Page 31 of Deadly Sins

19Ksenya

WHEN GRANT’S BIKE EXITED IN Ocean Beach, the sight of the neon-green sign filled my heart with joy.

THE PICKLED FROG

A sigh of relief escaped. Returning to one of Joaquín’s old haunts gave me a strong sense of comfort. Grant and I had shared some good times here, too. Memories flashed—Grant holding my hair back in the parking lot after I puked from drinking one too many rum and Cokes; Grant telling me he loved me for the first time when I picked him up smashed after one of the SEAL funerals; sitting between my two favorite men, celebrating the day they finally earned their tridents.

That day I’d been filled with hope for my future. Today, I was filled with dread for Joaquín’s.

We pulled up behind the dive and climbed off Grant’s bike. I quickly collected myself and remembered to pretend not to know where I was.

“Where are we?”

“This is my buddy Kyle’s bar.”

I nodded.

A job working at the unofficial SEAL hangout was just what I needed.

Grant pushed back the doors, and my jaw dropped—the place had been completely redone. Hardwood floors had replaced the multicolored shag carpet, and thick oak slabs erased my memory of the tacky laminate bar top. No more whiskey mixed with puke stench. This place was almost respectable.

A little less than six months ago, I’d come here desperate for help. Confused, lost, alone. Without any plan. Now, I was transformed into a new woman and was making progress every day on securing my brother’s freedom. I’d gained access to the SEALs, the strippers, and had placed a tracking device on Mitch’s phone. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

Kyle gave Grant a bro hug.

“Kyle, this beautiful woman is Ksenya.”

Kyle kissed my hand.

“Hi, Kyle.” I looked up to meet his eyes. He was massive in every way, towering over his SEAL buddies, his muscles double the size of theirs, which was just ridiculous. How was that even possible?

“Your man here tells me you’re looking for a job. I’m sure the boys would love to have your banging body filling their drinks.”

“I am hard worker. Thank you for meeting together with me.”

“Of course, beautiful. Tell me about yourself.” He leaned toward me, his soulful eyes studying my face. As if he knew me.

My heart fluttered, and I resisted the urge to flee. “I was born in the Ukraine. My baba and me, we came to your country. She died, and now I am alone. There is nothing else to tell.”

“Well, sugar, I treat my employees like family. Have you ever tended bar?”

Even though Grant was my ex-boyfriend, in a way, I feared Kyle would be the one to discover my identity. He was older than the other men and had lived a full life before joining the Teams. And he was one of those rare men who actually listened.

“No, I have not. But I am the quick learner.”

“Okay, then.” He opened the side door to the bar. “Hop on in and give it a try. You can start by taking Grant’s order.”

Grant reached across the bar and held my hand as if to reassure me. “You got this, babe. Just give me a whiskey on the rocks.”

Kyle gave me a quick layout of the bar, where the different liquors were stored, different types of glasses for various drinks. My head was spinning, but every time I glanced at Grant, his smile gave me confidence.

After an hour or so, I needed a break. A blinding light flashed in my head, and I feared a migraine coming on.

“Kyle, I thank to you for giving me this opportunity. When do you need me to start?”

“How about Tuesday night? Weekends are the busiest, so during the week I’ll have more time to train you.”

I couldn’t hold in my excitement. I flung my arms around Kyle’s neck and squeezed him. He gave me a long hug. “Thank you, Mr. Kyle. I will not be the disappointment to you.”