Since the three troublemakers kept to themselves at a table on the other side of the room, Axel relaxed with the guys once more.
He won soon enough, much to J.T.’s amusement. “Good thing we weren’t playing for money.”
Axel paused. “We weren’t?”
“Nope.”
“Not at all,” Sam agreed, tucking away some bills that had been in the middle of the table.
Axel grunted. “You’re all bad liars.”
“Yeah. We miss Johnny.” Foley sighed. “He’s out for the weekend with Lara.”
“Ah, young love.” Sam knocked back his beer.
“Please. You were out last weekend with Ivy,” Foley grumbled.
“And you live up your girlfriend’s ass. Gimme a break,” Sam said back.
“Up her ass? That’s kind of personal, don’t you think?” J.T. looked from Sam to Foley. “Then again, I hear you guys are pretty tight, so maybe you share a lot.”
“What?” Foley’s eyes widened.
Axel tried not to laugh at the hole J.T. kept digging himself into.
Sam choked on his beer.
“I meant you guys talk a lot and…oh forget it. If I have to explain the joke, it’s not as funny.”
“Wasn’t funny to begin with,” Axel had to say.
“Yeah.” Foley glared. “For talking shit, you owe me a pitcher.”
J.T. held his hands up in surrender. “Easy, Foley. I was just kidding.”
The minute he walked away, Foley relaxed.
“Nice.” Sam and he clinked glasses.
“Mr. Sensitive is buying more beer. What a great guy.”
Realizing J.T. had been had, Axel shook his head, trying not to laugh. “I have to go save my girlfriend from the bar.” Many of whose patrons had sidled up to talk to her. “You’re both welcome for not shaking you down for the money you owe me. You guys are not very good at darts.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Sam grumbled, hiding a smile.
Foley shook his head, looking less than innocent. “Money? No idea what you’re talking about.”
Axel left them for Rena. But before he could get to her, he overheard Daryl say his name.
He turned and took a punch to the stomach that stole his breath because he hadn’t been expecting it. But that had never stopped him from giving back what was owed.
* * *
Rena watched from the bar with a sigh. They’d been doing so well tonight. Axel had been giving her the space she needed. She’d planted a big old kiss claiming him as hers—as much for her peace of mind as his, truth be told. She’d seen a few women eyeing him up the minute they’d entered. Because, yeah, her man was freakin’ sexy as hell.
He’d been good, playing darts with friends. No fights for Axel tonight.
Until he’d been provoked.
