Heidi took the orders at the table, smiling and flirting just a little, laughing with the Diamondbacks easily. She was the consummate professional, a real asset to the club. She was extremely loyal to them, never gossiped about them or anything she may have inadvertently overheard, but when she picked up information, she passed it on to one of the club members or Anya immediately.
She moved easily through the crowd, so experienced she was barely touched by any of the many bikers crowding around the bar unless she wanted to be touched. “Preacher, table seven orders,” she called out and leaned in close to Bannister. Bannister was always on the same bar stool, the one nearest the band, and Anya covered that section. By calling out to Preacher, that meant she had a note or information of some kind to pass down the line.
“I’m free,” Anya made a point of saying. She smiled and began filling the drink orders even as she slid the note off the bar. Preacher stepped behind Sabelia, one hand on her shoulder as if checking her work.
Sabelia glared at him. “I’ve got this. I’m slow, but I’m getting the hang of it. No one’s complained yet.”
“Don’t want you poisoning the customers, malen’kiy ved’ma. Just making sure.”
Anya deftly slid the note in Preacher’s pocket as he turned away.
Sabelia narrowed her eyes. “Did you call me a witch?”
Preacher moved away from her with an easy roll of his shoulders. “Some might use that word for witch. I personally prefer it for hellcat.”
“Lovely. Just lovely. You’re going to find out what a hellcat I can be,” Sabelia muttered under her breath, but she kept working.
Anya burst out laughing. “Preacher is a pain in the ass. Don’t let him get to you. You’re doing great, which is why he’s all up in your business. You were supposed to fall on your face and need his help so he could be all superior.”
“That’s enough of that bullshit,” Preacher called out.
Sabelia and Anya exchanged a smirk that included Heidi. See? Anya mouthed.
Savage leaned over the other end of the bar, calling out for a beer. Preacher shoved a cold one to him, along with a napkin. He took it and disappeared back into the shadows, moving toward the hall. He walked to the very end, where Czar and Steele had come in the back way.
“Heidi sent a note, Czar,” Savage greeted. “Too many clubs out there. And that fucking Pierce walked in like he owned the place.”
Czar glanced at his watch. “Have ten minutes before the meeting. Plank must like the band to come this early.”
“I hope that’s his reason,” Savage said, but he didn’t believe it. Pierce was too cocky. He was back in Plank’s good graces, and that didn’t necessarily bode well for Torpedo Ink.
Czar glanced down at the note and scowled. Savage felt the burst of black anger the president of their club hastily got under control. Savage did what he always did—bled most of that rage off. Czar was going to have to face Plank and look as if he was in complete command of his emotions at all times.
“They came early so they could listen to the band and Pierce could have another shot at talking to Alena. Heidi overheard them talking. Plank and Judge told him to take his chance while he could, before things had a chance of heating up.”
Savage swore under his breath. He needed to get back out there. He knew he was too late. He felt the shift in the other members’ emotions immediately. Seychelle’s voice changed subtly, pouring a calming vibe into the notes as she sang. Pierce had clearly insisted on Alena dancing with him, pulling her into his arms in spite of the song being on the faster side.
Could use a little help, here. One of you come and dance with me, Alena sent to the brothers. He’s all over me.
Was there desperation in her voice? Was she falling for Pierce’s shit?
Tell him to go to hell, Ice demanded. I’m your fucking brother. I can’t go rescue you.
Tell him to get his fucking hands off you. He’s dancing with you, Destroyer snapped. He doesn’t need to be grabbing your ass. He’s just showing off to his friends that he can.
I’ve moved his hands several times. Unless you want me to break them and start a war, get your ass over here and help out, Destroyer. You’re the only one he doesn’t know, and he thinks we’re together. Alena sounded pissed. And you owe me big-time.
Don’t dance. And where do you get the idea I owe you?
You kissed me when I was a kid and then won that damn contest and left me in that hellhole.
There was a moment of silence while all the members of Torpedo Ink digested that information. The band continued to play. Seychelle sang. Pierce pulled Alena closer to him, his hands roaming her body while she shoved at his chest, glaring daggers. No one was quite certain who she was glaring daggers at.