She ducked back, not meek or frightened as he would expect an innocent victim to act, but with fists up and muscles flexed in a defensive pose, ready to jump over the counter and maul his ass. After a split second’s pause, she pawed for the knife and almost snagged it, but he was faster. Barely. Damn, she had sharp reflexes. Along with spunk, good looks, and a badass body. “What the hell do you think you’re doing, coming in here with a goddamned weapon?” Her shoulders rose and dipped with a full breath, in through her nose and out through her mouth, but that was all it took to calm her. Her quick recovery brought with it a vicious scowl that packed palpable heat. She lifted her index finger and indicated the door. “Get out of here, asshole.” Her deep, threatening pitch chilled his marrow. The thin words were thick with promise. She would find a way to forcibly remove him if he defied her. No doubt. God, this woman. Such spirit. Damn shame he had to break her. When he stood his ground, she dropped a hand out of sight and shuffled around under the— He snapped the long blade toward her throat but didn’t touch her.
