“Does it look like I got her fucking number, Frankie?”
“You’ve never been turned down before, have you?” I ask him, shocked at how badly he’s taking this rejection.
“Why would anyone turn me down? I’m a fucking catch,” he says, and scarily he’s serious.
“Sure you are.” I hold my hand up and get another drink put in front of me. “Well, here’s to firsts.”
“Firsts?” Esterio raises a brow in question.
“The first time you’ve been turned down, and the first time I’m actually going to do something I want,” I tell him as my eyes connect with a pair of dark brown ones, belonging to the man who just walked through the door.
Tossing the drink back, I stand and run around the bar. My arms wrap around Emilio’s neck. He catches me as I jump at him. And then my lips press against his.
Right now, I don’t care who’s watching.
Chapter Eleven
The strong taste of tequila hits me the moment Frankie slides her tongue against mine. She’s drunk. No way would she be running up and kissing me in public if sheweren’t. Do I let that stop her from attacking my mouth like a hungry panther? Fuck no. I’ve never claimed to be a good guy.
“You okay?” I ask her when she pulls away, her chest rising and falling.
“Better now that you’re here. Do you have any idea how boring your brother is?” She laughs and unwraps her legs from around my waist. I reluctantly let her feet drop to the ground. I don’t let go of her. My hands shift from her ass to her lower back.
“It seems like you’re having a good time, though,” I tell her while looking over her shoulder towards where Esterio is sitting at the bar watching us.
“Come on, I need another drink.” Frankie slips out of my hold and turns. I’m quick to wrap my arm around her shoulder, leading her back towards the bar. I want every fucker in here to know she’s mine.
When we reach Esterio, I look down at his usually pristine suit. It’s wet. “What happened to you?”
“Someone spilled their drink on me,” he grunts.
“More like a woman threw a drink in his face and then slapped him.” Frankie laughs.
“What happened toyou?” Esterio nods to my arm.
“Got caught in the crosshairs.” I shrug.
Frankie turns around to face me. Her eyes land on my arm, the torn fabric and small amount of blood that’s drying there. “What? Who? How?” she stutters out. “Shouldn’t you be seeing a doctor or something?”
“It’s just a scratch. I’m fine,” I tell her.
“What about a tetanus shot? Antibiotics? Should I call Aunt Evie and ask her?” Frankie looks up at me. Her eyes show genuine worry.
“Do not call my mother, Frankie. I’m fine,” I tell her. “What I want is a drink.”
“Okay,thatI can get you. Esterio here taught me how to do tequila properly. It’s disgusting, by the way.”
“You shouldn’t say that too loud around these parts.” I laugh.
The bartender comes over. “Usual?” she asks me in Spanish.
“Yes, please, and whatever she’s been drinking,” I reply in English, knowing full well the girl can speak it.
“Are you free later? My bed is cold and you could warm it,” she continues in Spanish anyway.
Esterio mutters something under his breath, but it’s Frankie’s reaction that has me pausing. She spins around, reaches up, and presses her lips to mine. She doesn’t say anything, but winks at me when she sits back down on the barstool and turns to my brother. “Do you guys come here often?”
“I don’t know what gave you the impression I’d be jumping into your bed, but this is my future wife. Show her the same respect you’d give any member of my family,” I tell the bargirl in Spanish. Frankie’s back stiffens.