His truck wasn’t designed to keep flowers in their peak condition.
“I thought your brothers were tagging along,” she said.
“They’re going to be there. They wouldn’t miss an opportunity to party. Believe me.”
“You don’t sound happy about that, at all.”
“It’s fine.”
She chuckled. “You know I don’t mind them being at your place. I think it’s really sweet that you’re this amazing big brother.”
He glanced over at her.
“Kind of sexy as well.”
“Really?” he asked.
“Yeah.”
“Well, you see, Eliza, I figured you might be a little embarrassed. I like to hear my woman scream my name when I’m fucking her, so I’ve been toning it down. You know, playing it safe.”
“Oh, so you’re saying that when it comes to sex, I haven’t seen you at your best?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“Then I guess it’s good your brothers aren’t going to be there tonight.”
“I will kick their asses if they even for a second think to crash my place. My home is mine tonight, and so will you.” He pulled into the heaving parking lot. It was always busy on a Friday night. It’d been a long time since he last went out, but he was determined to show her a good time.
He climbed out of the car, rushed to her side, and took a hold of her hand, locking his car. Anyone who wanted to make a quick escape would pick any car.
Together, they walked toward the music. The sound blasted out. Part of him just wanted to take her back home, but instead, he kept on moving toward the heavy beat. Hand at her back, they entered the bar.
His brothers were already there, playing a game of pool.
“If you want, we can leave. It’s kind of loud.”
“James, I worked at bars and clubs three times the size of this, with people pretty much getting it on on the dance floor. You don’t have to worry about my sensibilities. Trust me.” She took his hand, leading him to the bar. She tapped on the counter for some service.
A woman with long black hair and blue eyes came toward them. He recognized her.
“Lilly?” Eliza asked. “Is that you?”
“Eliza. Wow, I heard you were back in town. I hadn’t had a chance to come and see you.”
“I know. I hadn’t seen you either.”
He looked between the two women. “You two were close?” he asked.
“I used to babysit her, when her mother … well,” Eliza said, to which Lilly’s face got hot.
“What can I get you to drink? I did hear the rumor about you and James. I guess it wasn’t so much as a rumor but real.” Lilly winked at her.
He ordered them both a beer. Eliza didn’t complain.
“We’ll catch up. Have dinner,” Eliza said.
He pulled her away from her friend, and they found a private booth.
“I didn’t know you babysat her.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me. She’s eight years younger than us, and I tried to take care of her. Her mother isn’t exactly … and her sister… You know what, let’s not talk about it.”
He knew of Lilly’s mom and sister. Her mom was known as a whore and the sister had a reputation for spreading her legs for money as well. Not a very nice family from what he’d heard, but he tried not to listen to gossip since most of the time they were lies.
They drank their beer, and he pulled Eliza onto the dance floor. With her seeing Lilly, he sensed her unhappiness, and he didn’t want her to be sad. Of course, after one dance, Caleb decided to butt in, followed by Rome. He left Eliza to play pool while he got another round of drinks, settling on some water for himself. Lilly served him with a smile.
Returning to the table, he watched as Eliza bent over the pool table, and there was a small wad of cash on the corner.
“Caleb bet her that she couldn’t pot all the balls,” Rome said. “I’ve got to keep an eye on the money. A hundred bucks and it’s all hers.”
“She’s not going to win,” Caleb said.
Eliza pouted. “Are you worried about losing to a girl?”
“There’s no way you can do it because I’ve been trying all my life and I’ve done it once.”
“You see, Caleb, what you fail to realize is I worked in bars and clubs for the last ten years. I played pool to pass the time. It was fun, easy, and cheap.” She finished potting them all, settling with the white ball last. “And I don’t ever make a bet I can’t win.”
****
Wrapping her arms around James’s neck, Eliza smiled up at him. “I’m really enjoying tonight.”
His hands moved down to her ass. “Even now?”
“Always. I love being around you.” She kissed his lips and moaned.
“Do you want to head back to my place?”
“Yeah, I need to use the bathroom first.” She kissed him again, pulling out of his arms. On the way past the bar, she paused as she heard a whimper.
“Come on, Lilly. Your sister will give it up for ten. I’m offering you fifty bucks to let me pop that little cherry of yours. It’s about time you started to play the role that you’re meant for. Why else would you work in a bar unless it was to get fucked?”
“Let go of me.”
“Nah, I’m not letting go of you. That pussy is mine.”
Eliza had heard enough. Stepping around the corner, she saw a big guy, someone she vaguely recognized. He had Lilly’s hands pinned above her head.
“I suggest you let her go.”
The big man paused and turned. She did recognize him, Jacob Whiley. He’d been one of the football stars in school, but he’d busted his knee and hadn’t even been able to get the scholarship. She vaguely recalled her aunt telling her that he’d gotten married to one of the cheerleaders. Right now, he was looking like a piece of work who needed some hurting. Lilly was white as a sheet.
“What do you know, the other trailer-trash whore. You think fucking your way into the Hard boy clan is going to get you what you want?” he asked.
“Doesn’t matter, does it?” she said. Words were just that. They had long lost the power to hurt her. She hated him on sight. “I suggest you let Lilly go before I rearrange your face.”
When she lived in the city, she’d taken a couple of self-defense classes. Again, her aunt was determined to make sure she was safe, and right now, she was more than thankful for them.
Jacob let Lilly go and advanced toward her. When he was within arm’s reach, she attacked, slapping him down. She drove her fist into his face, hearing the breaking of bones, and then pushed him to the floor.
His scream echoed around the bar, drawing attention to them.
Eliza went to Lilly’s side just as James, Caleb, Rome, and a couple of others came to them.
“That bitch broke my nose.”
“Yeah, well, you shouldn’t be trying to force yourself on women. There’s a word for that, and it’s rape.” She sneered at the man and then looked up to see some judging her. No, not just her, but Lilly as well.
“This man trying to force you, Lilly?” Caleb asked, stepping forward.