Surrender Read Online Free PDF Page A

few minutes longer. I felt safe with him nearby.
    “Hey . . .” I hear someone call.
    I look up, not sure if it’s meant for me. Standing a few feet away is Garrick. Oh. My. God. He’s dressed in a tight black T-shirt and black slacks. My gaze drops lower. He’s wearing dark Lucchese boots.
    “Up here,” he says, pointing to his eyes.
    I giggle uncontrollably, stupidly, almost losing my cool. I’d sooner run away than let him see me naked. The song ends and I cover my breasts before I speak.
    “What are you doing here?” I ask, sidling up to him.
    “Is that the way to greet an old friend?” There’s that lopsided smile again.
    “I’m sorry,” I say, giving him my best pout. “Can I buy you a drink?”
    “You can buy me anything you want.”
    My heart somersaults. This guy makes my head spin.
    “Robyn . . .” It’s Adriana’s whiny voice.
    I’m supposed to scoot down a slot. “Follow me.” I motion downstage.
    Garrick nods and finds an empty chair. The DJ mumbles something over the microphone and then the music starts again. I’m kneeling in front of Garrick, doing my best to hide my exposed skin from his wandering gaze. I think he’s surveying my body on purpose to make me squirm. Payback for jumping out of his truck after we kissed. It’s working. I’m officially a schoolgirl again who can’t control herself in front of a hot guy.
    “Are you shy, Robyn?” he asks.
    What the hell? Those dark eyes pierce me like an arrow. I’m shocked and disappointed he’s here. I’m not proud of what I do for a living, but I’ve never been ashamed until now. “N-no.” I catch myself stuttering. “How did you find me?”
    He leans back in his chair and plops a boot down on the stage railing. I roll my eyes and slap his foot away. “Keep your feet off the stage. Be nice,” I reprimand, wagging a finger at him.
    He laughs and digs in his front pocket. His eyes grow darker, his gaze more intense as he stares at me again. He slaps a hundred-dollar bill on the ledge. “Dance for me, Robyn.”
    I shake my head. Absolutely not. “No.”
    “What’s wrong with you?”
    I draw in a shaky breath. That’s a question I’d like to know the answer to. “Nothing,” I fib. Everything.
    The song ends, and a couple of rowdy customers start complaining that I’m spending too much time with Garrick.
    “Find another dancer.” I turn them away.
    They stomp off.
    “That’s not very businesslike,” he says mildly.
    “What are you doing here, Garrick?” I’m determined to resist this guy. Maybe a string of Hail Marys would do the trick.
    “Homework.”
    “Come again?” What’s he talking about?
    “I accepted a job here two weeks ago. I’m the new head of security.”
    It’s a one-in-a-million coincidence. One I don’t appreciate. I wanted to remember this guy the way I saw him in his pickup truck—staring at me after I kissed him, his blood running as hot as mine. Not here. Not as a customer. It changes everything.
    “Congratulations,” I say halfheartedly. “I’m happy if you’re happy.” I shift on my now aching feet. Stilettos aren’t made for squatting in. “Don’t you need to check in with the owner or bar manager?”
    “Are you dismissing me?” He reaches forward, then cups my face.
    “No,” I say nervously. “You shouldn’t touch me.” Though I want him to. All over.
    “Why? Do you like it?”
    I frown, but can’t pull away. “I have a reputation.”
    His brow rises. “Oh, really? What kind of reputation?”
    “For slugging guys like you in the face,” Adriana answers for me.
    Garrick smiles. I look up, to see she’s tapping her foot impatiently.
    “What’s up with you tonight, Robyn?” She stares at me. “You’re never late to stage.”
    I stand. “Sorry, Adriana.” I ignore Garrick and walk to the corner and grab my stuff. I look across the aisle, toward the pickup truck. It’s empty. Priscilla must have gotten tired of waiting.
    “Come on, princess . . .”