Page 90 of The Originals

“I like your face like this,” Jack said, dropping his gaze down her body.

Her skin heated, and she felt a rush shoot straight down to her core. Jack was giving her every mixed signal in the book. Colleen should’ve thanked him for the compliment and ignored the innuendo. But she couldn’t.

“Anything else you like?”

His jaw squared, and his heated stare met hers. “Yeah, but that’s gonna get me in trouble, darlin’.”

She leaned an inch closer, whispering, “I won’t tell, if you don’t.”

Colleen stared back at Jack until he arched his brow. If this was a game, Colleen was ready to forfeit.You win, now take me to your bed, Jack.

He smiled, letting out a heavy sigh. He dropped his hand from her waist and gestured to the counter across the room. “Get yourself a cup of coffee.”

Game over.For now.

She walked to the coffee machine, sneaking a peek over at Jack. His gaze was still locked on her with a small smile playing on his lips. He liked her without makeup. That statement alone would have her flying high for the rest of the day. Maybe even the week.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Jack heard the bike from down the street but didn’t call attention to it. He didn’t want her freaking out if it was Dunn. Jack would handle it, but he didn’t want her worried or upset. As the motorcycle got closer, he recognized the sound of the engine and relaxed a bit. It wasn’t Dunn.

He cupped his mouth, replaying the little scene from a few minutes ago. Resisting her advances was harder than he imagined.

Jack watched Colleen make her coffee. Lots of cream and three sugars. By all accounts, she probably wouldn’t be tasting too much coffee. Jack lifted his cigarette to his lips, taking a strong drag and squinting as his gaze traveled over her body. He’d never seen her so covered up and yet somehow sexier. Her crop top showed off her stomach, and her shorts hugged her ass. Without hiding behind all her makeup, her face shined and showed off her youth. Colleen couldn’t be more than her mid-twenties and fifteen years his junior.

She lifted the cup and suddenly stilled, darting her eyes from the kitchen window to the door. He could see her panic and feel her tension in the small room.

“Mick,” Jack said, and her gaze jerked to him. He raised his brows. “It’s Mick.”

Jack had an uncanny ability to know the distinct sound of most of his brothers’ bikes. Relief washed over her features, and she offered a shaky smile. When Jack heard the bike shut down, he pushed off the edge of the counter and circled the table.

“I’ll go upstairs,” she said, and rushed through the kitchen, cupping her mug with both hands.

Jack held out his arm, blocking her path.

“Stay.”

She bit her bottom lip, frozen in her spot. Jack could feel her eyes on him. She was seconds from taking off through the room. But she didn’t. He walked to the door just as Mick was walking up the stairs.

“Mornin’.”

Jack lifted his chin, pushed open the door, and allowed Mick to pass through. He was halfway through the living room when he noticed Colleen near the doorway. She was wide-eyed and still clutching her mug. She looked like a deer caught in headlights.

“Hey, Coll.” Mick lifted his chin then looked back at Jack, smirking.

“I should go upstairs,” she mumbled, not asking for permission, rather escaping the room and rushing up the stairs. Even Jack couldn’t contain his smile. He walked into the kitchen with Mick following close behind.

“Am I allowed to ask about that?” Mick pointed to the ceiling.

Jack ignored the question, folded his arms, and narrowed his gaze. Mick laughed and held up his hands.

“Sorry, brother. Just thought when you left last night, you’d be dropping her off somewhere, not bringing her home.”

Everyone had already left or gone to their rooms last night when Jack took off with Colleen. How did Mick know?

“How’d you know she left with me?”

Mick walked to the pantry, grabbing a mug. “I called the clubhouse. Meg was worried about Colleen, so I was gonna offer her my room for the night. Gunner said she left with you.” Mick poured his coffee, smiling. “Gotta say, wasn’t expecting to see her playing house here.”