“Clint,” I call and gesture to the women. “Tab’s on me.”
“What?” Amethyst turns, and when she does, I almost bump into her.
We’re standing close, and she’s looking up at me. I swear everything in the bar stops as we lock eyes.
“It’s on me, angel.”
“That’s so…” She shakes her head. “Kind, but no. I’m going to pay my own way.” Her determined little chin tilts up a little.
Fuck, she’s adorable.
“No free drinks?” My eyebrows probably hit my hairline. “All right. If that’s how you want it.”
She gives me a hard nod, precious in its certainty. “It is, but thanks anyway.”
I show them to two empty spots at the bar as Ellie eyes them and Clint takes their orders. There’s another empty seat beside Amethyst, and I want to take it, to ask her a million questions, to look into those bright blue eyes.
But I don’t.
Because it wouldn’t be right.
She’s young, innocent, gorgeous.
I’m too old for her, far too filthy to put my hands on a woman like her. Maybe I’ve started a new life here, but the old one’s left its mark on me, all the same.
George and Laurence are already in a loud argument by the darts board. I should go break it up before it boils over. Even so, I linger for another moment as Amethyst sips at her freshly poured White Claw. She winces and hands it to Glory. Good girl. Amethyst deserves top shelf liquor.
I’m about to put in a drink order for her that I just know she’ll like when I get a tingle at the back of my neck. Turning, I reach out and catch a dart before it can hit Amethyst in the back. With a yell, George launches himself at Laurence.
Then all hell breaks loose.
3
Amethyst
“Holy shit,” Glory says from beside me. I can’t pull my eyes away from the fight that has broken out.
“Should we do something?” I ask. Big is closing in on some guy that is half his size. There’s no question in my mind the big guy can handle himself.
I’m actually worried about everyone else because Big looks as though he could snap most of them in two. It’s getting pretty rowdy as others begin to jump into the fray.
“Yeah, we should do something: watch.” Glory snaps a picture. “That one Big just grabbed almost hit you with a dart, but Big caught it like a freaking ninja.”
Big lifts the man off the ground by his shirt and slams him into the wall. I can’t make out what he’s saying over the music that’s still playing. I must admit that it turns me on to watch him take control of the situation.
Did he really save me from an errant dart? I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. People might think I’m crazy for smiling while a bar brawl is going on, but the thought of him wanting to protect me has me doing exactly that.
“Is it weird I find that hot?” I ask Glory.
She shakes her head, then snaps another picture. “Not even a little.”
Big tosses the man in his arms toward the door. The guy gets up and makes a quick exit.
My eyes stay on Big as he goes for another man but not before he glances my way. I’m frozen in place watching the chaos unfold. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. Suddenly, my vision is blocked by a man headed our way. He doesn't look like he wants to fight, but he’s staring right at me. I inwardly groan.
“Don’t even think about it.” Glory jumps in front of me suddenly. “She’s mine.”
The man drops his eyes to Glory. “That explains so much.”
“Piss off, Hank.” She lifts the camera and snaps another picture right in his face to make it flash in his eyes.
“Whatever.” He turns and sulks off. Someone gets shoved into him, and he, too, joins into the fight like it’s freaking contagious or something. What is wrong with everyone?
“Enough!” is shouted across the speakers, cutting the music off. “Or you don’t get a free shot.”
Magically, everyone stops throwing hands at the pretty brunette’s offer. I think I saw her behind the bar when we walked in. Big chucks another man out the door.
“Clean up, assholes, while I get the drinks. One day you guys will start acting civilized.” She turns and grabs a stack of shot glasses, then flips the music back on. I notice it’s a soft song this time. Everyone does as the pretty woman orders and starts picking up chairs and tables.
“Should we help?” I whisper to Glory, who is still standing in front of me.
“Hell no. Let those assholes clean up. Dipshits almost hit you with a freaking dart.” I lick my lips and sit back down. I watch Big as he talks with a few of the people cleaning up. They all look as if they are young schoolboys getting in trouble with the principal. It makes me smile.
“You’re so gone for that man,” Glory says as someone sets a shot down in front of us.
“You girls doing okay?” The pretty bartender’s nametag says Ellie. “Don’t want you to get worried. We’re usually a fun joint.”
“We’re great,” I say.
“We’re good, Ellie.”
“You go on and write a story. Give us some press.” Ellie winks at Glory before walking off.
“Should I be mad someone winked at my girlfriend?” I tease her, making us both laugh.
“You ever had a shot?” Glory nods to the one in front of me. I shake my head as I pick it up and slam it back before I can think about it for too long. It burns all the way down, making me cough. Glory laughs as I chase it with my drink.
“I’m driving,” she points out when I get it together, then places her little glass in front of me. The first shot warmed my insides. I couldn't drive if I wanted to. It was never something I was taught. Weird, because I was forced to learn so much other crap. Useless stuff, for the most part. Driving a car feels as though it should’ve been higher on the list.
“To living life how I want.” I raise my glass in a cheers, and Glory taps it with her water before shooting it back. Glory lets out a cat call. As we sit and chat, I can feel Big’s eyes on me.
“He keeps staring.” Glory picks up her water and takes a sip to hide her mouth.
“Would you call me crazy if I said I could feel his eyes on me without even looking?”
“Nope. I’d call you buzzed.”
I think I am. Glory checks her phone when the screen lights up. Her eyes go wide, and I know that face. Someone just told her something crazy. Some lead she can’t help but chase. “Shit. I’ve got to go. I’m sorry, Ames.”
“That good of a story huh?” I ask.
She reaches into her purse, and I smack her hand when she tries to pay. “Go. I’m going to stay.”
She pauses. “You want to stay?” She glances down at her phone again. I nod.
“Okay. I’ll come back for you.” She pulls her crossbody over her shoulders.
“Really?”
“Of course, but only finish this drink. You’re not drunk yet, but I don’t want you getting there when I’m not here.”
“I’ll keep an eye on her.”