Devil's Ride by Clementine Roux Page A

 
                  *
     
                   
                   The whole town came to life. Everywhere Alessandra looked there were throngs of people, talking, laughing, drinking and having the time of their lives. She hadn't heard from Joe in over ten hours and lost all hope that she would anytime soon.
                   
                  After a day of playing the third wheel to Sammi and Robert, she was ready to go to her room and cry the night away. When Joe left earlier in the day, she thought she'd hit an all-time low in their relationship, but now with hours to think about how bad things had become, she realized that she was sinking further and further into the abyss of the unknown relationship status.
                   
                  Part of her wanted to be angry at him for failing to communicate with her and for sulking like a spoiled child, but another part --- a larger part of her - felt like she'd brought all this on herself. What was supposed to be a wonderful trip took yet another drastic turn and twice in less than a year Devon Matthews had managed to ruin her vacation. Just like Florida, she was alone and confused.
                   
                  "I hope that pout is because you miss me?" Devon whispered in her ear.
                   
                  Alessandra nearly dropped her drink on the table at the sound of his voice.
     
    Sammi turned around, choking on her drink.
     
    Robert jumped to her aid, surprised to find a man standing behind Alessandra.
                   
                  "Hey, sorry. Didn't mean to startle you," Devon apologized to Sammi and Robert. "Congratulations."
                   
                  Robert's eyes grew cold as he assessed the tall, muscular man. "Yeah. Thanks," he said, dryly.
                   
                  "Mind if I take a seat?" Devon sat down, pulling his chair closer to Alessandra before anyone had a chance to protest. "What are you drinking? I'll buy you another round?" He motioned for the scantily clad waitress to come to the table. "Get them another round on me."
                   
                  She flashed a big, toothy smile and winked. "Sure will, hot stuff."
                   
                  "Thanks, babe," Devon answered, winking back at her.
                   
                  Annoyed, Alessandra asked, "What are you doing?"
                   
                  "Ordering drinks. I know her." He thought that's what Alessandra was annoyed by.
                   
                  "No. What are you doing here ?" Alessandra asked, emphasizing her point.
                   
                  He licked his lips, his eyes boring into hers, sending rampant waves of pleasure down her spine. "Spending time with you. Isn't that what you wanted?"
                   
                  Ignoring the warmth searing through her body, Alessandra answered through clenched teeth, "I never said that. You need to go."
                   
                  The waitress stepped in between them, making a point to rub her leg on Devon's. "Here you guy, sweetheart."
                   
                  Devon placed his hand on her hip, holding a one-hundred-dollar bill in between his fingers. "Thank you, sexy."
                   
                  Alessandra pushed her chair back and stood up. "I'll be back," she said to Sammi.
                   
                  "Wait! I'm coming with you." Sammi got up to follow her, leaving Robert and Devon alone at the table.
                   
                  Alessandra felt