Chapter 24
JACK
When Jessi and I arrive at the club, it’s not even nine. The massive garage doors are open, and music and laughter spill out into the parking lot. But the amount of bikes or cars around tells me things aren’t in full swing yet.
I wish I’d asked Jessi to take a ride instead of come here. Not only do I not want her to let go of me, but I don’t want anyone else drooling all over her. But damn, if she isn’t the hottest person here, and everyone knows it. I see the glares guys shoot her way—some ladies too.
But no one glowers as much as Natasha. As soon as we sit down, Natasha walks up to us and stares at Jessi like she’s a dead insect on her shoe.
“Who is she, Jack?” she says. “She’s cute—for a kid. Let her run off with the kids over there, while a real woman takes care of you.”
Jessi recoils at the insult then resets. She whirls around on the barstool to face Natasha with a look that could melt metal. “Hi. I’m Jessi, Jack’s roommate. I can assure you I’m not a kid. But I’m sure I’ll think young women look like kids when I’m as old as you.”
Then she twists back around like she owns the place.
Natasha’s face blazes and her eyes narrow as she sets her anger on me. “What a bitch.”
“Back off, Natasha.”
She sniffs and storms off.
I’m stunned at how Jessi handled herself. I have never seen her like that. Why does she let others treat her like shit if she has some backbone?
A territorial Jessi makes my cock twitch. I give myself a minute to readjust my pants.
When I eventually settle back on the barstool, I motion to Mike, who’s chatting at the other end of the bar. “Mike, this is Jessi. Jessi, this is Mike.”
Jessi grabs his hand, beaming. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard great things about you.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” Mike says.
I throw him a look, and he smirks.
“Hey, Sonny!” Mike calls. One of the women down the bar perks her head up and heads over.
“This is Jessi,” Mike tells her. “She’s a friend of Jack’s. Will you show her around?”
Sonny sets a washcloth down and sweeps her gaze over Jessi. Interest, not aggression, paints her expression. “Of course. I’d love to.” The two step aside and start talking.
While I chat with Mike, I keep an eye on Jessi, making sure she and Sonny get along.
Sonny is great, so I can’t imagine there being any issues.
I relax when they fall into easy conversation, and Jessi laughs at something Sonny says.
I tell myself I’m not letting her out of my sight because there are too many scumbags lurking around, but I know better.
My eyes never stray far from her because I can’t help soaking up her beauty.
Mike grabs beers for both of us and hands one over. “I assume my advice went out the window since we last spoke, but damn, I can’t really blame you.”
I rub my forehead and chew my bottom lip. “It’s complicated, but yeah. She’s staying for now.”
“Well, things are about to get much more interesting around here. Maybe Jessi will finally be the one to tame your ass down.” He jabs.
“I told you it’s not like that. I’m helping her out for a while, and then she’ll go back home.”
“Keep tellin’ yourself that, Jack.”
“Hey, you got a minute for more serious conversation?” I can’t believe I agreed to Jessi working at the club.
I’m sure it’s going to be my demise. All the boys who think their shit doesn’t stink and they can get any girl they want will be sniffing around her.
Why does she even need a job when she’s got me?
Maybe I should give her an allowance. Okay, that sounds bad, really bad, and it won’t help my conscience and the thoughts I have about burying my dick inside her.
Mike stares at me, probably trying to gauge how fucked up I am right now. “You look like you want to break something.”
“It’s Jessi.”
Mike’s lips twitch. “I’m shocked.”
My eyes narrow. “Very funny. Jessi wants a job here.”
Mike really starts laughing now. “Jessi wants a job here, and you’re gonna to let that happen?”
“I’m not her father. I can’t tell her no.” I’m getting more aggravated by the second.
“You may not be her father, but you sure want her to call you daddy.” He laughs so hard he starts coughing.
I smack his shoulder. “Keep your voice down. Don’t be ridiculous. It’s not like that with her. I’m giving her a safe place to stay and helping her get on her feet. How many times do I have to explain this? Fuck.”
Mike sobers. “So you have no interest in her at all?”
“No, I can recognize she is attractive—I’m not blind—but it isn’t like that.”
“If you say so,” Mike says, shaking his head. “Listen, if you’re cool with her working here, so am I. I trust your judgement. But do you trust her to keep her mouth shut? You better make it crystal fucking clear. We don’t tolerate snitches. Or jealousy either.”
“What do you mean ‘jealousy’?”
“She is going to get attention, and a lot of it. This club doesn’t need you going off and beating some guy’s ass in a rage because you can’t handle someone ogling her.”
The idea of watching Jessi parade around the club while guys follow her with their eyes sickens me, but I tamp down my annoyance.
“I know. We have had some conversations about the club, and she understands. I haven’t gone into great detail about everything with her, mind you.
Also, you know I would never put the club at risk.
As for the other men here, I won’t tolerate disrespect.
I know she’ll get hit on and probably go out on a few dates.
Like I said, she’s someone I’m helping out, not falling for.
Still, I’ll protect her if she needs it. ”
In fact, to make sure she’s safe, I’ll vet anyone who approaches her. Nothing wrong with that. Jessi is always saying she needs a friend, so why not be one?