Chapter 26
Vee
Idrag the rag in my hand in slow, lazy circles across the bar counter.
The club is alive around me, the bass of the music vibrating through my feet as women dance in various stages of undress on the stage.
They have the men and women in the bar mesmerized as they drop bill after bill for them to dance just a little longer.
For them to show just a little more flesh.
But my mind isn’t here. It’s vividly revisiting this morning. Every delicious minute shared with the two of them.
My fingers pause for a second before I keep wiping, the motion automatic after years behind this bar.
My mind drifts back, reliving the wonderful moments of this morning.
Luke and Josh showing up at my apartment.
Waking me not with words of anger but ones filled with promises of love. Of them sharing me.
Heat spreads through me just remembering their hands and lips on me.
My body still feels the ghost of their touch lingering under my skin.
Neither of them was hesitant with their displays of affection.
Neither of them looked at the other with jealousy.
Hell, at one point both their hands and mouths were on me at the same time.
That’s the part that keeps replaying in my mind.
Most men would have puffed up, staked some kind of claim.
Not them. They did just as I hoped they would. How I hoped the three of them would be together. A sliver of sadness seeps in, knowing that Hank was missing. That he’ll never be part of what’s developing between Luke, Josh, and me.
They moved around each other like they’d been doing it their whole lives, like sharing space around me was the most natural thing in the world.
And for a brief moment I questioned why I fought them.
Why I feared there would be anger between them.
Then I remember Hank. And the fact that he’s not even speaking to me now unless it’s a few brief anger-filled words.
Of his hands now on other women, instead of on my body.
I need to move on. To accept that he’s no longer part of my future, but that there are two men who want me as much as I want them. I need to leave their club relationship to them to figure out. I deserve happiness, and they make me happy.
My stomach flips at the thought of more of this morning. Of taking it further than a few kisses and touches. Of them both sinking their cocks into me, taking me over the edge as they give my body orgasm after orgasm.
Then there’s the note.
The one tucked under my windshield wiper this morning with the single pink rose. ‘I’m done waiting’ was scribbled on it. One I quickly ran back to my apartment with and placed in the vase with the other one he left.
I swallow and wipe the same spot on the bar again.
Yeah. Josh has made it very clear that I am what he wants and nothing is going to stand in his way any longer. He’s made that very clear and, fuck, if it doesn’t turn me on. I can feel the heat building in my core, and I have to press my thighs together to ease the ache.
A sharp snap cracks right in front of my face. Long, bony fingers wave inches from my nose.
“Hello? Earth to Vee!” The voice that makes me want to commit murder snaps.
My head jerks to the right as I glare at the owner of the offending appendages. Fucking Jennalyn is here. Her shrill voice grates against my nerves like teeth on a metal fork.
I knew she was here as much as I hated it. Bash was waiting at the door when I came in tonight with a solemn look on his face. His arms were crossed over his chest, with tired eyes gazing back at me. I knew it was bad news before he even opened his mouth.
“She gets one more chance,” he told me. “If she screws up again, she’s gone.” No matter how hard he looks, Bash has a kind soul. It’s gotten even softer since he’s been with Arizona. He’s lucky I had such a great morning, or I’d be turning around and heading right out that door.
“I’m just reminding you,” I told him then, “I gave my official two weeks’ notice last night.”
His sigh followed me all the way to the bar.
Now, here I am.
Still wiping. Still dealing with her. And still contemplating all the ways I could kill her and get away with it. I’ve become close to Cassie, and if the Hellions can use her for their clean up jobs then hell, so can I.
“Can you get to work?” Jennalyn snaps like she’s my fucking boss. “Don’t you see the people needing their drink orders taken?”
I roll my eyes so hard it almost hurts, but I keep my mouth shut. Arguing with her is like arguing with a brick wall. It would get me nowhere. Ignoring her is safer.
When I glance up, though, the irritation melts off my face.
Nic and Luca are walking straight toward the bar. Each of them grinning from ear to ear. And I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face. My sour mood instantly sweetened.
God, I miss seeing him every day. I even miss Nic’s goofy ass. Being back in my own apartment again is nice. But not seeing Luca every day sucks.
“Move out of the way,” Jennalyn snaps beside me. “I’ll take care of them since you’re so fucking lazy.”
I laugh and step aside with exaggerated politeness. “Be my guest.” I already know how this is going to end and I can’t wait to watch the show.
She takes hold of the hem at the bottom of her shirt, pulling it down so that her tits spill out of the top just a little more than they already are. She plasters a smile on her face as she leans forward, resting her arms on the countertop.
“Hi boys—” she starts but Luca cuts her off, not even paying attention to the show she’s putting on, his eyes locked firmly on me.
“Hey, sis.”
Jennalyn’s face turns into a scowl, and I can’t help but burst out laughing.
“Wow. It’s come to me having to show up here just to see you,” he continues, as Nic steps up beside him.
“Pretty much,” I say with a grin. “Want a beer?”
They both nod, and I reach into the cooler and take out one for each of them, popping the caps off and handing one to each of them.
“Thought you were avoiding us,” Nic adds, leaning on the bar. “Figured the clubhouse scared you off.”
“Please,” I snort. “Nothing scares me. Not even the men in your club fucking the whores.”
The three of us laugh, and I can’t help but notice Jennalyn breaking her neck to eavesdrop on our conversation.
“You still comin’ to the cookout tomorrow at the clubhouse?” Luca asks.
“Yeah,” I say immediately. “I’ll be there.”
“Good.” He picks up the beer and downs the contents, before setting the empty bottle back on the counter.
“I’ll make sure to have the cards ready to go. There’s still brothers that don’t know you’re a cardshark.” Nic winks.
Luca pushes off the bar and Nic follows suit. “Alright, we gotta head out. See you tomorrow, sis. Don’t make me have to come find you.”
“I won’t.” I shake my head, smiling so wide my cheeks hurt. “See you tomorrow.”
They disappear back into the crowd just as Jennalyn storms down toward the other end of the bar.
When she gets there, she turns her gaze back at me long enough to roll her eyes dramatically.
Her attitude instantly changes when a group of attractive men step up to the bar, already loud and clearly drunk.
Surprise, surprise. Suddenly she’s eager to work.
I shake my head and go back to work. She is not going to spoil my good mood.
About thirty minutes later, a familiar voice cuts through the noise. “Can I get a beer?”
I glance up and grin as my old friend slides onto the stool I now call his, laughing.
“Well if it isn’t Abraham himself. I’d given up hope that you were going to grace me with your presence tonight.”
“Had things to do, sweetheart.”
“Uh huh.”
“I can’t stay long though,” he says. “Got somewhere to be tonight.”
I slide a drink toward him.
“Got yourself a hot date?” I ask with a wink.
“Something like that,” he replies.
He has a couple drinks, chatting with me during the break in customers like nothing in the world could be wrong, then tosses some cash on the bar and heads out.
As the night drags on, Jennalyn gets fucking worse. When she isn’t trying to order me around at the bar, she disappears for long stretches, leaving customers waiting on someone to fill their drink orders.
It hits me like a rock to the head. I’m done. When I see Carlos standing off to the side, I lift my hand and wave him over.
“Everything okay?” he asks, stepping behind the bar.
“Can you watch the bar for a minute?”
“Yeah,” he says, glancing around. “Where’s Jennalyn?”
I snort. “Your guess is as good as mine.” Pulling my phone out of my back pocket, I fire off a text to Bash.
Me: I’m done for tonight. The BS with that bitch is too much. I’m out. Notice in full effect.
Me: BTW Carlos is at the bar. She’s MIA.
Then I flip over to the chat I have with Luke and Josh.
Me: Leaving work early. OMW home.
I shove the phone back in my pocket, not even waiting for his reply, and head for the door.
The second I step into the front area, I stop dead in my tracks.
Jennalyn is practically wrapped around Hank’s body. Her hands on his chest. Her body pressed against him. And he hasn’t pushed her away. He has his hand planted firmly on her ass.
Fuck him. And fuck her. I storm toward the door fighting the urge to not kill them both.
“Where are you going?” she shouts.
I don’t even turn around. Instead, I throw my hand up in the air and give her the middle fucking finger as I push my way outside. The cool night air hits me and the bass from inside is muffled by the closed door.
No one comes out behind me. Hank doesn’t try to race and stop me from leaving or even lie and try to tell me what I saw was nothing. No. He just lets me leave. It’s all the answer I need. It’s officially over.
I’m halfway to my car when I hear my name. I look over to see Abraham sitting on the hood of a car.
“You’re still here?” I ask as I make my way over to him.
He sighs heavily. “Fucking dead battery. Waiting on roadside assistance to come give me a jump.”
“I can give you a jump,” I tell him, shaking my head.
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. If you would’ve come inside any of the guys could’ve probably helped you. Just give me a second,” I tell him as I head to my car.
I pop my trunk and grab the jumper box, walking back over to him as he lifts the hood.
“You’re a lifesaver,” he says as I start hooking the clamps to the battery. “And a pro at this.”
“Not the first time I’ve done it.” Once I’m done, I step back. “Alright. Looks good. Go ahead and start her.”
He slides into the driver’s seat. The engine turns. Then roars to life.
I lean forward to unhook the clamps and something hard slams into the back of my head.
Pain explodes through my skull. My vision blurs as I stumble forward, but hands grab me, wrapping tight around my arms to keep me from falling, holding me firmly.
Hot breath brushes my ear. The smell of cigarettes and something sour fills my lungs. Panic surges through me.
“Help!” I gasp, trying to twist free. “Abraham.” The person behind me laughs.
When I lift my head, I see Abraham step out of the car, calmly. Not rushing to save me. But stepping toward me slowly. My stomach drops. He stops in front of me, reaching out, gripping my chin, forcing my face up so I’m staring right at him. His cold eyes locked on me.
“Told you,” he says quietly, “I was tired of waiting.”
A sharp prick hits the side of my neck. My vision instantly becomes hazy. My body goes limp.
The last thing I hear as the world fades away is the voice from the person behind me.
“I’ll get her in the car, Dad.”