descended the stairs.
While the others loaded into the limo, Burk and I hung back on the porch until the ladies finally rushed from the lodge.
Burk let out a low wolf whistle. As he undressed Sofia with his eyes, he slid a hand to the small of her back and led her toward our ride.
As Mia’s intoxicating scent of wildflowers and spice filled my senses, I extended my elbow. “Shall we?”
“What are you doing?”
“Escorting you to your chariot, Miss Harris.”
With a laugh, she rolled her eyes and looped her arm through mine. “You’re crazy.”
“Probably, though it’s never been clinically diagnosed. But I am sane enough to know that you look beyond beautiful.”
A shy smile tugged her lips. “Thank you. I must say, you look quite handsome yourself, Mr. Page.”
“I clean up pretty good from time to time.”
The smile fell from her face. “Oh, my gosh. I just realized that I hogged the entire bathroom. How did you get cleaned up?”
“I borrowed Darren’s shower. It’s all good.”
“Damn. I’ve never shared a bathroom before. I wasn’t even thinking. My bad.”
“It’s all right. Besides, if you look this delicious after hogging the bathroom, I’ll take my showers from the garden hose from now on.”
Suspicion narrowed her eyes. “What are you up to? Why all the flattery?”
Yeah, I was laying it on a little thick, but phase one of my plan was to get Mia to relax again so I could start opening her up.
“I’m not up to anything.” Liar. “You look stunning. That’s not flattery. That’s the truth.”
“If you say so.” The lines of skepticism smoothed from her face as she climbed into the limo.
When Mia eased onto the seat between Duke and Mick, I wanted to gnash my teeth. But when the Cro-Magnon keyboard player flashed her one of his patented pretty-boy smiles, I wanted to break his damn jaw. Biting back a snarl, I flopped down beside Ross and watched every move the poaching prick made.
“Don’t be an idiot,” Ross warned for my ears only.
“What?”
“She’s so not into him.”
“How do you know?”
“You need to get out of the forest so you can see the trees, dumb fuck.”
A humorless chuckle rumbled in the back of my throat. “That’s ripe coming from you, man. You’ve been an island for so long, I’m surprised you remember what the forest even looks like.”
Ross scowled. “I remember every fucking day.”
“I think we just reached bar central,” Darren announced as he swiveled in his seat and stared out the tinted window.
Syd gasped and pointed. “Look at that line of pretty, young nubile co-eds waiting to get into that bar. Oh, daddy wants…wants them all. Please tell me we’re hitting that place, Quinn.”
Duke’s eyes nearly popped out of his head as he craned his neck to get a better view.
“It’s the first on my list.” Quinn chuckled.
“Bless you.” Syd sighed dreamily. “Daddy’s coming, ladies. Coming to teach you how to get down and nasty.”
“Slow your roll, stud muffin,” Quinn chided. “We’re here to check out the place, not the patrons, so keep your dick in your pants.”
“Why do have to go steal my fun?” Syd whined. “It’s been weeks since I’ve gotten laid. I’m turning into a monk here.”
“Bitch, puhlease,” Ross drawled as the limo pulled to the curb.
When the driver opened the door, Quinn stepped out first. The curious murmurs of the people standing in line outside filtered into the vehicle.
“Stay right by me, no matter what,” Burk instructed Sofia.
She swatted his arm. “None of those girls are going to get past me to get to you, my love. Lead the way.”
He kissed her hard and fast, then jerked his chin toward the rest of us. “Ready to circle the wagons?”
“Let’s do this.” Darren nodded.
“Wait. What does that mean?” Mia asked.
“Shit. Sorry, I forgot.” Burk cringed.
“It means we all pile out of here as fast as we can, form a tight circle, and get inside where we’re going,” I explained, offering Mia my hand across the narrow aisle. “It’ll be fine. We’ve done this a million times. But we’ll keep you in the middle of us just to play it safe.”
“I’ll protect her,” Duke volunteered as he stood, hunching over.
“No,” I bit out. “She stays in the middle of us so she doesn’t get mauled.”
Mia’s lips pressed to a thin, mutinous line as she scooted to the edge of her seat and bolted out the door.
“Son of a bitch,” I growled.
Shoving Duke aside, I charged after her.
“Go. Go. Everybody out. Now,” Burk barked from behind me.
The low hum