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“If I say so, yeah.” Hector narrowed his eyes in a clear reprimand, his lips thinning in anger. “Next time, watch the floor. Butch and Cletus can’t cover everything. If you can’t handle it, tell me, and I’ll find someone who will.”
He stormed off without another word, his back an adequate goodbye and dismissal. Hector was a man of few words. He said it; you did it. End of discussion. I released an exaggerated sigh and lowered my head. The night couldn’t end soon enough. I wanted to get my ass home.
A cold hand grasped my arm, startling me. “We need to talk.”
I knew the voice too well. Disco.
I told myself to remain calm as I met his gaze. I could have attempted to yank free of his hold, but I’d only embarrass myself. Vampires are strong—unbelievably strong—and his grip was as unbreakable as steel.
“Let go of me.”
“Only if you promise we can talk.” His blue eyes flashed, striking against his pale skin and golden blond hair. His face was smooth, his jaw squared. With high cheekbones, a straight and lean nose, kissable full lips, and unbelievably smooth skin, he would be a twenty-something looker frozen in time.
“Not here.” I glanced around, studying my surroundings. No one had noticed our little encounter. Not yet. I couldn’t afford to lose my job. If Hector saw me chatting while I was on the clock, he’d probably fire me. Personal visits during work hours were a big no-no.
“Where?” His grip loosened as he studied me.
“After close. Meet me outside, around the back.”
He didn’t release me right away, gazing into my eyes. My stomach knotted and my palms felt sweaty. I couldn’t think when he looked at me like this, as though he was trying to find his way into my soul. The world was spinning and fading away, leaving the two of us alone.
Slowly, he eased back and released my arm. The fogginess lifted, clearing my head.
I turned from him and strode to the bar, trying to slow the erratic beating of my heart. Once I was safely behind the counter, I apologized to the gentleman I’d injured in my rush to get between Lacey and Erica. He displayed his purple thumb, clearly angry over what had happened. To make amends, I gave him a drink on the house. He went from annoyed to understanding, accepted the gesture. Alcohol always seemed to tame the savage beast.
I peered up at the clock—12:58 a.m. Wonderful.
I was on for another hour. Afterward, I had a meeting with a guy who scared the piss out of me. So much for making it to the gym.
“Bartender!” Lonnie’s deep bellow ricocheted off the ceiling like a frazzled fart.
I stomped over, feet pounding against the plastic mats, anger and agitation coursing through me. I always kept my head with Lonnie, but damn it, this was getting old. Deena would just have to find it in her heart to forgive me.
“What the fuck do you want, Lonnie?” I couldn’t be certain, but I assumed my eyes had turned black—something that happened when my temper was stoked. The change in color was the first warning you’d pushed my big red button, or so I’d been told. For once, he didn’t order me around. Instead, he gawked at me, lips slightly parted, eyes wide and shocked. “What do you want?” I repeated, softening my voice. “Can I take your order?”
“Can I have a Crown and Coke, Rhiannon?” he asked politely.
Stunned by the swift change in his attitude, I managed to keep a straight face as I made his drink. He watched quietly as I poured the Crown, mixed in the ice and cola, and even thanked me when I placed the effervescent drink in front of him.
The evening seemed to be full of surprises.
