Redemption: AmBw Romantic Suspense

“Not if you want to get shot.”

He placed the lighter back in his pocket and inhaled the cigarette. When I got closer, Kevin grimaced. “He’s in there.”

“I saw. Did he say anything to you?”

“No, just glared at me like a crazy motherfucker and sat next to the stage.”

“He’s going to watch you all night, wait, and then follow you home.”

“He thinks Ebony is with me?”

I nodded. “Let Harold know that things might get intense and not call the cops.”

Kevin laughed. “Harold wouldn’t call the cops, if a motherfucker had a gun in his face and was threatening to rape him. Too much shit in the back.”

“Still, let him know what’s up and that I’ll pay for damages.” I started to walk in.

Kevin stopped me. “Try not to shoot up the club. I like working here.”

“Just get the girls out, if things get shaky.”

Kevin blew out smoke. “Got you.”

“And if nothing happens, get in your car and drive out to the dump.”

“You’ll kill him there?”

“Yeah.”

“Do I have to shovel? I hate digging.”

“Focus.” I stepped inside the dim club. The door closed behind me.

The same old view of Titty Palace greeted my eyes

The bar ran long and narrow, taking up the whole right side of the place. A circular stage sat in the center with a shiny chrome pole. Small stools lined the stage, providing a closer look of the performing women. Mirrors covered the ceiling and walls.

As Kevin had said, Wyatt sat in the chairs next to the stage.

Honey twirled in front of him.

Wyatt pulled out a dollar and tossed it at Honey. He glanced my way, studied me for a few seconds, and then returned to Honey.

Let’s see how much you’ve figured out, Wyatt.

I walked over to the stage and sat on his right.

He didn’t look my way. Instead, he checked the door again, completely ignoring me.

Strawberry showed up on my side and placed a steaming cup of tea next to me. “Here you go. Glad the snowstorm didn’t keep you gone for too long.”

“I could never stay away too long.”

She glanced at Wyatt as he handed Honey another dollar and winked at me.

Wyatt checked what I was drinking and leaned my way. “Any liquor in that?”

I looked at him and did my best to keep the anger off my face. “No. I don’t do well with alcohol.”

“Me either.” He gestured at his coke. “I’ve got to stay alert anyway.”

“Why?”

“Asshole in here is messing with my wife.”

I shook my head. “Is she a stripper in here?”

Wyatt glanced around. “Only God knows what she’s doing now.”

“Sorry to hear it. Sometimes good men can’t get good women.”

“They’re all a mess.” Wyatt drank some of his coke, leaned back, and signaled at his pack of cigarettes. “Can you smoke in here?”

I nodded.

He pulled one out and lit it.

I sipped my tea. Strawberry knew my signature drink—a chai blend with a little honey inside the same coffee mug.

Wyatt coughed a little and blew out some smoke.

Honey danced in front of me.

I pulled out a dollar and held it in the air.

Instead of simply taking it, she got on her knees, crawled to me, and shook her cleavage in my face. At least she still had her bra on. I tucked the dollar in her band.

She winked and gestured for me to come closer.

I leaned her way.

“It’s about time you’ve come to the stage,” she whispered. “What are you doing later tonight?”

“I’ll be super busy.”

“And after that?”

“Busy again.”

She rolled her eyes and leaned away.

I sat back in my seat and took another sip of my tea.

Honey rose, twisting her hips and sashaying to the pole.

Wyatt glanced at the closed door and blew out smoke.

I tilted his way. “Did that guy come in yet?”

“No. Not really.” Wyatt rubbed his nose. “How much do you come in here?”

“A lot.”

Wyatt checked the door again. “Do you know the people that work here?”

“Not that well. I just sip my tea, look at a few titties, and head home.”

Wyatt nodded. “You’re a religious man?”

“Something like that.”

Wyatt pointed at the door. “The motherfucking bouncer is messing with my wife.”

I frowned and shook my head. “He seems like the type. I see him leave with women in here all the time.”

“Hmmm.” Wyatt flicked his ash onto the floor. “What else have you seen him do?”

“That’s about it. He has a friend that comes in here—”

“Ex-military or something?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

Wyatt dove his hand into his jacket, pulled out a hundred dollar bill, kept it low, and handed it to me. “You see any of that bouncer’s friends come in here, let me know. That’s all. You don’t have to do anything else.”

“Trust me. I’ll keep my eyes out.” I stuffed the bill in my pocket.

Wyatt studied me. “Pretty cold, huh?”

“What do you mean?”

He gestured to my hands.

I smiled. “I like my gloves on.”