Page 104 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Two

“Not that kind of dime,” Farrow said when Donovan tossed acoin onto the counter.

“Ah.” Donovan reached under the bar and pulled out a white,dime-shaped disc. He handed the paper object over and waited.

Farrow set it on the bar as both women looked on curiously.Then he turned the full power of his charm—if one could call it that—on theBrazilian by locking gazes with her.

The woman flashed him a nuclear smile that stayed in placeeven when he dipped a finger into her margarita. As though more curious thansurprised, she looked down and watched as he tapped his wet finger on the disc,depositing two thick droplets onto it. The paper absorbed them immediately.

That was when Donovan noticed the blonde’s smile. Itfaltered just a little, and tension slid across her shoulders slightly as shestraightened unconsciously. She tightened her cheeks, forcing her expression tohold steady, unable to take her eyes off the disc.

Slowly, one pink line emerged.

The Brazilian’s pretty brows slid together. “What does thatmean?” she asked, her thick accent somehow cute and sexy at the same time.

“It means,” Donovan said, taking both the disc and margaritaand putting them behind the bar, “that someone slipped a narcotic into yourdrink.”

Her jaw dropped slightly as she studied Farrow, seeming evenmore confused than before.

Donovan knew what she was thinking. Why would a man at a bardrug her and then test the drink for drugs? She had yet to notice that hercompanion’s face had paled, and her friend clutched her bag to her chest. Atleast Donovan now knew where to find her stash.

“Rohypnol is such a nasty way to get a date,” Donovan saidto the blonde. He snapped his fingers at his bouncer, a biker with shady tiesto the mafia.

Michael walked over to them as though annoyed at beingsummoned. It was a mafioso thing. Donovan could give his best friend ahundred-dollar tip, and the man would act as though it were beneath him to takeit. But take it he would.

Clearly stunned, the Brazilian leaned back, looking at herfriend from around Farrow.

Donovan gestured toward the blonde as he spoke to Michael.“Would you help this young lady to my office and call the police?”

“Will do.” Michael nodded at the blonde, who abruptly stoodas though readying to run. “I wouldn’t,” he said to her. “It’ll only piss meoff.”

She clamped her jaw shut and glared at the lot of them. “Youcan’t keep me here.”

“Actually, we can,” he said as he slid a large hand aroundher arm.

“I’m calling my lawyer,” she said.

Michael escorted her toward the back. “You’re going to needone.”

“Did she...?” The Brazilian was clearly still wrapping herhead around what’d just happened. Her gaze flitted from Donovan to Charley andthen back to Farrow. “Why would she try to drug me?”

Charley answered for them. “Isuspect she was worried you’d try to go home with my husband.”

The Brazilian’s shocked gaze landed on Farrow again. “You’remarried?” When he only nodded, the disappointment that flashed across her facewas impossible to miss.

“I completely understand,” Charley said. “Would you likeanother less-chemically-enhanced margarita?”

The woman sank onto her stool. “No. I think I’m donedrinking for a while.”

Charley nodded and poured her some sparkling water instead.She set it on the bar in front of her and then asked, “Are you rich? BecauseI’m thinking about putting him on the market.” She tipped her chin at herhusband. “I need a little spending money.”

“Oh, no,” the dark-haired woman said, seeming a thousandmiles away. She absently waved a hand and then snapped her attention back tothem when Charley’s meaning finally sank in. She looked Farrow up and down,then added, “But if I were, I’d pay top dollar.”

A devastating smile widened across Charley’s face, andDonovan pretended not to be affected by it. “That’s so sweet,” she said,covering the woman’s hand with hers for a quick squeeze. She was so good withpeople. So caring. Too caring, according to herhusband.

Farrow took a sip of his drink and then broke into Donovan’sthoughts by asking, “Have you been flirting with my wife again?”

“Again?” Donovan asked, deciding to wipe down the bar. “Inever stopped. How’d you know?”

“I have eyes,” Farrow answered.