Excerpt from Unmasking Kelly by N.J. Walters

Copyright © N.J. Walters, 2019

Liam worked his way down the bar, serving up tall, cold mugs of beer and mixing drinks until he finally reached her far corner. “Welcome to Brannigan’s, pretty lady. What can I get you?” His smooth, deep tones rolled across her skin like a caress. He stood in front of her with his hands on his hips and a twinkle in those deep blue eyes. His shirt was open at the top, emphasizing the strong column of his neck and offering her a tantalizing glimpse of his impressive chest. Really, the man was too sexy to be let out amongst the regular population.

She frowned when she realized he was staring at her. Glancing down, she had a quick peek at her cleavage to make sure she hadn’t fallen out of the bustier. It was close. Her breasts swelled against the lace trim, but her nipples were still covered. Barely.

Her head jerked up when she felt his fingers beneath her chin. But instead of releasing her, his hand cupped her jaw and he leaned closer. For a moment she thought he might kiss her. Her lips parted in anticipation. His breath was warm on her moist mouth. He was close. So very close.

“What can I get you?” His voice was so soft and seductive it took a few seconds for her to process the meaning of his words. She jerked her head back in embarrassment, her cheeks heating. While she’d been all but undressing the man with her eyes, he’d been waiting for her to order.

“White wine, please.” Her tone was briskly matter-of-fact and Kelly wanted to bang her head against the bar in frustration. She wasn’t supposed to use her regular voice. She’d practiced lowering her voice and speaking more slowly and sensually.

But Liam had turned away to fill her drink order, giving no indication that he recognized her. Good. All wasn’t lost. She could do this. She knew she could. When he placed her glass on the bar in front of her, she smiled at him. “Thank you, handsome.” This time, her voice was mellow with a come-hither tone.

He smiled his pirate’s grin. “You’re welcome. You here with anyone?”

This was it. This was her chance. Trying not to seem too eager, she picked up her glass and took a long sip. She lowered the glass back to the bar, licked her lips and allowed her tongue to stroke across first the upper and then the lower lip. His eyes tracked every movement of her tongue.

Was it just her or was the room getting hotter? Her costume suddenly seemed incredibly tight and she struggled to breathe. Her breasts felt so heavy and the tips ached unbearably. The tight lacing that cinched her waist and torso made her feel voluptuous and unbelievably sexy. Her pussy throbbed and she struggled not to squirm in her seat.

“No,” she managed to whisper. “I’m not with anyone.”

He leaned across the bar and stared into her eyes. The world around them disappeared. The sounds of the music, the chatter of the people and the din of the bar seemed to fade into nothing. There was only her and Liam.

His lips barely skimmed hers before leaving a trail of hot, moist kisses to her ear. He traced the whorl of her ear with his tongue before nipping the lobe with his teeth. “You are now,” he whispered. “If that’s what you want.”