Riveted (6 page)

“Another drink, Sir? Maybe something a little manlier this time?”

Tackett looked up and met Micah’s laughing blue eyes. Oh, this one was a pistol all right. Micah couldn’t be much more than twenty-one, twenty-five, tops, and while he had sub written all over him, he also had an air of confidence that rivaled most Doms Tackett knew. How the hell this smartass kid ever got a job in a BDSM club was a mystery.

“Manly? And what would a kid like you know about manly? Have you even started shaving yet?”

“Only my balls, Sir.” He chuckled and picked up the empty glass off the bar. “Another tonic with a lime twist? Or could I interest you in a marshmallow cake-tini? You’ll love it. It’s pink and has these yummy little sprinkles on the rim.” Micah’s smile turned playful. “I could even add a cute little umbrella.”

Ten years ago—hell, six weeks ago—Tackett would have answered the challenge in those baby-blue eyes. He’d have wiped that teasing smile off and left a completely different kind of smile behind, one made from pure bliss and sedation. However, the melancholy funk he’d been in was still riding him hard and he simply wasn’t up to playing the game tonight.

“I’ll just take another water.”

Micah’s smile faltered, but he recovered quickly, though the laughter in his eyes dimmed when his baiting tactics proved ineffective. “Yes, Sir.”

He set another water—without a cute umbrella—down in front of Tackett. “Thank you.”

Micah opened his mouth to say something, but snapped it shut when Blake took the stool to Tackett’s right. “Good evening, Tackett.” He nodded toward the water. “I take it you’ve come to play tonight?”

He was aware of Micah’s eyes on him, felt the younger man lean in a bit closer, no doubt wondering what Tackett’s answer would be. If Micah was hoping to play with him, he was going to be sorely disappointed.

“Evening, Blake.” Tackett picked up his glass and tipped it at him. “No playing tonight—just thirsty.” He took a sip, then set the glass back down and stole a glance at a now scowling Micah.

Ever observant, Blake also noticed Micah’s interest in their conversation. “Micah, there is a customer who requires your assistance.”

The flirty smile reappeared on the kid’s face, and he took a step back. “Yes, Sir.” He winked at Tackett before moving down to the other end of the bar. Tackett’s gaze was drawn to the exaggerated swish and sway of Micah’s hips.

Blake chuckled. “I do believe you have an admirer.”

Micah placed his hands on the bar in front of the customer at the end, spread his legs and pushed out his tight little butt. Jesus, the kid was begging to be beaten. Tackett shook his head at his antics.

“Nah. I’m guessing that boy is just a terminal flirt.”

“He’s a flirt, all right. It makes him a very popular bartender, but he saves these kinds of extremes for when you’re around.”

When Tackett turned away from Micah’s backside, he had schooled his features, not showing any interest. “What’s his story, anyway?”

“He started working here right around the same time Ty was hired. He came from The Whip.”

“They got tired of his antics, I take it?”

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Riveted ©Copyright SJD Peterson, 2013

Published by

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Ste 2, PMB# 279

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover art by Zathyn Priest

This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the Publisher. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press at: 5032 Capital Circle SW Ste 2, PMB# 279  Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886

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Released in the United States of America

April 2013

eBook Edition

eBook ISBN: 978-1-62380-592-0