Vice (Tortured Heroes Book 1) by Jayne Blue

ground.
    “Devin,” he said after taking a deep breath. “Relax. We’re on the same page. We’re also both fully consenting adults. I’m not going to stand here and pretend I really, really didn’t mind kissing you. But I’m a sensible man and I’m not looking to screw anything up here either. We had a moment. It’s cool. Let’s not talk it to death.”
    “Right.” I took an awkward step backward and out of Jase’s arms. I wanted nothing more than to slide right back into them. Shit. This was worse than I thought. “And again, thank you for not being a dick.”
    “Not a problem. I don’t always succeed at that so I’ll take it as the true compliment I know it was.”
    I crossed my arms in front of me and gave him a weak smile. “I don’t do that a lot, you know.”
    “Give compliments? Well, then I really appreciate it.”
    “No. No. I mean … I don’t throw myself at guys a lot. I mean ever. It’s just, well, a complication I don’t need. You know? I just didn’t want to give you the impression that I’m something other than what I am.”
    Jase leaned against the desk. His look was half amusement, half smolder, and all infuriating. He crossed his arms in front of him and made little figure eights with his head as I kept on talking. God. This wasn’t me. This guy had me all tied up in knots. Maybe the stress of club business was getting to me more than I realized.
    “Devin,” he said, finally putting his palm up in a stopping gesture. “Can I ask you a question?”
    “Sure.”
    “When’s the last time you took a day off?”
    The room grew so silent I swear I could hear myself blinking. “A day off? I don’t. I run this place.”
    “Not even on Sundays?”
    “I … what? I’m not proud of it, but I don’t really go to church, Jase.”
    He smiled. “I’m not asking about your religious preferences, Devin. I’m asking about your mental health. I think you’re letting this place drive you into the ground. Now that we’ve established what we can’t be to each other, I was kind of hoping maybe we could be friends. I’m thinking you could use some. And as your friend, I think you’re wound a little tight. That’s all I’m saying.”
    I opened my mouth to say something but felt the build of another rush of words that would make his head spin again. I clamped my mouth shut and pursed my lips together. The second I did it, he laughed.
    “What?” I didn’t like being mocked.
    He broke into a full-throated laugh that sent vibrating heat straight through me. God, I loved the sound of it. Wicked and dark like strong whiskey. When I blinked, my mind flashed to a vision of Jase standing in front of me stark naked and pulling me close.
    “I’m not laughing at you,” he said, putting a hand up in surrender. “Honest. I’m not. I like you like this. It’s a side I’m guessing you don’t show to too many people. Off guard. Not in control.”
    “Yeah? Well, I don’t like it one bit. I’m sorry. Again. Can we just go back to twenty-four hours ago? You work for me. You’re good at your job. We’re friendly but I don’t need any more friends, Jase.”
    His face fell, and I instantly regretted sounding bitchy. I had no choice. I had to figure out a way to put the toothpaste back in the tube as far as my relationship with him. There couldn’t be a relationship with him. Every warning bell in me clanged loud along with the simmering desire he brought out in me.
    “All right, then,” he finally said, pushing himself up off the edge of the desk. He towered over me again. His face was kind but held a twinkle of mischief at the creased corners of those pirate eyes of his. “And I promise not to try and kiss you again.”
    “Thank you,” I said, even though we both knew I was the one who started it last night. “I appreciate your professionalism and I’ll make sure to keep mine in check too.”
    Something dark flashed in his eyes. Just like last night, he made a move to leave the