Strip Tease (Protect and Defend 1.50)

Then get tried for murder and thrown in the slammer for the rest of his life.

Not the way to do it, Banks.

“If it’s about Ginger, I’m as confused as you. I have no idea where she is. I wish I did.”

The longing in Billy’s voice didn’t slip by Nate. His eyebrows rose in question.

“It has nothing to do with Ginger. It’s about her sister. Call your goons off Janelle and leave her alone.”

“Ah, so here’s the heart of the matter.” Billy sat at the table but Nate refused, preferring to stand. “You want to protect the precious sister, hmm? So interesting. I’ve heard you and Janelle spent some quality—time together.”

Nate’s eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared. He hated hearing the slime ball say Janelle’s name. Had Billy or one of his men been following them all along?

Damn it, he was totally falling down on the job.

“Leave her alone, Diaz. She has nothing to do with this.”

“She has everything to do with this. That’s why you’ve been spending so much time with the beautiful Janelle, to get to Ginger. You think the minute you find her, she’ll squeal. Trust me, it won’t happen.” Billy sipped from the glass the bartender had set in front of him, a satisfied expression on his face.

“Don’t you think Ginger has gone into hiding to get away from you?”

Billy’s features hardened, anger making his mouth draw tight. Interesting. Just as Billy had discovered his weak spot, it appeared Ginger was Billy’s own Achilles’ heel. “I told her to go underground. She was getting too nervous. So let this be a warning—stay out of my club.”

“Well, let this be a warning to you. Stay away from Janelle. If you’re the one who sent Ginger into hiding, then go find her and leave Janelle out of it. You got it, asshole?”

“Fuck you, Banks. Get out.” Diaz stood quickly, overturning his chair. Two men appeared out of nowhere to stand in front of Billy. The both of them towered over Nate and he was no slouch in the height department.

He got the hint. But so did Billy. His work here, for now, was done.

Chapter Seven

“Thanks for inviting me.” Janelle smiled, leaning in closer to her coworker and new-found friend Theresa. “I really think I needed a drink tonight.”

Theresa laughed, waving at the bartender to come their way. “I know honey, that’s why I asked you. We’ve been going here every Friday after work for almost a year and you’ve yet to join us.”

/> “I didn’t know I was invited.” The words left her mouth and she immediately wanted to take them back. She’d been so busy taking care of her family when she was younger, she never made much time for friends. It still came hard for her, acting casual around people, loosening up.

“Anyone and everyone from work are always wanted. It’s a standing, open invitation.” Theresa smiled at the bartender who smiled in return. “Hey Bud. Me and my friend here, we want one of your special butterscotch martinis.”

“Don’t you wanna experience a real drink, Theresa? Not some frou-frou crap?” The bartender leaned in close, his expression flirtatious and he clearly had eyes only for her.

Theresa batted her eyelashes. “I like frou-frou and so does Janelle. So come on, hook us up.”

He rolled his eyes and walked away, presumably to go fix their drinks.

“His name is really Bud?” Janelle giggled, shaking her head.

“Yeah, he’s so sweet. I think he has a little crush on me.” Theresa smiled, looking a bit smug. “It’s okay. I have a little crush on him too. Never thought I’d fall for a guy named Bud. It doesn’t hurt he makes my favorite drink like no one else.”

“I love martinis but I’ve never tried a butterscotch one before.” Janelle remembered the chocolate martini from Temptations. Which of course made her remember Nate and the way he’d kissed her, how he’d touched her and told her he didn’t share.

The tail was still on her. She’d gotten quite used to the nondescript dark blue car following her everywhere. It sat outside of the restaurant at this very moment. Always watching, always there, yet always discreet.

She wished it was Nate who was always there for her.

“Mmm, well a butterscotch martini is like a decadent taste straight from heaven, trust me. You’ll love it.” Theresa sighed, glancing around the room. “There are not a lot of people here for a Friday night. Usually there are more guys.”

“Cute guys?” She cocked a brow, feigning interest. Not that she cared. The only cute guy she wondered about now avoided her like the plague.