38. Quinn
Quinn
CHATS WITH FRIENDS
“Stop following me.”
Roman, my shiny new bodyguard, seems to think he has to stay within two feet of me, and that’s just not going to work for me.
The only reason I gave up arguing with Xander about it is because I know that man well enough that, no matter what I say, he’s going to do it his way. He’s stubborn. Controlling. Absolutely unreasonable. And I love it all.
Xander is all of those things, but it’s all to keep me safe.
And also away from other men, I’m pretty sure.
I’m kind of surprised he assigned Roman to be my bodyguard.
The man is a total book-boyfriend fantasy come to life.
Not that I’ll say that to Xander because I’m pretty sure he might lose his shit if I did.
I don’t want anything to happen to Roman just because I think he is hot.
“That’s not going to happen, Miss Summers.”
Unfortunately for him, his personality doesn’t match his hotness. The guy is a grump. That’s probably exactly why Xander assigned him to me.
Josh grins as I walk back behind the bar to mix some more drinks. He’s been dying to ask me questions, but we’ve been slammed since I got here. That was after Xander tried to convince me to quit again.
I have no idea what’s even happening right now. One second, he’s saying he can’t give me everything. And the next, he’s… I don’t even know what he’s doing. Or what we are. Or where all of this is going.
Shaking my head, I grab a bottle of Jack Daniel’s and pour some into a glass.
I couldn’t believe it when I saw him take a drink this morning.
It’s not an unusual sight in Las Vegas. People come here just to get fucked up morning, noon, and night. But then they go home, back to their daily lives. Maybe this is Xander’s everyday life. At least it has been. Ever since her.
Nicola.
I’ve never hated someone so much.
And I haven’t even met her.
It broke my heart right down the middle when Xander told me what she did. The grief and pain he felt must have been horrendous. I probably would have started drinking, too.
“So, what’s the story on you suddenly having The Incredible Hulk following you around?” Josh asks.
I laugh and roll my eyes because, yeah, if Roman were green, I could see it. As if he senses something, Roman meets my gaze and narrows his, but I ignore him. I’m pretty sure the guy already has a big enough head; he doesn’t need us knowing we’re talking about him.
“It’s hard to explain,” I finally answer, tapping on the touch screen to enter an order.
“We’ve worked together for years, and we’ve seen more drama in that time than anyone would ever believe.
I’m pretty sure you can’t shock me.” Josh nods toward a couple who hand him a tip before they leave.
Customers love him. I’m the perky, bubbly one, and he’s the laid-back, surfer type who gets along with everyone.
“Wanna bet?” I ask with a mischievous grin.
Luckily, a swarm of people crowd into the bar as a show ends. We spend the next few hours on our own sides of the bar, mixing drinks and making sure our customers are happy and having an enjoyable time.
I probably need to ask Xander what I’m supposed to say to people about Roman.
How do I explain having a bodyguard? I’m not even in danger.
Xander is… overreacting because of the guy who attacked me.
He seems more traumatized by it than I am.
Maybe it’s because I’ve dealt with men staring and being inappropriate toward me my entire life.
I was scared the other night because it was the first time someone had followed me like that, but in the back of my head, I think I knew Xander would show up.
“Baby girl.” The deep gravel of Xander’s voice has me snapping my head up from pouring an Old Fashioned.
Xander informed me on the way to work today that he would be taking over the hotel and casinos I work at.
Something about him and his brothers rotating so they can make sure all their businesses are running up to the highest potential.
Honestly, it sounded like a bunch of crap, and considering it’s Xander, I’m pretty sure he’s forced his brothers to switch so he could be near and watch me.
“I’m starting to think you’re obsessed with me,” I say softly so only he can hear.
He laughs and winks at me. “Baby, I’ve been obsessed with you from the second you looked up at me with those pretty brown eyes.”
I smile, but on the inside, my chest is exploding. God. He’s so damn sweet and gentle with me, and from what I can tell, only me. It’s pretty dang hot.
“So, um, Josh,” I start, using my thumb to motion to the other side of the bar. “Was asking about Roman, and I’m not sure what to say.”
His eyebrows turn into a scowl as he scans behind me. “Who the fuck is Josh?” The darkness in his voice sends a shiver down my spine.
“He’s the other bartender. He’s my friend.”
Xander leans over the bar until his face is only a few inches from mine. “I’m going to go have a chat with your friend.”
My eyes double in size when Xander narrows his gaze at me, clenching his jaw.
Oh, shit.
This is probably not good.
“Wait!” I call out, trying to reach for his sleeve to stop him, but my arm is too short.
Xander strides around the bar with a scowl. Instead of talking to Josh from the customer side, he goes behind and only stops when he’s toe-to-toe with my coworker.
People standing at the bar stop talking to watch whatever is about to unfold.
Whatever this is, it’s definitely bad.
Double shit.