“Yeah.”
“What about a pool match?” Brutus said as he scooped up a handful of peanuts. “I’ve been itching for a game with her for a while.”
“You gotta ask her when she gets here.” Muerto stood up. “I’ll be in my room.” He weaved through the doorway and clamored up the stairs.
Once inside, he threw off his clothes and stepped into a cold shower. After he was finished, he heard a knock at his door. With a towel wrapped around his waist, he padded over and opened it. Ruby stood there, her heated gaze fixed on his chest and arms. “Hey,” he said as he opened the door wider.
“Hiya. I heard you asked that black-haired chick to be your old lady. Is that true?” She ran her fingers over his chest.
Stepping back, he nodded. “I’m hitched now.”
“I can’t believe it.” Her brow creased slightly.
He laughed. “Neither can I.”
“First Steel and now you. I hope it stops there.” Ruby pursed her lips.
“Never know. Seems like Steel broke the ice around here.”
“So does that mean you’re off limits, or are you gonna have some fun sometimes like Rooster Mike does?”
Shaking his head, he smiled. “Off limits. My woman’s the only one for me.”
“You never know… it can get boring being with the same woman all the time.” She stared at him. “If that happens, let me know. I’ll always be available for you.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. We had some fun times. I hope you find someone you can hitch up to.”
Ruby shook her head. “No way. I don’t want that. I’m having too much fun with all of you. Do you need anything?”
“A pot of black coffee would be great. I’m trying to sober up before my woman comes.”
“Got it. I’ll be right back with your coffee.” She spun around and disappeared around the corner.
An hour later, Muerto was leaning against the bar feeling better. When Raven walked in, he resisted the urge to run up to her and scoop her up in his arms. If he did that, his brothers would rib him about it for a couple months, so he stayed where he was, watching his old lady—it still seemed strange to call her that—sashaying over to him.
“Hey, babe,” he said as he pulled her close to him.
“You sobered up nicely,” she teased as she pressed tighter against him, smiling when she felt his hardness.
“Feel what you do to me each and every time I see you?” He feathered kisses down her neck.
“You wanna play a game of pool?” Brutus’s deep voice startled them.
Raven jerked back and looked at him. “Sure. When do you want to play?”
“What about now?”
“Anxious to lose the money you just made?” Muerto said as his hand rubbed Raven’s back.
“More like wanting to make more.” Catching her gaze, he said, “I’ll meet you at the pool table.” He walked away.
“You don’t have to play,” Muerto said in her ear.
“I want to. I have to admit that I miss the game. It’ll be good to play again.”
A couple hours later, Raven handed Muerto a stack of bills she’d won from the pool game. Brutus came over and handed her a shot of tequila. “You’re a kickass player. It was a fuckin’ good game.”
“I had a good time. You’re a good player. I was starting to sweat. Thanks.” She threw back the shot.
