while she watched him. “Very good,” she said softly while sitting back.
“I’m so fuckin’ hungry,” his voice sounded thick as he held her gaze, and she knew he didn’t mean for the fries and burger.
Mia’s breath caught as Army stood up slightly and placed his hand behind her head, pulling him toward his waiting lips. The kiss was tender and languid; he tasted of salt and whiskey and smelled spicy and earthy.
The clink of ice cubes drew their attention to their meals, and Army sat back down. The waiter filled their glasses, then dashed away.
Mia’s body hummed, missing Army’s lips, his taste … his heat. She looked down at her burger and wondered if she could eat it with all the somersaults going on in her stomach.
“Aren’t you gonna eat?” he asked, picking up his mammoth burger and positioning it near his mouth.
“Yeah.” She picked up her fork and speared a tomato then popped it into her mouth.
“I wish we had burgers like this in Alina. I try to come here when I’m in town. I usually bring my dad.”
“It sounds like you’re close to him.”
“Sorta. I respect him for raising us after my mom skipped out. We don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things. Taylor and Asher lived up to his expectations. When Taylor goes pro, my dad’s gonna throw the biggest damn party.”
“Does your other brother live in Durango still?”
“Yeah. He’s hitched and has a son—Joshua.” Army laughed and a wistful look glazed his eyes. “He’s about nine months old, and he cracks me up.”
“I bet you spoil the hell out of your nephew.”
“I do.” He took another big bite.
Mia watched the muscles in his jaws and wondered whether they’d moved the same way if he was eating her out. “Oh,” she moaned, immediately embarrassed.
“Thinking about something dirty? I hope it involved me.”
Dammit!“Not at all. I was rubbing my calf with my boot. It feels good.”
The corner of his lip twitched as he looked at her, desire burning in his gaze. “That’s the story you’re going with?”
All of a sudden, her mouth went dry and she lowered her lids and grabbed the water glass. After several gulps, she cleared her throat. “Is your married brother older than you?”
He guffawed and shook his head. “I’m the oldest. Asher’s two years younger, and Taylor’s five.”
He’s twenty-nine … Three years older than me.
“What about you? What’s your family’s deal?”
“Totally fucked up. Unlike yours, everyone but me has been to jail.”
Army picked up the napkin and wiped his mouth. “Shit happens. I’ve been arrested a few times.”