The rich aroma of coffee curled into the air as she lifted the cup to her lips, the warmth spreading through her fingers. Across the bar, Hayes worked effortlessly, rolling up his sleeves, the ink on his forearms flexing as he poured whiskey into a glass. His eyes flickered to her, watching. Always watching.

A girl slid into the seat beside her, fidgeting. “You’re brave,” she whispered, staring at Hayes. “He looks… intense.”

She hummed, setting her cup down. “I’ve known him for a while.”

The girl exhaled, gathering courage. “I’ve been trying to get his number for weeks… You’re lucky, being able to talk to him so easily.”

She took another slow sip, a smirk curling on her lips. “Unfortunately for you, he’s married.”

The girl deflated. “Figures. To what kind of woman?”

Her smirk deepened. “An unhinged bitch he refuses to divorce.”

A deep, rich laugh rumbled from the other side of the bar. Hayes, shaking his head, slid a drink toward a waiting customer, amusement gleaming in his sharp blue eyes.

“Love,” he drawled, wiping his hands with a rag. “You wound me.”