I bite my lower lip, and Maxie teases, “You’re not gonna get all mushy again, are you?”
I draw in a deep breath. “It’s been a while since I’ve had friends.”
I’d kept my secrets to myself, but Maxie is savvy enough to know I have a past. Apparently, most of the women in the Harlots have a backstory. Some share theirs, others don’t, but either way, it makes me feel closer to them. It’s much easier to be around people with faults.
“Get showered and cleaned up, and we’ll head over to The Tropics at around ten.”
This will work with my plan to meet up with Eduardo later, but there is another problem. “I really don’t have anything to wear except the clothes you gave me.”
“You’re not getting out of this that easy.” She sizes me up. “Marisol and you are about the same size, and that woman has way more clothes than she needs.”
“But . . .”
“She and I will bring you some things later, and you can pick out what you like.”
“But . . . don’t you think you should ask her first? Maybe Marisol won’t want to share her clothes.”
I clearly remember the beautiful bar manager from the first night who served me those delicious and very dangerous margaritas. From her hair down to her gorgeous figure, the woman is a classic beauty with a natural elegance. Plus, I found out she was also married to Smoke, the president of the Royal Bastards, which makes her royalty of sorts.
Maxie rolls her eyes and laughs. “You have so much to learn.” She slams her locker shut. “We’ll come by at eight. Plenty of time for you to get ready while we all enjoy a glass of wine, or three. Then, between Marisol’s designer clothes and my mad skills with makeup and hair, Diesel won’t be able to keep his hands or eyes off you.”
“Wait, what? I really don’t think he—” Shit, and here I thought my secret was safe.
Maxie throws me a knowing look. “That man is hot for you,girl, and the sooner you admit it, the more fun you’re gonna have, so quit fighting it.”
“Did anyone ever tell you you’re a mix between a hurricane and a tornado?”
“Honey, I grew up an outcast in a bumfuck town in Oklahoma with the parents from hell, and when I finally broke away, I got myself tangled up with some dangerous dudes, so it was either fight or fail—and I chose to fight. It made me stronger than I ever thought possible, so just remember that the next time you’re doubting yourself.”
Maxie zips up her duffel bag. “If you wanna act like you’re not into Diesel, I’ll play along, but do you really think I’m the only one who sees the way he looks at you? Or the way your eyes follow him when he’s headed toward the office?”
“We’re just?—”
“Friends, right, whatever you say, but tonight when he sees you in whatever sexy outfit you pick from Marisol’s collection, he is gonna lose his shit.” Maxie slings her duffel over her shoulder with a knowing smile. “See you later, and get ready to make that man do a double take.”
I press my forehead against the cool metal of the locker, and my brain spins. Maybe I could claim I’m too tired, but it would never work because Maxie is a force of nature—one of the traits that makes her an excellent fighter and trainer. She never backs down in the cage or in the gym, and she expects and gets the best out of the fighters.
Plus, she is hooked up with Blood, a man who is intimidating even when he smiles, which is rare. If she could keep that brute of a man in line, what chance did I have? She could easily just pin me down and dress me herself.
I chuckle at the visual and am just about to head for the shower when my phone buzzes against the metal of my locker. Ihave two numbers in my phone, Maxie and Eduardo, and since she just left, I know it’s Eduardo.
“Hello.”
“I’ll be at The Tropics tonight for another meeting with the Bastards.”
How convenient I’ll be there too.
“What time?”
“Around nine.”
“Don’t forget my passport. And don’t mess up.”
“Shit, is that what you think of me?”
“Yes. Just be there on time. Text me before you meet with them and then when you’re done, so I can be ready.”
I’ll easily make a bathroom excuse. How long can it take to run next door, meet up with Eduardo, and get my passport?
