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22
“You’re hazing me,” Bugs insisted, as nerves tripped along his spine. “Just say that’s what you’re doing and I’d respect you more.”
“And yet,” Hack said, adjusting the collar of the preacher costume. “You’re here on the off chance I’m right.”
“Are those knee pads?” he questioned.
“Protection isn’t just for sex,” he joked, tugging his black pants on gingerly since the seams on the side were now tear away. “That being said, Turbo is going to be going back and forth cracking her whip soon.”
“The idea of me being seen before my debut is still a no go, huh?” he questioned. “Because I’m more than willing to try the hat in hand, drop down and beg forgiveness.”
“Oh, you’ll be dropping down,” Hack said. “You want my knee pads after I’m done.”
Bugs narrowed his eyes at the man.
“Look, you need to win grace with more than Porsche.”
“And the men in the Steels want to see me shake my ass,” he countered.
“If it gets you a grand in bills, yep,” Hack replied. “I know it’s been a few days, but more than one man has approached wondering if and when you’re moving on or not.”
“I’m assuming it wasn’t a bid to be my realtor in town.” Running his hand through his hair he knew there were apologies due all around and with the guys getting tucked and stuffed by a few of the ladies he turned to the group. “Guys, and ladies.”
The room went from a bustle of noise to still quiet as Zoe was standing on a chair smoothing the strip of Velcro on the shoulder of the flannel shirt Mountain wore.
“I’ve been an ass to someone you all love and I want to thank Zoe and Cinnamon for helping me to come up with an apology for her,” he said swallowing back the little bit of angst he had. “But I’ve learned cut one cut all with the Steels and that means all of you are owed an apology.”
“That mean I get a lap dance after Porsche?” Mountain asked as Baldy twirled his cane then smacked it across his chest.
“Hell no, that ass is all mine, I’ve caught you practicing,” Baldy joined in as the men piled in to call on their turns until Hack came up behind Bugs and wrapped an arm around his chest.
“Y’all know he’s my snuggle buddy since BUD/S.” Then laid a kiss on his cheek. “Aren’t you little spoon.”
“I’m gonna little spoon your ass.”
“Just get it on video,” Cinnamon called out. “A preacher taking it will go viral.”
Hack shoved him away. “Get your ass to the kitchen all stealth like the good little bitch you are before the rogue commander comes for her checks.”
Checking the hallway he saw a clear passage and when he was leaving he overheard one of the men saying he would be a good prospect. He had a place in Turnabout with the Steels if he could pass the biggest test he’d ever been given. More importantly it held more weight and pressure than BUD/S. Ringing out in failure meant he’d be put back on a ship somewhere, his life returning to what he’d been before and that would’ve been enough. And if he could convince the Navy he could try at least one more time to be a SEAL.
With Porsche, this was his last chance at living the life he truly wanted with the only woman he’d ever considered a forever option. Tucked by the subzero freezer, Manny the prep cook was shaking his head. Did everyone in town know he’d been a dick? Had they all heard him tell her if she left never to come back. Like he had the right.
Her voice carried through the sound system calling out her role for the night.
“Hello ladies,” she said. “I am Porsche, your MC for the night, MC standing for Mistress of Ceremonies, and we all know the Mistress gets what she wants and how she wants it.”
Bugs’ lips curled remembering the sweet sting of her crop and how she told him he couldn’t handle the Mistress. Right now he’d crawl across the stage and lick her damn boot to please her. Instead the intro to Lady Marmalade was starting up as she called out.
“Now for the MC you really came for, the Steel MC presenting the debut show so get those bills out ladies, the more you drop, the more they drop.”
Manny threw a towel at him and Bugs caught it and shrugged as he shooed him into the pantry for the club.
“Hey, Mistress Porsche, what are you doing back here?”
Heat flushed through Mike, a mix of jealousy and lust. Every part of him wanted to go gather her into his arms and swear his allegiance and fealty to her. But this was Hack’s world and much like the men who followed Bugs into battle blindly believing he knew best, in this matter he had to trust Hack’s instincts.
“I need water and there is no way I can get to that bar, the prospects tending need eight arms.”
