Logan pulls away and gently places me on my feet, taking several steps back. He straightens up his suit as he watches me, the corner of his mouth going up. Holding out his hand, he murmurs, “You look so fucking beautiful in that dress. It’s going to be the first thing on the floor as soon as we get upstairs.”
I decided to wear a corset dress with a gothic flair and the soft touch of lace trim tonight. Seems like Logan loves the look. I take his hand, feeling heat rise to my cheeks, and I grin back, “Your words are dangerous weapons, detective.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, but I have to work tonight. Think you can wait for me?”
“Fuck, yes.”
Logan chooses a seat at the end of the bar. Something tells me he wants to be left alone. The one seat next to him is currently being occupied by Kai, leaving no other chairs available. They’re both sitting there talking while watching the football game on the television. A group of girls approaches the two of them, and I watch as Logan doesn’t take his eyes from the game. Kai is more than happy to entertain them though. I can’t help shaking my head, a smile playing across my lips. I love my brother, and he loves women.
I pour a beer and smile as I hand it over to Gary. He’s a regular. And by regular, I mean he is here every night from seven until closing. Gary’s in his late fifties, and lost his wife to cancer last year. He has no other family that I know of.
“Thanks, Lena,” he grunts, taking his beer and going to his table in the back.
I go to the next customer but stop short when I see one of the girls take a deep breath and move to Logan’s side. He doesn’t look over at her or acknowledge her in any way, and I feel a slither of relief move through me. I sense Declan move to my side.
“She is brave.”
I snort, but don’t take my eyes off Logan. “What makes you say that?”
“Logan has only had eyes for you since he got here. That chick has to be blind not to notice. She is about to crash and burn.”
I quirk an eyebrow at Declan’s enthusiasm to this girl’s impending rejection.
“Well, someone here will surely cheer her up,” I reply.
I tense up as I watch her lift her hand and place it on Logan’s arm. Anger ignites in my stomach, but I don’t have to worry because Logan tips his beer back and stands, saying something to Kai and completely ignoring her. She opens her mouth to say something, but before she can, Logan lifts his gaze to mine. He smirks when he sees I’m watching, and makes his way over. I step around the bar to meet him, and he pulls me into his arms, placing a soft kiss on my lips.
“Mind if I meet you upstairs?” he asks.
That’s when I notice the exhaustion hanging off him.
“Of course not,” I reply.
Logan grins and backs away, raking a hand through his hair, his shirt lifting with the movement, and I catch a glimpse of his abdominal muscles sculpted to perfection. When I lift my gaze, I find myself staring into heated eyes. Groaning, I quickly spin away.
Damn that man. I need him. I want him so badly.
Relief when we finally close is palpable. I am so over this night, which is new for me, I usually love being down here and around people, but tonight has been different. Having Logan waiting upstairs is a new special kind of torture. Kai disappeared just after Logan, probably entertaining one of the girls from earlier, or several, knowing my brother’s womanizing ways.
I just finish wiping down the tables when the door swings open, and I spin on the newcomer with a growl, but it dies in my throat.
“Ash?”
“Salena.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I heard about the two girls found dead.”
“Yeah . . . ”
“It’s not Reaper,” she says, taking a seat at the bar as I move around to grab two glasses and a bottle of bourbon.
“I know. Doesn’t seem like his style.”
“I’ve been watching him and his pack like you asked. None so much as sniff your way. Whoever is stalking you and killing these girls is a new threat, one I can’t pick up on. It’s concerning. Do you have any leads?”
