Beautifully Brutal (Southern Boy Mafia #1) Read Free Page B

arms and shoulders. But he knew that the flirty skirt that caressed her mid-thigh wasn’t just to draw his eyes to her superb legs. No, that skirt was hiding her weapon, the one she kept strapped to her thigh at all times.
    When the four guests neared, Max didn’t take his eyes off her.
    “Courtney,” he greeted assuredly, willing her to meet his gaze.
    “Max.” The way she said his name, so cold and emotionless, only made his dick twitch, but he didn’t allow his expression to change. Instead, he admired the blush that bloomed on her chest and carried up to her cheeks. That was something he loved about her, how easily she responded to him, even though she didn’t want to. She continued speaking as he admired her sexy mouth. “You’ve met Ryan Trexler. This is Trace Kogan, and this is Ryan’s sister, Marissa.”
    Yes, Max knew Ryan Trexler, better known to most as RT. In fact, Max knew Ryan’s entire family, as well as the Kogans. It was his business to know about people he suspected of snooping into his organization. With that in mind, the crew at Sniper 1 Security was one he kept his eyes on at all times. Hence the reason they were there.
    And tonight, the mere fact that RT was pretending to be Courtney’s date, escorting her to Max’s house, would’ve gotten him killed if it weren’t for the fact that Max knew the man was gay. Yes, RT’s preference for men was the only reason he was still breathing.
    “Very nice to see you again,” Max said, smiling as he cast a brief glance at RT’s sister, politely shaking Marissa’s hand.
    “Likewise,” Marissa replied in kind.
    “Thank you again for the invitation,” RT said, his eyes searching the room.
    Max looked directly at RT when he spoke. “Well, I’d say that I’m happy to see you again, but I’d be lying. However, I do hope you manage to enjoy yourselves tonight,” Max stated dismissively, his eyes traveling over Courtney once again before stopping on her face. “As for you, I hope you’ll save at least one dance for me.”
    Courtney didn’t respond, at least not with words. Max pretended not to care, not to be overwhelmed with the urge to pull her against him and claim her mouth, forcing her to face this thing between them. This thing she’d been running from for two fucking years. It wasn’t the chase that bothered him. Max was all for working for what he wanted, but with Courtney, his willpower came into play. Or lack thereof. The very fact that she could shatter his control bothered him more than anything.
    Max watched until Courtney disappeared into the crowd, her friends following close behind.
    Touching the earpiece that traveled down into his shirt, Max said, “Leyton. I want eyes on those four at all times. Also, have someone outside. I’m sure there are others.”
    “Yes, sir,” came the gruff agreement from his head of security. “We’ve got eyes on the three at the perimeter of the house.”
    “Good. As for these four, don’t let them leave this room.”
    “On it, sir.”
    For the next hour, Max managed to keep from seeking Courtney out, but it wasn’t easy. Mingling with guests, listening to stories he’d heard a half dozen times already while anticipating seeing her, wasn’t exactly what he’d consider an enjoyable evening, but it was part of the job. At least the former was.
    As he made his way across the room to the bar, Leyton approached, leaning his head in and speaking quietly. “Sir, we’ve got someone at the door. He’s insistin’ he talk to you. Says his name is Barry Thompson.”
    Max lifted his head and met Leyton’s unwavering gaze. “Have someone bring him in. Hold him somewhere, I don’t care where, just don’t let him into this room.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Approaching the bar, Max nodded to the bartender, who stopped what he was doing and proceeded to make Max’s drink. As Max stood there, waiting, he turned to scan the room when Courtney approached. He watched as she fiddled with the diamond