I screwed up my nose, trying not to gag. My insecurities came creeping back in. Vodka only gave me so much bravado, and the fact the creep was touching me when I had no one to back me up, had me retreating back into my shell.
“You wanna keep that hand, I suggest you take it off my woman,” a tight voice cut in.
Both Carlos and my head whipped around. I sagged in relief to see Asher standing close to Carlos, glowering at him his arms crossed. His jaw was hard, and he looked unlike the man who had treated me with tenderness almost two weeks ago, three years ago. He looked dangerous. A man I didn’t recognize stood behind him, face tight. His cut told me he was in the Sons, as did the fact he was huge, muscled, and attractive. I was starting to think it was an entry requirement. Lucky stood beside him. He didn’t look as mad as the rest of them, but his usually carefree face was dangerously blank.
Carlos scowled at them, then his eyes found their cuts and he moved his hands off me quickly, stepping back.
“My apologies, gentlemen. I didn’t know this one was claimed by the Sons of Templar,” Carlos’s tone was pleasant, but his weasel eyes were narrowed on the attractive men like they were insects on his shoe. The way he said the club’s name held something behind it like the words were unpleasant on his forked tongue.
I didn’t think this was an appropriate moment to educate all of them that I wasn’t claimed. I would never be like Gwen and Amy, who could throw sass at their scary bikers and turn them to puppy dogs. I didn’t have enough confidence in myself to throw attitude, to voice my irritation in front of people I didn’t know. Silence was the lesser of two evils right now. Not that being “claimed” by Asher was evil, it was a dream. That was the problem. Dreams were fleeting. Nightmares were more likely to be the reality.
Asher advanced as soon as Carlos retreated, moving to step beside me and put his hand on the back of my neck.
“Now you do,” he murmured dangerously, giving my neck a gentle squeeze.
I relaxed against his simple touch. I hadn’t been near him for almost two weeks, the voice at the other end of the phone had me craving this every day. Now I had it, I didn’t know how I’d live without it. I knew I’d have to, eventually. My drunken mind was all about instant gratification.
“I suggest you take better care of her, considering how dangerous it is to have a girl like that,” he nodded to me, “in places where … unsavory things could happen to her. You’ve got your own club in Amber, you want her to hang out in strip clubs, may I suggest your own?” he suggested pleasantly, though even I wasn’t oblivious to the threat beneath his words.
The tall one stepped forward, danger seeping off him and Asher’s body went tight beside me, he yanked me closer to his body protectively.
“Now I know you’re a stupid son of a bitch, but I didn’t realize you were suicidal, threatening my brother’s Old Lady right in front of him,” the tall one bit out, face dangerous.
Carlos didn’t appear rattled. “No threat. Just a friendly observation from one business owner to another,” he replied calmly. “You boys want to stay, have a drink, enjoy the show, you’re most welcome.” His eyes flickered to Adam, who’d been standing silently watching the exchange. “First round’s on me. Though, if you’re thinking about swinging any fists, I’d advise against it.” He nodded his head to a corner where someone who looked like he abused steroids stepped out of, hand on his hip like there was something dangerous underneath it. Something dangerous that shot people full of bullets. Carlos’s head moved to another corner where meathead’s long lost brother did the same thing. My stomach dropped with concern. Not for the men beside me, they could take care of themselves, but for Bex. I may have had too much vodka to think with complete clarity, but I realized that a strip club that required this kind of security, a man who was prepared to give veiled threats to the club, it was dangerous. It was more than it seemed.
Carlos treated me to a look that made my skin crawl then gave the men a patronizing smile. “Enjoy the show, boys,” he said, before turning on his tasteless heel and disappearing into the crowd.
“Wow,” I exclaimed before any of the men could say a thing. “I knew he was an asshat, but Bex’s boss is officially a massive dick,” I declared with drunken certainty.
There was silence, the big guy turned slowly, Lucky stared at me, and Asher gave me a look, then they all burst out laughing. Well, Lucky and the big guy did, Asher’s mouth turned up slightly hinting at amusement.