“You know you can talk to me about all this.”
“I do and I appreciate it, but this is something I have to get through on my own.”
His green eyes were full of worry as he asked, “You sure you’re up for working tonight?”
“Yeah, I could use the distraction.” I didn’t want him to think I was pushing him away, so I leaned over the counter and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “I’m good, Rafe. Really, I am.”
“That’s all I need to hear.”
Knowing it was a weekend night, and we’d be busy, I feigned a smile and told him, “I better get to it.”
“Just give me a holler if you need anything.”
I gave him a quick nod, then started prepping the different garnish trays. I did a quick inventory of our liquor shelves and restocked anything that was running low and was just about to check the tap when Lisa stepped behind the bar. “Hey, girl. How you making it tonight?”
“So far so good.” I turned to face her. “Thanks for filling in for me last night.”
“No problem. Glad to do it anytime.” She chuckled and said, “I don’t know if you heard, but your sister put on quite a show last night.”
“A show? What are you talking about?”
Lisa spent the next few minutes telling me all about the spectacle Kate had made of herself the night before. I couldn’t believe my ears. In all the years I’d known her, Kate had never lost control. She was always so together, making sure everyone thought she was the queen bee, so hearing how she’d drank too much and ended up on the stage came as a complete surprise. Lisa shook her head as she said, “I think the guys were a little disappointed when Rafe made her get off the stage.”
“Yeah, I’m sure they were. So, what happened after that?”
“Rafe took her out and made sure she got a cab back to her hotel. From there, I’m not so sure.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure. What’s on your mind?”
I knew Lisa had worked there for years and knew the brothers as well as any outsider could. I hoped she’d be able to confirm the fact that they were the good men I thought they were. “Rafe and his brothers ... They’re not into anything they shouldn’t be, right?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are they doing anything bad?”
“Bad how?”
“I don’t know.” I was fumbling, and if I didn’t think fast, I was going to end up saying something I had no business saying. I took a breath and tried to collect my thoughts before continuing, “I’ve heard rumors. I’m sure you’ve heard them too. I was just wondering if there was any truth to them.”
“That’s a question you need to be asking Rafe, not me.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I don’t even know why I asked.”
“You’re smart to ask, Marlowe.” She gave me a wink. “You’re just asking the wrong person.”
“Okay, I understand.”
“I will tell you this. Rafe and his brothers are loyal to a fault. If you’re in with them, you’re in. They’ll treat you like family ... love and protect you like you’re one of their own, but a family like that often comes at a cost.” Her eyes locked on mine. “You just have to decide if the price is worth it to you.”
“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Be sure that you do.” She motioned her head towards the door as she said, “It’s show time.”
Seconds later, the first few customers came sauntering in, and it wasn’t long until the place was completely packed. As I filled one drink after the next, I mulled over what Lisa had said about Rafe and his brothers. I knew she was right. Those men had been nothing but good to me, especially Rafe and Country. They’d looked out for me, helped me, and stood by me in a way my own family never had. That thought had me searching the bar for Rafe. My heart swelled when I spotted him over in the corner. He was staring back at me with a longing expression that resembled my own. I was falling in love with him. Actually, I was in love with him and not about to let Eric hurt him or his brothers.
I was pulled from my thoughts when I felt my phone vibrate in my back pocket. I reached for it, and as soon as I saw that it was a message from an unknown number, I knew it was Eric. Dread washed over me as I opened it and read:
Eric:
Tick Tock.
Me:
I’m trying.
Eric:
Try harder.
I knew there was no point in responding, so I shoved my phone back in my pocket and glared up at one of the security cameras. I knew he was watching. I could feel his eyes on me. I never dreamed I could hate someone I barely knew, but I hated him with every fiber of my being. Eric was a vile, malevolent man, and no matter how dangerous it might be, I had to find a way to warn Rafe about Eric and his plan. I just had no idea how—not with Eric watching my every move. I’d have to find a way to reach him without Eric knowing what I was up to. I was trying to think of what I might do when one of the waitresses came up to the bar and placed her order. As I made the various drinks, I was racking my mind, but nothing came to me. Then, I walked over to the bar’s touchscreen register and printed out the receipt. That’s when it hit me.
As I grabbed a pen from my apron, I prayed I’d be able to get to Rafe or Menace before it was too late—before I lost everything I cared about.
Chapter 17
Rafe
I’d tried to be patient. I’d tried to be understanding and give Marlowe her space, but I was growing restless. Not only had she not answered any of my calls or texts, she’d basically blown me off the entire night—barely saying two words to me. I’d hoped the cold, distant demeanor would fade as the night progressed, but it’d only gotten worse. Hell, she was so intent on keeping her distance from me, she’d turned in the night’s receipts and headed out to her car without so much as a goodbye. She might’ve actually made her grand escape if I hadn’t spotted her slipping out the back door.
I followed her outside and over to her car. “Rushing off so soon?”
“Oh, Rafe ... I was just ...” The blood drained from her face as she continued, “I was just about to head home.”
“I see that.”
“I thought we could just meet up tomorrow.” Marlowe chewed nervously on her bottom lip as she waited for my response, but there was none to give—at least none that I could actually verbalize. I was too pissed to form the words. I could understand if she was blowing me off because she needed some time alone, but I knew in my gut there was something more going on. When she realized I wasn’t going to reply, she added, “I didn’t sleep very well last night, and I’m pretty wiped.”
“Um-hmm. I understand.”
“Okay...Well.” She feigned a smile. “I’ll see you sometime tomorrow.”
She stood there, silently studying me for a moment, then quickly turned towards her car. There was no way in hell I was going to just let her leave, not like this, so I reached over and took hold of her arm, gently pulling her over to me. My gut twisted into a knot as I looked down at those beautiful blue eyes and said, “I’m not a patient man, Marlowe. Never have been. But for you, I’ve tried. I’ve tried damn hard. I know you’re going through something here and I’ve tried not to push, but I’m telling you now ... my patience is running thin. Very thin.”