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“Really?” I ask, relief sinking into my bones.
I’ll never admit out loud that I was worried they’d say no and I’d never see Kennedy again, but fuck, I was sweatin’ bullets.
“Really,” Kennedy says. “But I do have some concerns.”
Dammit.
“Maybe we can ease your mind,” Duck says with a smirk. He glances at me and winks, and I know he’s going overboard so I have no reason to call him a prick again.
“My first concern is the expense of all this.” Kennedy waves her hand absently. “Jenny runs a very successful bar, but additional costs are going to have to come from somewhere, and we can’t make a determination as to where if we don’t have an amount.”
I dart my eyes from Kennedy to Jenny and see the look of respect on the bar owner’s face. When we first got here, it seemed as if there were some underlying issues at play when she offered Kennedy the job, but it’s clear now that she’s glad she did.
“That’s the thing,” Snow begins. “There is no expense to you. The club will cover the cost of the security upgrades, as well as the manpower to monitor the system and handle anyproblemsthat arise.”
Suspicion flashes in Kennedy’s eyes, and she crosses her arms over her chest. “Why would you do that?”
“Because this is our city,” I say simply. “We have kids and families to protect. Part of that is making sure the world is a safe place for them to live in.”
“You have kids?” she asks, disappointment in her tone.
I grin. “No. No kids.” Her eyes drop to my hands which are resting on the bar. “And no wife, if it’s a ring you’re looking for.”
“And he’s back,” Duck quips.
Jenny stifles a laugh by covering her mouth with her hand, and Snow coughs to cover up his. I, on the other hand, elbow Duck as hard as I can without taking my eyes off Kennedy. Her expression is a confusing mixture of sadness and curiosity.
“How do I know you’re telling the truth?” she asks. “Jenny wears a ring, but she’s not married so what’s to stop you from being married andnotwearing one?”
My mind flashes back to my first conversation with Jenny, the one where she used her ‘wedding’ ring as a deterrent. She’s since told me she’s not married, not that it matters. As soon as I laid eyes on Kennedy, it wouldn’t have mattered if Jenny was hitched or not.
“Clearly you know nothing about bikers,” Snow says. “Don’t get me wrong, not all men who wear cuts give a damn about shit like loyalty, faithfulness, and vows, but we do. Satan’s Legacy brothers won’t step out on their ol’ ladies. Once a woman is claimed, that’s it.”
“That is so fucking hot,” Jenny gushes.
Duck and Snow both chuckle.
“Kennedy, I’m not married. I’m not attached to anyone,” I tell her. “And if I were, I wouldn’t be sitting here with a hard-on for a chick I don’t even know.”
“Told ya,” Jenny says.
Kennedy’s eyes are wide with shock, and she rubs her forehead. “This is all so confusing.”
“Look, it doesn’t have to be,” Snow states. “We came here on business so let’s stick to business. Are there any other concerns you have?”
Jenny and Kennedy exchange a look before Jenny responds. “No. The financial aspect of it was the only lingering question.”
“Good.” Snow pushes up from the stool and stands. “I’ll send someone by tomorrow to start the installation. If that works for you, that is,” he tacks on.
“Actually, I have an appointment I can’t get out of,” Jenny says.
“I can be here,” Kennedy adds, then glances at Jenny. “I mean, if you’re okay with me handling it.”
“Absolutely,” her boss says.
“That’s settled then.” Snow grins. “I saw on the door that you open at five, so I’ll make sure my guys are here around ten if that works. That way, if there are any problems, there’s time to handle it before you open.”
“I’ll be here,” Kennedy confirms.
