“Hello boys.”
“Hey Lil,” Shane says, his smile widening. Kane doesn’t say much, but he never does. He’s as moody as Dominic. What is it with the men in this town?
“Hi, I’m Lillian. I’ll introduce myself because none of these clowns have any manners.”
“I’m Poppy.”
“Wanna play? I put my money on the side, so it’s my turn next.”
“Sure I’ll play.”
She grabs a cue from the bikers who’ve just finished their game. “Dom, you’re going to have to let her go if she’s going to play.”
Dom reluctantly removes his arm from me, but presses his lips to my temple. “I’ll be with the guys.” He takes a few steps to the wall where a small ledge runs with bar stools nestled underneath, though he doesn’t sit. He rests his elbows on the ledge and sips his nonalcoholic beer, watching me with a predatory gaze.
Lillian nods to the guys and snickers as she chalks up her pool stick. “Dom has eyes only for you, girl. I’ve never seen him have it this bad.”
Her words make me melt inside, and I glance at him out of the corner of my eye. His smoulder makes my skin itch, like I can feel his hands running everywhere his gaze lands.
I turn back to the pool table and arrange the balls as I clear my throat. I can’t help the cat got the cream grin from creeping across my face as I look back at Lillian. “Really?” I’m sure I have it just as bad as he does, but I’m not about to let on.”
Lillian shoots first and we chat about the guys, how she met them, how they grew up together. Some of her stories have tears in my eyes from laughter by the time our game is finished.
We start another game when no one is looking, pretending to still be in the middle of our last one. I’m sure some of the bikers are grumbling about us taking another turn, but with three burly guys at our backs, they don’t dare say anything.
I can’t remember the last time I had fun, feeling free and able to be myself. With Dom’s watchful eye, I’m able to let my hair down and have another drink without worrying about my past or my future.
Lillian leans close. “So, how did you and Dom meet? I don’t know the details.”
My cheeks burn as I think about the club. Should I tell her how he saved me from the handsy guy? Or about how he was stalking me for months?
I frown, unsure of what to say. Then Lillian elbows me softly. “Hey, you don’t have to get into it if you don’t want to. I know who you are. I mean, your face was all over the news. Did Dom help you escape?”
Panic races up my spine, and I look around. Just when I was starting to relax and enjoy myself. Does anyone else recognise me? Dom was right. I should’ve just stayed back at the lodge. It was much safer.
Lillian’s hand on my arm draws my attention to my shaking limb. She softens her features as if she understands, like a kindred spirit. I relax a little. I sip my drink and control my breathing, Dom’s words echoing in my mind as he glances my way, silently asking me if I’m okay with his kind eyes.
Finally, I smile to let Dom know I’m fine, then exhale, taking the chalk from Lillian. “Yeah, something like that. Still in the middle of it, I suppose. We met when he was… protecting me?”
I think back, not sure if I want to paint him in a stalker light regardless of what happened. He’s so much more than just a stalker who keeps me locked up tight, safe from the bad man who haunts my day.
“I don’t mean to pry, but why haven’t you gone to the police?” Lillian asks.
I shrug and hit another ball into the corner pocket. “You ever dated a cop before?”
Lillian lifts her eyebrows in recognition. “Say no more.” She glances at Shane with a smile. “They’re not all bad, though.” She walks around me to take her turn.
My eyes move between her and Shane. His kind smile gazing back at Lillian. “Is he?” The pulse in my neck throbs, and I itch the skin on my chest, causing it to flare in a red rash.
“He’s a cop, yes. But he’s one of the good guys. You can trust him if you need anything.”
Can I trust him to not dob me in? He’s bound to recognise me, too? No wonder Dom didn’t want to take me out. He looked like this was the last place he wanted to be when he saw his friends.
An older barmaid corners the pool table, a harried look on her face. “Any empties?”
Lillian misses and waves her hand towards the empty glass on the side. “You’re packed tonight, Heather. The band brought in the crowd, huh?”
The barmaid, Heather nods and wipes her brown hair from her forehead. “Yeah, and Lou called in sick again. We’re constantly short staffed in this godforsaken pub. Spread the word that we’re hiring, will you? If you don’t need anything, I have to get back to it.”
