She approached me, one eyebrow raised in question.
“Just a soda. And a cheeseburger when you have a moment.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I was hungry.”
She waited.
“I wanted to see you,” I said simply. “To apologize.”
“It’s fine, Julian. I don’t have time tonight. We’re a waitress down, a busboy short, no proper security on the door, and we’re all trying to cover. I have tables to serve. I’ll put in your order.”
I held up my hands. “No problem. I don’t want to make your life more difficult.”
“Hey, sweet cheeks! We’re waiting over here!” a voice yelled out.
I turned and met the eyes of one of the bikers. He returned my glare with a curl of his lips, saying something to his crew, making them laugh.
“I hate bikers,” Tally muttered, filling a tray with more pitchers of beer. “Especially this bunch. Every time they come in, they’re a pain in my ass.”
“You’ve dealt with them before?”
“We rarely get any of them in here, but sadly, yes. Brian usually watches them carefully, but I think Tom is more afraid of them. He lets them get away with too much. They’re repugnant.”
Anger began beating under my skin. “And they’re bothering you?”
“Since the moment they came in.” She tossed her braid over her shoulder. “Bikers,” she said again, distaste in her voice. “The one who just yelled yanked on my braid so hard, it gave me a headache.”
I grabbed the tray as she began to slide it away. “Let me.”
“What?”
“Order my burger. I’ll take this over.”
“You can’t.”
“Oh, Ms. Wells.” I smirked and winked at her. “You’ll find I like nothing more than a challenge.”
I stood, taking the tray with me. I approached the group. They were a small bunch—brawny, tatted-up tough guys who liked to frighten women by acting like they were important. Command attention with their loud voices and overinflated egos.
I counted in my head. Six-to-one. I liked those odds. Especially given a couple of them had potbellies and looked older. I could take them easily. The “leader” of the group was about my age, mouthy and full of himself, and he was the one who had yanked on Tally’s braid.
Unacceptable.
I slid the tray on the table as they all gawked at me.
“Where’s the girl?”
“I’m helping. She’s a little behind.”
“I’d like her behind me,” one of them muttered. “Or under me. I like the red ones. They fight.”
“That won’t be happening,” I growled and leaned close. “In fact, you fine gentleman are going to finish your beers, tip the ladies well, and leave.”
“Says who?” the one I had narrowed in on as being the leader snarled. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”
I lied. Convincingly. I tugged aside my jacket so they saw my holster, letting the fabric drop back into place casually.
“Well, aside from the fact that the redhead is under my personal protection, I’m the narc officer who can have a full team here in ten minutes, but before they arrive, take at least four of you out. I have a few other men in the bar who’ll finish off the job, so I suggest you listen to what I say.” I leaned on the table, my voice deadly cold. “If you don’t want to risk it and spend the night in jail, wondering why your dicks are getting personal with the contents of your stomach, I suggest you do as I say. I already have your plates down, and I’m sure my other men will be happy to spend the night digging into your backgrounds. So, I suggest you shut up and leave.” I stood straighter. “Enjoy the beer.”
I sauntered back to the bar, typing in a message to Damien. His reply was swift.
Got it.
I picked up the ginger ale Tally had left for me, drinking the cold liquid. A moment later, Damien had what I needed. He’d tapped into the camera outside the bar, and now, I did indeed have their plates. I chuckled as he informed me two had outstanding warrants and he’d called in a tip to the cops. One way or another, the bikers’ night was about to end.
I wasn’t surprised when they drank their beer and stood, grumbling loudly about the service and shit beer, throwing money on the table, and stomping out. The leader was the last one out the door, glaring my way and flipping his fingers between us as if we had unfinished business. I gave him the one-finger salute and picked up my burger.
“What did you say to them?” Tally asked.
I shrugged. “I speak biker.”
Tally laughed. “Another one of your talents?”
I heard the relief in her laughter. Saw the way her shoulders relaxed. Recalled her words. There was history there. I wondered if I would ever know it.
“One of many you’ve yet to discover.”
A real, wide, beautiful smile curled her lips. “I look forward to figuring them out.”