by Sammi Cee
“Yeah, but we made some schedule changes recently. Lawson doesn’t come in enough to keep up.”
Law quirked a challenging brow at me, then rolled his eyes as he turned his stool toward Davis. He held out a hand and said, “I don’t think we’ve formally been introduced, even though this is the second time I’ve seen you. I’m Lawson, but you can call me Law.”
Now I rolled my eyes. “Only your friends are allowed to call you Law.”
Law, who still had a hold of Davis's hand, drew him closer and said, “I’ve decided that Davis is going to replace you as my closest friend.”
I barked out a laugh. “What’re you doing, kid? First, Billy took over your life like I hired you especially to be his playmate, and now this one, one of the grumpiest guys I know, by the way, is claiming you. Apparently, something about you has all the people closest to me wanting to adopt you.”
Davis's gaze shifted to Law suspiciously as he withdrew his hand and stepped back as nonchalantly as possible. “May I have a couple more drafts for the guys by the pool table?” he asked while keeping one eye on Law like he was worried the guy was going to pick him up and run out the door with him. Was it bad it made me want to thump my chest that he looked to me for reassurance, but seemed wary of other men? Probably, but it was a helluva ego bump.
“Sure, kid.” As I handed him the beer, I said, “I’ve noticed those two keep holding you up, and you seemed uncomfortable the last time you were over there. Everything okay?”
Davis didn’t meet my eyes as he mumbled, “Sure,” and took off with the beer. I knew he was lying to me. It wasn’t the first time those two had been in and harassed one of my waiters, and Bull had told them in no uncertain terms that the next time they gave us trouble would be the last time they stepped foot in here.
I stood with my feet planted in a V and my arms crossed over my chest so that the two asshats would see me and remember they were merely guests in my fine establishment and to mind their manners. Davis dropped the beers on the table between them as quickly as possible, but hesitated and turned back to face the men as they started speaking to him. After a minute, he scrambled away with cheeks blazing a hot, scalding pink. I saw red.
Before I could stalk to their table, Law laid a restraining hand on my bicep. “Keep your cool, Sarge. I’ll hang out tonight and keep an eye on them while you watch your boy.” My head whipped toward him. “Yeah, kid nothing.” I opened my mouth and he held up his hand. “Yeah, yeah. I know the tale well, so you can keep your fake protests to yourself along with the lie you’re harboring in your mind about what you need or don’t need. Let’s just keep your boy safe for tonight, and we’ll let Bull deal with them another night.”
Ignoring Law’s meddling in my brain—or heart if I wanted to be honest with myself, which I didn’t—I eyed the two ugly mother-effers who were making Davis unsteady on his feet. They were the unkempt, scraggly type who thought wearing leather and riding a motorcycle made them cool and excused them from proper human behavior. It didn’t take but one look at me to know I didn’t deal with that type of bullshit; that was how this place became a popular watering hole a long time ago. They were both deathly skinny with red, blotchy skin and long, stringy hair. Those in and of themselves already made them suspect, but the way they jerked and tweaked around definitely leaned toward a surety that they were high on more than just life.
The “leader” of the two raised his beer at me in a toast from across the room as the other one sneered. My eyes hardened, but I didn’t acknowledge them other than that. The more unwelcome they felt, and the sooner they left, the better, as far as I was concerned. Law kept his chair turned to face the wall between them and the bar so he could keep an eye on them while my gaze trailed Davis from table to me to the kitchen to table to me to the kitchen, and so on… Wherever he went, so did half of my focus. Law shot the shit with the other patrons sitting around the center bar, but both of us stayed completely aware of our own target.
After all of Law’s blatantly unwavering attention, and both of us taking steps toward their table when their words sent Davis practically falling backward to escape from their table, they left. “Leader” and head asshat approached Davis while on the way out the door with a hand out holding something toward him. The smirk on his face as he dropped money into Davis's hand had my hackles rising; the cruel gleam in his eyes as he tipped an imaginary hat in my direction as he passed the bar spoke of unsaid violence.
Davis approached the waitstaff station on visibly shaky legs to request a couple of shots for another table. While I poured, Law said, “Don’t worry about them, Davis. They won’t be back.”
“How can you be sure?”
He responded to Law, but it was my face he was searching for reassurance from, so I said, “Because even though I don’t know exactly what they were sayin’ or doin’ over there, I know it made you uncomfortable. We’ve had some trouble with them in the past, so I’ll make sure Bull knows they’re unwelcome here from now on.”
“Oh, I don’t want you to lose business because of me. I’ll get tougher—”
He cut off when I gripped his wrist loosely to capture his attention. “I don’t want you to get tougher, Davis, but I do want you safe. That’s my job, and Bull’s—”
“And mine when I’m here,” Lawson inserted.
“So you do what you’re supposed to, and if you have trouble you’re not sure how to handle, you come to me. You hear me? Every time, you come to me. Don’t be a martyr. I don’t expect that of you or Billy or anyone else who works here. Got it?”
Davis's pale blue eyes sucked me in while he searched mine for truth. What he almost found was desire. Once he was satisfied, he shook his head like he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing, but then nodded, gave me, then Law a tight smile, and scurried off to deliver the shots. “Not your boy, huh?” Law teased as I watched my boy’s tight ass move away from me.
I ignored his bullshit, but he wasn’t wrong. I wanted something from Davis I thought I’d never want again, and I wasn’t too happy about it.
Chapter Five
Davis
I was starting to get into a routine when it came to working at the bar. Waiting tables was getting easier, and thanks to Billy becoming a constant in my life, I had a friend. He kept showing up outside of my apartment, calling and demanding we hang out, and not taking no for an answer. Between that and the lifts to and from work, he had become a surprising, yet hopefully permanent, fixture in my life. And I was glad for it.
Working at the bar was becoming surprisingly easier, too. I was finally getting my footing and becoming a tiny bit more confident when it came to approaching tables, especially when most of the patrons were repeat customers. Seeing a familiar face, who ordered the same thing every night, made it easier for me to believe I didn’t suck too bad at the waiting tables thing.
“Davis, I missed seeing you the other night,” Hunt said to me when I approached his table. The smile he gave was only friendly and not creepy, at all.
He was with his regular group: Trash, Diesel, and Sledge. While their names and appearances were intimidating as hell, they were actually the sweetest, most generous guys I’d ever met. From tidbits I’d catch from their conversations, they were very charitable men who raised money for the local children's hospital and other organizations. The next thing on their list was a ride to raise money and awareness for a domestic violence shelter. While they might’ve been tough bikers with tattoos, they had big hearts.
“Even the hardest of workers have to have a day off,” I told him with a soft sigh. “Are you getting your usual?”
“You know it. And don’t forget the hot sauce.”
“As if I ever would,” I scoffed.
While it was getting to be easy to talk to the guys, I was still a bit nervous. What if I offended one of them? They were Sarge’s friends, and we were in his establishment. Everything I said and did was a reflection on him and his business, and I didn’t want to make thi
ngs bad for him.
“Hey, you doing okay?” Billy asked when we met at the kitchen to grab our orders.
“Yes. Those guys haven’t shown up since Bull ran them off last time they tried to come in, and everyone else has been nothing but respectful.”
“I’m sure it’s because they fear Sarge.”
“You mean Bull?”
Billy laughed. “No, definitely Sarge. He might be a big softie, but he’s also in charge of the booze. Never piss off a bar owner.”
With that, he grabbed his plates and gave me a saucy wink before sashaying to his table. I shook my head at his antics before grabbing my own order. Ever since the incident with the crude customers, I’d had more eyes keeping watch. Not only were Billy and Bull on alert, and constantly making sure I was doing okay, but I caught Sarge tracking my movements, and Law even seemed to be on standby should anything go awry. Though nothing ever happened where they needed to come to my rescue, it felt good to know I had help if I ever needed it.
I never repeated to the guys what those cretins said to me, but memories of the most disgusting one asking if my lips sucked a dick as well as they looked like they could were constantly there. Also, propositions of meeting him behind the bar for a quickie and letting him fuck my face were playing on repeat and making my skin crawl.
I tried to push them to the back of my mind, but every time the door opened, I’d go on edge with fear they’d returned. Their vile laughter kept me awake the first few nights, but then Sarge’s strong, vehement voice would come barreling through my brain like a crazed bull, reminding me that I was safe at the bar, and I’d find myself drifting off.
My nest egg was growing bigger thanks to my tip money, and I had more food in my cabinets than I’d seen in months. And thanks to Sarge, I was taking meals home with me or eating before my shift started. I’d put on some weight, and I was feeling healthier and more energized.
“Kid, I think you need a haircut,” Hunt said when I went to their table to drop their check off.
My cheeks burned a little, and I dropped my chin to my chest as I scuffed the floor with my shoe. It really was in need of a good polishing.
“I’ll get around to that,” I told him softly.
Yes, my hair was a bit shaggy, but the truth was, a haircut was a luxury I really couldn’t afford at the moment. Even one of those walk-in places was a bit on the pricier side, and I had other important matters to attend to first.
“Leave the kid alone,” Sledge said, coming to my defense as he elbowed Hunt in his side. “He might be growing it out for all we know.”
Sledge was younger than the other three, and the quieter one of the bunch. He rarely said anything, but when he did, his voice was usually soft, yet everyone listened. So to have him speak up for me was a bit of a surprise, and I was taken aback.
“Uh, do you need anything else?”
“Nope. We’re good here.”
I nodded and scurried off to check on another table before walking up to the bar to grab a beer.
“What was that about?” Billy asked before his face screwed up into an ugly expression. Quickly jerking up his arm, he sneezed loudly into the crook of his elbow.
“Are you okay?” I asked, instead of answering him.
“Yeah, it’s just allergies. But what was that about? Sledge never talks.”
I shrugged. “He was just sticking up for me when Hunt ragged on me about my hair.”
Billy eyed me critically before sneezing into his elbow again. “I can see his point, but you’ve got that punk rock, emo look going on. It suits you.”
“I need to check on my tables,” I muttered, feeling uncomfortable under his scrutiny.
When I walked away, I could feel someone tracking my movements, but it wasn’t unsettling. And when I turned around to see who it was, my eyes locked on Sarge’s. An involuntary shiver passed through me when his penetrating gaze never wavered, even as he reached out for a glass. His muscles bulged under his tight shirt, and my mouth suddenly went dry as the seams nearly burst from the strain.
“Davis! I need more hot sauce,” Hunt called out, jostling me from my thoughts. Which was a blessing considering I couldn’t—and shouldn’t—be thinking of Sarge as anything more than my boss.
For the rest of the evening, I tried my hardest to avoid looking at Sarge in case my thoughts went to impure territories again, and by the time Billy dropped me off at home, I was more confused than ever. It’d been so long since I’d kissed a man, though it never went any further than that, and even longer since I dated one. So maybe that was why I was looking at Sarge in those kinds of ways. He was a very attractive man, and he wore his confidence like a perfectly tailored suit, but I couldn’t lust after my boss. Why couldn’t I think of Sledge like that? He wasn’t bad to look at, and his tattoos were colorful and eye-catching. He was also a nice man, when he talked. But when I tried to think of him as anything other than a customer, my thoughts remained PG and my dick stayed flaccid. Which was a shame. Sarge was my boss, Sledge was a customer, and I was destined to stay single. That was probably a good thing, since I needed to focus on getting my life in order.
“Hey, I’m sorry to do this to you, sugar, but I’m freaking sick and won’t be able to make it into work today.”
“Allergies, huh?” I asked him.
“I wish. I think it’s just a cold, but I feel awful. My skin is red and splotchy, and my eyes are so bloodshot. It’s not pretty. I already talked to Sarge, and he told me to stay home. He doesn’t want me breathing on the customers, food, or him.”
“I can handle the tables tonight. You just worry about getting better.”
“But I usually take you to work,” he argued before sneezing loudly into the phone. “I'm sorry. I can come pick you up.”
I laughed quietly. “Don’t you dare. I rode the bus before I met you, and I can ride it again. Just get some rest, and I’ll check on you tomorrow.”
“But what about getting home?”
“It’s not a long walk.”
“At three in the morning?”
“I’ve done it before. Have you taken anything for your cold?”
“Yes, but it hasn’t kicked in yet.”
“Try some hot tea. I’m hanging up now so you can rest.”
Billy started coughing, and I pulled the phone away from my ear until he was done. “I owe you.”
“Not at all. If anything, I owe you. I’ll talk to you later.”
After we disconnected the call, I rushed to the bathroom to get ready. Since I had to ride the bus, I needed to catch the one that would have me arriving almost half-an-hour early. At least that’d give me time to grab one of Ralph’s burgers.
Thankfully, I made it to the bus stop with a few minutes to spare, and I arrived at the bar without incident. After catching rides with Billy, I realized how much I didn’t miss taking the bus, but I wasn’t opposed to it, and hopefully, I’d save up enough money to eventually buy a car of my own.
“I figured you’d be here early,” Sarge’s gravelly voice called out as soon as I stepped into the bar. “Ralph’s got a burger for you on the flat top.”
“Oh, thank you,” I said softly.
“No problem. Without Billy here, you’re going to be busy, so you need to keep your strength up. I hope you’re ready.”
“Of course. I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won't.” His voice was deep, and his dark eyes flashed with a look I couldn’t decipher.
“Your food’s ready, kid,” Ralph announced from the kitchen, interrupting mine and Sarge’s conversation.
I quickly devoured my food, taking a moment to appreciate the flavor of the crisp bacon and juicy beef, and then washed it all down with a tall glass of ice water. Once I was finished, I was ready to work.
Thankfully, I stayed so busy I barely had time to breathe, let alone wonder what that look in Sarge’s gaze meant. The customers behaved themselves, Hunt only razzed me once, and my pockets were stuffed with ti
ps. By the time I sat down at closing time to count my money, my feet were screaming in protest over my shoes, and I was dreading the walk home.
Sarge was chatting with Bull about something, so after putting the chairs up on the tables, I quickly left unnoticed. Usually, Billy made it a point to let them know we were leaving, but that wasn’t my way. I hated drawing attention to myself.
With a deep breath, I stepped out into the dark parking lot and headed in the direction of my apartment. It was only when I was a little-ways down the sidewalk that I realized I didn’t carry any form of protection with me. How could I have been so stupid? Since the busses weren’t running, and I didn’t want to waste any of my tip money on a cab, my only option was to walk faster and pray I made it home safely.
“If this were a movie, a knight in shining armor would come to my rescue right now.” I scoffed, “But this isn’t a movie, and I’m no damsel, just someone in distress.”
I needed a damn car. With a deep sigh, I wrapped my arms around my midsection, hunched my back, and walked as fast as my tired feet could carry me.
Chapter Six
Sarge
“Where the hell did Davis go?” I asked Bull as I peered around the room.
Bull strode to the bathroom, then quickly walked out hollering back to Ralph in the kitchen, “Is Davis back there?”
Ralph came rushing upfront. “No, he’s not back here.”
“Crap.” I started for the front door while pulling my keys out of my pocket. “Bull, lock up, please.”
“You got it, Sarge.”
I was out the door and in my truck within a minute. Pulling to the head of the parking lot, I peered into the night from right to left and back again, cursing the fact that the only light out here was back behind me in the parking lot and that the city hadn’t seen fit to put more street lamps down this road. Then, I caught a slight movement at a distance to my right. With a sharp turn of the wheel, I pulled my truck out onto the road and proceeded to catch up with the silly fool. What was he thinking walking home after three o’clock in the morning by himself?