Time to shine.
I wait a respectable five seconds because I’m not an animal, then I slide from the booth, weaving effortlessly through bodies, boots, and a whole lot of Saint’s Outlaws chaos. No one notices, as usual, which is both impressive and a little insulting given my record of romantic sabotage for this club.
The bathroom door swings shut behind me, swallowing the noise just enough to soften the world. Music dulls to a distant, vibrating throb. The air shifts to something cooler, cleaner, tinged with perfume, hairspray, and the desperate tang of disinfectants fighting a losing battle against biker bar reality.
Blondie stands at the mirror, fixing her lipstick and grinning at her reflection. She radiates the confidence of someone convinced she’s about to scale Tomcat like the world’s most attractive jungle gym.
How adorable.
I lean casually against the counter beside her, my sweetest smile sliding into place.
Friendly, harmless, tiny-woman vibes activated.
“Oh, wow,” I say warmly. “You’re stunning.”
She beams instantly. Why wouldn’t she?
I’m delightful.
“Thank you.”
Her reflection glances my way, bright and open, blissfully unaware she’s just wandered into psychological warfare disguised as lip gloss and charm.
Bless her heart.
I lower my voice slightly, conspiratorial, like we’re girlfriends sharing secrets over overpriced wine. “You’re talking to Tomcat, right?”
Her smug little grin returns.
Oops.
Strike one, pretty lady.
“Yeah,” she says, clearly pleased with herself.
Ohhh, sweetheart.
You sweet, doomed little lamb.
Turns out I’m doing her a favor after all. At least she won’t end up limping home with a shattered heart like the rest.
I exhale softly, letting sympathy drip into my tone. My brows pinch just enough to sell concern.
And a healthy dose of world-class bullshit.
“Oh, honey…”
Confusion flickers across her face. “What?”
I tilt my head, voice soft and reassuring. “You’re aiming way too high for a first visit.”
Her smile falters just a hair.
There it is.
“He looks fun.” I pause, letting anticipation bloom before sliding the blade in, sweet and slow. “Until you realize he treats orgasms like a competitive sport.”
Silence floods the space between us.
