“Same shit, different day,” King mutters.
Neither of these boys are officers, but both have been around long enough. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day they moved up in the ranks.
Technically, I’m not an officer either. I just have perks that most don’t, like a side deal with the president on who will be his next in line. At least, that was the plan when all this started. I signed on for a job with lasting benefits. It got me behind some closed doors quickly, and no one questioned me being there. Law and I haven’t spoken on itmuch since we shook on our deal, but I know he remembers. I also know he’s talking to a few other brothers on the topic too. I never asked for it toonlybe me, just wanted a shot. Ahealthyshot for when I make my move. Boss man can talk to anyone he likes. When the time comes for him to step down, he’ll get a say. And I know when that happens, it’ll be my name that he pitches; then it’ll be up to the boys to decide where the chips lie. But like I said, I just wanted an in. If I want the position badly enough when the time comes, I know I’ll take it. That’s why I have what many don’t, including a few Hounds. I’ve got the drive and the need to put myself before others. To get what I want in the end because I have a plan for shit to work out for everyone involved. A few others have it, like Casper and Bass, but I’m not sure either would ever be up for the challenge when it’s presented.
Probably helps that I’ve sat on this thought for a while now, ever since I took on Ruby. I doubt anyone else is thinking that long term. But that’s me, a fucking planner.
“You taking one of these girls or getting a vamp tonight?” King asks Atom.
They know I’m not the type to talk shit like that. I keep things between me and… well, me.
Atom is more reserved than King. He has conquests like any man, but it’s King who flaunts it. Not in your face, but he’s never one to deny it or say no to a good time. Guy was named King almost the day he came to the club. His actions with the ladies to get almost every vamp in the place on her knees, begging to be the one to take him to bed, were legendary. King of pussy is what he is. And arrogant enough to accept the title with pride.
Unlike Atom, who got his name because he’s a ticking bomb. He’ll put up with a lot of shit and then go nuclear on someone’s ass that pushes him too far. Or if he just needs to let off steam. I’ve been in the ring with him enough times to be grateful that I’ve never pissed him off and he’s on our side.
“Haven’t decided. So many pretty things to look at.” His eyes roam the place, and I notice when they settle on Ruby. But the guy’s smart enough to only look for a few seconds before moving on. Honestly, he was one second shy of getting a fist to the face.
I throw the rest of my drink down my throat to try to cool my fire. I don’t get what’s going on. Think my protective duty is messing with my brain. I’m seeing Ruby as something more than what she is. And if I see her as anything but annoying, I’m going to be in real trouble.
“I wouldn’t say no to Ruby’s friend if she gave me the time of day,” King says as his eyes flow easily over her. She’s joined Abigail and Ruby with the rest of their admirers as they continue to talk in the corner.
“Girl barely speaks. Your ego wouldn’t be able to take it,” Atom says, but he keeps his eyes on the roommate, assessing her slowly as she smiles and nods but doesn’t speak, just as he said.
“I can go for a silent chick. It makes it so much sweeter when I get them screaming my name later.” King laughs at his own joke, and I can’t help but smirk. He’s not wrong.
“You need a loud one. Why not Abigail?” Atom says as he nods at the other girl.
This has me smiling, as I already know the history there. That girl had the biggest crush on King as a kid. They grew up together, him and her and her brother. Then her brother died. Losing him killed any feelings she would have had for King. And King never saw her as anything more than a kid sister. An annoying one, especially since the brothers always teased him about wanting to hook up with her when he first joined the club. It’s a sore subject for him.
“That’s like telling me to kiss my sister. No fucking thanks.” King shakes his head in disgust at whatever image is in there right now.
Atom just shrugs. “She’s cute.”
“Then you have her. I’m off to get laid.” King grabs his beer and heads to the opposite side of the place. He grabs a chick who’s in the middle of some girl group and walks out with her, never once saying a thing. The girl doesn’t even complain, just grins and waves to her friends as she goes.
Atom and I watch, not surprised, but always impressed at how he does it.
“Guy has a skill,” I mutter.
“Amen to that.” Atom dips his beer to me, and I clink his glass with mine, even though it’s empty.
Laughter pulls my attention, and I see Abigail giggling as the blond dick throws his arm around Ruby like it belongs there and starts leading her, and the entire group, out the back.
“Problem?” Atom was always the smart one.
“Not sure.”
I don’t know what it is, but I don’t like the guys they’re with. Call it overprotectiveness or discriminatingagainst outsiders, but something just feels off. This place is swarming with chicks. Hot ones at that. Ruby and her friends fall into that category, sure, but why did they pick the only three girls who were seen with the brothers and yet are alone? No vamps were invited to this, just a group of friends. It’s the Flying Monkey. Regulars come in here all the time and don’t belong to the club. Not sure if they saw Ruby shake her ass when she did her little part in Troublemaker’s dance or not, but I don’t know these assholes. But after we just got Troublemaker out of a kidnapping situation, and Ruby’s already had an attempt on her life once before, I ain’t chancing it again.
“Up for a little exercise?” I stand and toss a few twenties onto the bar. The club might be paying my bill, but I still believe in tipping for the service.
Atom grins, his eyes full of fire like the nuclear bomb he’s named after. “Always.”
By the time we make it out the back, I see the blond high-fiving his friends as they crawl into an SUV and head out. Atom and I don’t give chase. We don’t want to spook them. And I’ve got half a mind to think Ruby will say something if she notices us before they do. They could just be punk kids looking to score, or it could be more. Whatever it is, I’m going to see what they do before I start breaking skulls. ’Cause I’m all civilized and shit.
Not.
Really, I’m just biding my time to see how much they do to warrant a death wish. I can kill a person and not think twice. But if I kill a person and Ruby actually likes them? I’m still debating how I’d feel about that. And if I’m thinkingabout her feelings, then I’m getting too damn close to my client.
