Rae tried to relax, but she couldn’t. “Does that mean Titus’s cousin is also a shifter?”
Sam’s smile was warm, but his silence was loud.
“Right,” she said, her laugh forced. “I guess he’s asked you not to share personal details, I get it.” She ignored the strange disappointment. “I’m not going to do anything. I don’t need to be watched like a child.” She dragged a hand through the end of her hair, trying to brush out the knots.
Sam frowned. “He doesn’t think you’re going to do anything, he’s making me watch you because he’s worried you’ll get hurt.”
Rae took a second to register his words, realising Sam wasn’t aware of who she was. Which meant he was mistaken, as no way did Titus give a shit whether she was hurt or not. Because just like her, he was only there until he got what he needed.
A mutually beneficial relationship. One where she received orgasms, apparently.
Rae drummed her fingers against the bar. “I don’t have time for this.” Anxiety wrapped around her chest, pressing against the strange warmth that she hadn’t been able to clear in the centre. It was strange, but not entirely unpleasant.
“I’m not stopping you from leaving,” Sam said, leaning back against the bar. “But we both know you won’t.”
His comment bristled. “You don’t know me.”
“No, and yet I’m not wrong.” He tilted his head, cool gaze assessing. “So until Titus is done, you may as well sit and talk to me.”
“I can possibly spare five minutes.” A reluctant smile touched her mouth. “So, what is this place?”
“It’s our new bar, considering the old one burned down.” He shrugged, not elaborating anymore.
“And you’re calling it Drunken Beast?” She had to admit, the name was memorable.
“No,” Sam snorted. “Well, maybe. The name’s under consideration.”
“What was the old name?” she asked.
“Blood Bar.”
“Oh, I remember that place.” She’d seen in the news the place had been hollowed out from fire, as well as the adjoining units. “So why can’t you just rename it Blood Bar?”
Sam’s smile was tense. “The place needs a fresh start, which means a new name.”
Rae noticed his eyes darken with memories, ones Sam clearly didn’t want to share.
“Phoenix,” she said. “Don’t they rise from the ashes or something?”
He eyed her with curiosity. “What about Liquid Dreams?”
Rae smirked. “Sounds like it should have a red light outside. Is that something you guys offer for extra?”
“Hilarious,” Sam said dryly.
“Okay,” Rae continued. “Well, what does the bar offer? Karaoke?” She tried to hide her excitement.
“No...” Sam’s eyes brightened in enthusiasm. “But we should definitely have a karaoke night every week. I could create a special cocktail, one that makes you so drunk you sound like the next superstar regardless of talent.”
“Maybe just cut the middleman and call the place Liver Failure.”
Sam raised a brow. “Loose Lips?”
“Either I have a dirty mind, or you have.” She snorted. “The well hung, drawn and quartered?”
Sam burst into surprise laughter, the sound infectious.
“Okay, what about –” She jumped from her seat, her pendant burning against her skin. Pulling it from beneath her shirt she frowned, the metal stinging her fingertips.
