“Maybe not confused, but slightly torn as to where his loyalties lie.”
Not from what I heard—or overheard.
“He was pretty worried about you last night. More concerned than an employee-employer relationship.”
My heart pounds hard, then palpitates in my throat.
“And that concerns me.” Smoke knocks a cigarette out of the pack, takes his time lighting it up, then draws deep and blows the smoke to the ceiling.
Yeah, this man knows how to intimidate without saying a word.
“The thing is, my Enforcer is tough as shit. He not only trains the fighters and keeps them in line, but he’s the man you wanna have at your back. He’s all gas, no brakes. You get me?”
Smoke’s dark, almost black eyes bore into me, and I have no trouble seeing the outlaw. I grip the arm of the chair and hold on ‘cause I have absolutely no idea where he’s headed, but I’m sure it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
“But when it comes to women, he can be a little too trusting. Loaning chicks money, coming to their rescue when they get themselves in a shit situation. Stuff like that.”
I patiently wait for the other shoe to drop—or in this case, engineer boot.
“And I just don’t wanna see that happen to him again.”
I shift my feet. “I don’t know why you’re telling me this.”
“‘Cause there’s something about you that don’t add up. Youappear outta nowhere on Diesel’s birthday, then end up on stage stripping.”
“Ricky hired a lot of new girls that night.” I have no idea how much Diesel told him about me, but maybe I can play this off.
“Which is total bullshit. I checked, and Ricky didn’t hire you. Diesel mistook you for a new girl, and you didn’t correct him.”
Shit, shit, shit.
“You’re right.” Always agree with the enemy. It throws them off. “I was coming to apply for a job at The Tropics, and when Diesel thought I was hired already, I played along. I really needed a job.”
“Okay, I’ll bite.” Smoke spreads his arms wide. “Then how come you ended up at the gym and not here at The Tropics?”
“After I got up on stage, I realized it wasn’t for me.” Truth: Although exhilarating at the time, the thought of revisiting that night sent a chill down my spine.
“Really? ‘Cause you were damn good. Looked like you knew what you were doin’”
“Well, looks can be deceiving.”
“Exactly my point.” Smoke grins, but it doesn’t meet his eyes. “You’re good; I’ll give you that”—he leans in—“but Diesel’s got a lot going on right now, and he doesn’t need any distractions or anyone fucking with his head.”
“I have no intention of hurting him in any way.”
Heat surrounds my neck, and I want to tell this man to go to hell, but that would be stupid on so many levels. Especially since I’m sure Diesel would take his side.
“I’m real happy to hear that because, you fuck my brother over, you’re gonna have to answer to me. And believe me, I’m not easily fooled.” He shoots me an evil smile. “And you don’t want me for an enemy.”
And there it was—I had no doubt this man could make my life a living hell.
“And since you’re also a part of the Harlots, you better not fuck them over either, ‘cause no one fucks with my club, my brothers, or my family.”
“Message received.”
“One other thing. The Bastards put their club first, so don’t go trying to manipulate Diesel into doing some shit just ‘cause you’re good in bed.”
I jump out of the chair. “Excuse me?”
