Sandy stops by and we reminisce over the past few months. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions and firsts with him. This is new for both of us. Neither of us wanted a relationship, but now that we’ve been given an opportunity to find happiness with someone we’re lowering our walls and putting in the work. I’ve seen sides of the man I didn’t know existed. I know many have found death at his hands, but I’ve been given life.
“So, tell me what I’ve missed around here,” I say once she’s settled with her usual vodka and cranberry.
“Hah, drama, drama, and more drama.”
“So, the usual?”
We burst into laughter. It feels good to be catching up. My life is slowly becoming everything I never knew I wanted.
“Well, look who’s here without their guard dog.”
The disrespectful, nasally tone strikes a wrong chord. I turn in my seat and find Trixie leaning against the counter a few inches away. “Making that money for the club, Trixie?” I ask sweetly.
“Fuck you, bitch. You’re no better than me.”
I laugh. “Really? ’Cause this,” I tap my leather vest, “says you should watch your mouth…right now.”
“You were working here before I was,” she hisses.
The hate in her voice shocks me. I never saw her having a preference for any of the men. Why she’s bent out of shape over Wizard is beyond me. I can tell by the glossed-over eyes and dark circles even concealer can’t hide, she’s strung out on something. “Yes, as a manger.” I speak slowly, watching her face. I have nothing against strippers—it’s an honest way to make a good living—but I’ll be damned if I get compared to club property. My title was rightfully earned the minute I was born to my dad. “I get that your free pussy hasn’t landed you an old man, but the fact is I’m a rightful heir to this shit. Do you know my father? I’m sure you do, his name is Hulk and just like him, you won’t like me when I’m angry.”
“You get under Wizard’s protection, and suddenly you want to pretend to be a badass? I’ve watched you over the years. You’ve never been anything but a scared little girl who’d do anything to blend in.”
My jaw tightens. She’s throwing down a gauntlet I have to meet. I down the rest of my drink, slam the glass down on the counter, and slide from the chair. “You just signed your eviction notice. I don’t catfight with insignificant peons. I have what you call real power.” I scan the area and find a prospect. “Prospect,” I call out.
He stands at attention and rushes over.
“I need you to take out the trash.”
“You bitch.” Trixie lunges at me and I step away, making her crash into the bar. Glasses clatter onto the floor. Enraged, she pushes away from the counter and spins toward me.
The prospect moves to step in front of me.
I hold out my hand. “I can handle it.” I crook my finger. “Come get some if you think you’re ready.” I can defend myself. You’d be stupid not to learn how when you roll with the characters we do. The one thing my father did right was teach me self-defense moves.
She charges forward like a bull in a China shop.
I dart to the side at the last minute, stick out my foot, and watch her go down.
Her face smacks the hard floor.
I plant my foot in the middle of her back before she can recover. “Do everyone here a favor and stay down.” I grind the toe of my shoe in to get my point across. “You aren’t worth dirtying my hands. I put you on the floor under my shoe for a reason.” I remove my foot and let the prospect help her to her feet.
“I’m going to get you back for this. you uppity bitch.”
“You can try, sweetheart, but somehow I won’t be losing any sleep.” I look at the prospect. “Thanks, Tigger, I’ll put the good word in for you with P.”
“I appreciate it, Nevada,” he says, flashing me a toothy grin before he disappears into the crowd.
I let out the sigh I’ve been holding. “What do you say we take this party to the house? I think I’ve had enough excitement for one night.”
Mimi grins at me as she shakes her head.
I can see the pride in her gaze. As we gather our things to leave, I can’t help but feel proud of the way I handled it, too. Wizard will approve, and that’s become extremely important to me. Not simply because he’s my old man, but because he’d become my best friend.
I walk inside the door and toss my bags on the ground. I’ve never wanted to get back home from a ride so badly. That’s the difference between having someone waiting at home and living life only for Chaos. I like the change.
“Wizard!”