I didn’t even fight my laugh then, as Dallas joined in. “Agreed,” I replied.
“When can you start?” she wanted to know.
“How about Monday? I need a few days to get my car sorted.” I marveled at the fact that I’d just effectively been given a job. Perhaps more importantly, I’d been given a chance.
“You got a deal, honey,” she agreed, shaking my hand.
“Oh, girl, we are celebrating!” Dallas whooped as we left the salon and stepped out onto the street. “Come on, we’re going to the Tavern. I’ll see if the girls are around.”
“Holy hell, I think I just moved here,” I marveled, stunned.
Though I’d unpacked at Ruston’s and vowed as much to him yesterday, there was something about forging my own path—my own part of Bishop—that made it feel truly real.
“Yeah, you did,” she exclaimed, looping her arm in mine as we walked down the block and into a dimly lit bar. “We’re starting with cocktails,” she decreed, nodding toward the man at the bar to get his attention.
With our drinks in tow, we found a round-top table and made ourselves comfortable. “Tank can come get me.” She shrugged as she took a sip of the whiskey sour she’d ordered.
“Oh shit, should we tell them where we are?” I wondered, thinking of it for the first time. I’d been so wrapped up in having fun with Dallas.
“We should,” she agreed, already pulling out her phone. “Oh shit,” she muttered, and I had the feeling she had more than one missed call from her husband. Suddenly, I wondered if my phone, buried at the bottom of my bag, was in the same state. Just as I was fishing around for it, I sensed a presence to my left. I looked over to find a dark-haired man a few years older than me, his black hair slicked back, angular face intent as he stared down at me.
“You are pretty; I’d heard as much,” he mused bizarrely.
“Sorry, and you are?” I demanded, immediately on edge as Dallas tensed in her seat.
“Brian Pike. We haven’t yet had the pleasure,” he replied with a cold smile.
Oh shit.
“Yeah, I don’t think our men will take too kindly to you approaching us, so I’d suggest you back off,” I retorted.
He visibly bristled. “You have a mouth on you.”
“Buddy, you don’t know the half of it.” I stared him down, knowing showing weakness now would do me no favors.
“Your soldier boy has taken my arms, my drugs, and four of my men,” he seethed. “I think it’s only fair I take something of his.” He glared at me as I became aware of Dallas firing off text messages.
“Go ahead, call them,” he sneered at her, clearly noticing the same thing. “They’ve already dug their graves. Or rather, yours,” he vowed before turning on a heel and striding out of the bar.
“Holy fuck.” I slumped in my seat, taking a huge gulp of my drink as the adrenaline wore off and fear kicked in.
“You are a serious badass,” Dallas marveled. “I feel like I could piss myself.”
“Me too,” I admitted. “I’ve just learned how to hide it.” I held up my shaking hand.
“Guys are on their way, and they arepissed,” she emphasized.
I winced. “Shit, I’m scared to look at my phone. Ruston’s probably been calling.”
“Let’s get another cocktail.” Dallas offered up the smartest suggestion I’d heard all day.
I was halfway through my second vodka soda when I heard the distinct sound of twin Harleys making their way in our direction. Seconds later, the air vibrated with a familiar intensity, with Ruston and Tank looming over our table, both radiating fury.
“He touch you?” Ruston snarled.
I shook my head.
“Let’s get you out of here. We’re going to the club,” he ordered, taking my hand as Tank did the same with Dallas.
