Page 111 of Criminally Yours

“Didn’t your… husband say he’d come in when he finished his call?” Merryn asked. “You can tell him when he arrives. Besides, I need the practice. I’ve got a league game tonight.” She whispered in Millie’s ear, “And this is the first time Elsie has wanted to play darts with me. Please.”

“Okay.” Millie nodded, but anxiety still nipped at her skin.

As she threw her first dart, her shoulders relaxed.

“You’re a book-loving darts shark.” Elsie chuckled, staring at the triple twenty Millie landed.

Millie grinned as she shrugged. “Just lucky.”

“Hey.” The guy who’d tried to make eye contact with her sidled up to the table nearest where they played. Elsie eyed him warily.

“You’re drinking cider and playing darts. You might be my perfect woman.”

“I’m married.” She waggled her finger before throwing her next dart.

“That’s not a proper wedding band. Your husband’s cheap.”

Millie nibbled her lip. “I love my ring.”

“Don’t be an arsehole, Jez,” Merryn replied. “Her husband is gorgeous and adores her. You don’t compare.”

Jez rolled his eyes and pushed his hand through his shaggy hair. “I can still chat with her.”

Millie stood to the side while Elsie threw darts, but Jez moved to sit near her again. His friends rolled their eyes and called him back, but he stayed, studying her.

“Do you always try to pick up tourists?” Millie asked.

“All the time,” Elsie said while lining up her throw. “He’s a dog.”

“Just like his dad,” Merryn added.

“And his grandad,” Joyce said. Merryn nodded.

“You’re saying that because neither of them would date you, like I don’t want to date Elsie. I prefer the tourists,” hesaid, looking Millie up and down. His leer turned her stomach.

“You’re not my type,” Elsie muttered.

“What is your type, Elsie?” Merryn asked.

“Your turn, Millie,” Elsie said.

“I can rock your world, Millie. You won’t be able to walk by the time I finish with you.”

As she attempted to pass Jez, she tripped on his foot. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her to his lap. As she struggled, the hem of her dress rose.

Boots smacked on the floor, drawing everyone’s stares. “Get your fucking hands off my wife.”

“Strike,” Millie gasped. Strike was delicate as he took her hand.

“Oh my.” Merryn swooned.

“He’s like a knight riding his dragon into battle to save his woman!” Elsie clapped her hands.

Millie’s chuckle died in her throat when she glanced at his snarling face.

“Don’t ever talk to her, look at her, or touch her again. The next time you try it, I snap you like a twig. You got that, prick?” Strike said before turning to Millie, cupping her face and kissing her possessively.

It took her breath away—and his, too, because as he pulled away, he panted and put his forehead against hers. “Come with me, Sunset.”