The woman turned to go back to the party, making sure her other breast made contact with his arm as she left.
The men all watched Sex Piston make two more drinks.
“In case anyone else wants one,” she said, giving him a wink as she walked out from behind the bar, going back to opening presents with the women.
Shaking himself out of the stunned amazement at the brazen way the older woman had acted, Reaper made sure he didn’t look back to see who had gotten the second drink.
“Who was she? I’ve never met her before.”
“You had the honor of having Sizzle make a pass at you. She’s Sex Piston’s mother,” Stud supplied the information with smothered laughter. “You going to try the drink my wife made for you?”
The men, except for Stud, studied the mixed drink Sex Piston had poured with suspicion.
“You think it’s safe to drink?” Viper joked when Reaper didn’t make a move to take a drink.
“I’ve had one before,” Dalton volunteered. “Give it a try.”
Taking a few sips, Reaper had to admit the drink wasn’t bad.
Viper made a few for the other brothers to try.
Reaper took one of the stools as the men stood around talking. It brought back memories of the way he used to be before he cut himself out of their lives. This time, the recollections didn’t bring back the painful imagery of Memphis and Slate. Instead, it was more of an ache that he hadn’t tried to fix the relationships that had been torn away from him.
Glancing up, he saw Shade studying him. “What?”
Holding his drink, Shade lifted one finger to point at him. “Haven’t seen that shirt since we were in a bar in Houston. Looks good on you.”
Reaper looked down at the black, long-sleeved V-neck shirt that had a white trim around the neck and down to midchest around the buttons. He had paired it with tapered black jeans and black boots.
“I still haven’t replaced the clothes I had to leave behind on the island.”
“Why buy more when you have plenty that Viper never got rid of? Be a waste of money, and you’re going to need every penny.” Shade gave a nod toward the door. “Greer’s here.”
Reaper gave a silent groan when Greer strutted through the room with his customary swagger. Spotting him sitting at the bar, Greer took the stool next to him. Plopping his bag of food on the bar, he began pulling out the hamburgers and fries.
“The calvary has arrived. What’d you need?”
Conscious of everyone watching, Reaper decided to wait until Greer finished eating before having him go upstairs to his room with him to talk privately.
“It can wait until you’re done eating.”
“I can do two things at once. What was the hurry of me getting here if you didn’t need something right away?”
Reaper leaned sideways so he could lower his voice. “I took a couple drinks, I need you to fix it.”
“Ah …” Greer made no effort to lower his voice. “You done drinking for the night?”
Closing his eyes tightly, Reaper imagined the pleasure he would get from killing Greer. If he didn’t need him so badly, he would.
“Yes.”
“Okay.” Greer laid a hand on his arm, then slid Reaper’s drink closer to him. “There you go. You got my money?”
Reaper took out his wallet and gave Greer two one hundred dollar bills. Greer pocketed the money and started eating as the brothers stared at Greer, dumbstruck.
Viper leaned over the bar. This time he was the one lowering his voice. “I thought you couldn’t take money for using your gift?”
“You see me do anything?”
Reaper frowned at him. He hadn’t felt anything when Greer touched him.
“No, I didn’t.” Viper furrowed his brow as if he missed something. Reaper was just as confused.
“There you go.”
No longer caring who overheard, Reaper sat and watched Greer continue to eat his meal.
“I need you to fix it where I won’t want another drink.”
Greer cocked an eyebrow at him. “You already said you didn’t want any more. What’s to fix?”
“So I won’t.”
“Then don’t.” Greer shrugged, taking a drink and making a face. “What in the fuck am I drinking?”
“A dark and stormy,” Reaper replied absentmindedly, his mind still on his problem.
“A waste of a good ginger beer and dark rum.” Greer snorted.
Viper started to take the glass away, but Greer snatched it back.
“Didn’t say I wouldn’t drink it.”
“Aren’t you working?” Viper asked.
“I’m on my dinner break.”
Viper narrowed his eyes on him. “You still have the rest of your shift to finish.”
“You see Knox standing around? You worry about you, and I worry about me.”
Reaper shook his head at Viper, trying to get Greer’s attention back to what he needed done.
“I called you, so I won’t want to take another drink.” Patiently, Reaper reexplained. He wouldn’t get anywhere if he lost his temper. “That’s what I paid you for.”