Page 33 of Duty

He respected her opinion.

“I don’t tend to have that problem,” he admitted.

Haven gave him a look. “Consider yourself one of the lucky few, I guess.”

Yes, it was that, or the fact that Andino kept his many businesses very rich through his other illegal ventures. Of course, he wasn’t about to mention that to Haven.

“Care for a drink?” Andino asked, putting a hand to Haven’s back as he guided her toward the bar. “Whatever you want, they can make.”

“Actually, just a whiskey would be great.”

Andino couldn’t stop the groan that came out of his fucking mouth. “A woman after my own heart—damn.”

Haven’s laughter came out sweet, high, and all too goddamn sexy. “I am full of surprises.”

“So I am learning.”

One of the two women—and one man—working behind the bar smiled widely when Andino and Haven approached. The woman tossed down the rag she had been using to wipe down a bottle, put her hands on the bar top, and lifted herself high enough that she could peer over the other side. At the sight of one of his favorite people, Snaps’ stubby tail wagged again.

“And there he is,” Candace said, grinning. “Guess what I’ve got for you, Snaps? Guess.”

The pit bull answered the bartender back with a loud woof. It sent a man sitting on a stool a few seats down jumping out of his seat with wide eyes. The sight made Andino laugh under his breath, but just as quickly, he glanced down at his dog.

“Like you’re not spoiled enough, huh?” he asked Snaps.

The dog was quick to scoot around the side of the bar when Andino jerked his head to the side—one of his few commands of go ahead. Candace already had the door open for Snaps, and had one of his favorite freeze-dried meat treats in her hand.

Candace fed Snaps a treat as she looked back to Andino, asking, “Working tonight?”

Andino shrugged. “Something like that.”

The bartender’s gaze drifted to Haven who was currently watching the DJ dance behind the safety of his glass-encased booth. “Ah. Do you want me to call a girl off the floor to make sure you’re both happy, or …?”

“Not tonight. Just keep an eye on Snaps for me.”

“Will do.”

“And two whiskeys—have someone find us on the floor.”

Candace nodded. “You got it, boss.”

Now that his pup was handled, Andino put his attention back where he really wanted it to be for the evening—on Haven. She was still watching the DJ, though, and he wasn’t sure he liked that too much. He would much rather have her looking at him.

Stepping in behind her, Andino slid a hand around Haven’s waist, and grabbed tight. He felt the way her muscles jumped at the unexpected touch, and how she shivered when he leaned in close, and murmured in her ear, “Have you found something you like?”

“Is that jealousy, I hear?”

Andino grinned. “You should answer my question.”

“He’s got a great ear for a good beat.”

“Mmm, and a drinking problem.”

Haven made a face. “Yeah, that kind of ruins it.”

“Would you like me to introduce you, or—”

“Stop being a shit, Andino.”