I also lift my glass and quickly gulp down the lump forming in my throat. These girls are going to kill me with my out-of-control emotions.
My eyes drift to the back of the bar just as Chantel appears in booty shorts, thigh-high boots and a minuscule bikini top just barely covering her nipples.
The girls follow my gaze, and Maxie shakes her head. “Back to my original idea. I think it’s time for Martina to meet one of the Royal Bastards’ prospects.”
“Hmmmm, I think that sounds like a genius idea.” Marisol’s gaze flips back to the bar. “As a matter of fact, I doubt he’s had a break yet tonight.”
Five minutes later, the very handsome prospect is sitting at our table, thanks to Marisol.
“I can’t believe I haven’t seen you before.” Jared leans his elbows on the table, and those Brad Pitt biceps flex.
“She’s new,” Marisol chimes in. “And very dedicated. Spends most of her time in the gym working out.”
“You’re fighting for the Royal Harlots?”
“And she’s got amazing moves,” Maxie adds. “Her first fight is next Saturday, and she’s going to be a winner. You should come.”
I shoot them both a look. I’m beginning to feel like the prize on the auction block. Next thing you know, Maxie will have me flexing and arm wrestling the poor guy.
“Absolutely.” He turns those Jason Momoa eyes on me, and something definitely quivers in my gut.
“How long have you been?—”
“Marisol!” Diesel barks over the music as he storms toward our table.
“Yes?” She smiles up at him sweetly. Too sweetly.
“What the fuck is the prospect doing on the other side of the bar?”
“Taking a break.”
“Prospects don’t get breaks.” Diesel stops short of the table, glaring down at Marisol. “And who the fuck told him he could take a break?”
“Me.” Marisol’s smile widens as Diesel’s glare sharpens.
Her simple answer stumps him for a heartbeat. “He’s property of the Royal Bastards.”
“And I’m the beverage and bar manager of The Tropics, right?”
“Yeah, so?”
“When Smoke gave me that job, he basically said they work for me, and I quote, ‘You’re in charge of handling all the employee bullshit: hiring, firing and doin’ the schedule.’ Correct?”
“Yeah.”
“He also said that includes their days off, hours worked and their breaks, and that I wasn’t to bother him with any of it. Right?”
“Right.”
“So, do you want me to bother Smoke with this, or should I let you?”
“Ahhh, fuck, do what you want.” Diesel focuses his dark eyes on me, then glares at the prospect and storms away.
My heart is beating double-time, but Maxie and Marisol have very satisfied smiles on their faces, although the prospect looks scared shitless.
“I better get back behind the bar.” He pushes away from the table and rests those beautiful eyes on me. “Maybe we could get together later.”
“That would be great,” Maxie answers for me, and I give her the eye.
