Reggie looks over to me and gives me a smile. Wow, he has a beautiful smile. It lights up his face and a small dimple forms in the corner. I’ve seen him smile thousands of times, but not until this moment have I ever felt the effect of his smile and that sexy dimple. I let out a breath I had no idea I was holding and my face reddens from thoughts of passion. It takes all my strength not go up and taste the pouty lips spread across his face.
I glance to the end of the bar and notice Natasha Black stirring her orange mixed drink. She’s staring at Reggie coyly, giving him flirtatious looks every time he steps in front of her. A pang of jealousy courses through my body as I take in her impeccable appearance, I hate this feeling. Natasha is built like a super model. She’s almost six-feet-tall with slender legs that go on for miles along with a perfect, dazzling smile and ocean blue eyes. Her long, thick, chestnut hair gathers around the healthy D cups hidden under her shirt and she has a perfectly round apple bottom. Guys break their necks just to get a look at her as she sashays across the floor. I’ve never had a problem with Natasha, but now, watching her eyeing Reggie, it’s all I can do not to beat that bitch up. Who am I kidding? She’s as flawless as an Aphrodite. Then there’s me, the wallflower.
The boys locate an empty table near to the pool tables and close to the bar. It’s a prime location for people watching, spying on the front door, and more importantly, watching Reggie. Drake helps Presley onto the high bar stool as we sit around the small pub table. Jake has made his way back from the bar with four shots of whiskey, draft beer and one tall glass of water for Jeremy.
Back in the day, it had been rare to see Jeremy without a drink in his hand. He would drink like a fish, slamming one after the other; whiskey mostly, but if it had alcohol in it, Jeremy consumed it. One life changing night, Jeremy picked a fight with a guy twice his size and twice as strong as him. After he cracked the mammoth with a pool cue, the guy cracked back, knocking Jeremy out cold. Once he came to, Jeremy couldn’t remember anything that happened. That was the final straw for all of us, especially Reggie.
Night after night, Reggie would have to clean up the mess that Jeremy left behind with his drunken antics. The rest of us had recognized Jeremy had a severe problem for a while, but Reggie had been in a state of denial. He never wanted to believe there was something wrong with Jeremy because then he would have to admit he messed up somewhere. After Jeremy was almost killed, though, Reggie had a pretty serious talk with him.
No one knows what was said between the two of them, but from that moment on, Jeremy refused every drop of liquor passed his way. It didn’t bother him to be around it, and we’ve all relied on him for a sober way home. I have a feeling, if it really bothered him—always being the sober one—he would have let us know.
“Come on,” I say, raising my shot glass for a toast. “Everyone go around and say something.”
Jake readjusts his shot glass. “To the ladies I’m bagging tonight.”
I roll my eyes at Jake and motion to Drake. “To Presley, welcome to the crew.” She lets a big smile spread over her face and releases a small giggle.
I raise my glass even higher. “I second that!”
We all look to Presley for her toast and she says, “To new beginnings, new friendships and survival.” Momentarily, I wonder what she means by survival. This girl is deeper than expected and may have a past like the rest of us, but before I can think about it too much, Jake slams his palm on the table, breaking my concentration.
“Hell yeah!” Jake yells as we all clink our glasses together and swallow the warm amber liquid.
I shut my eyes. The burn from the whiskey is so powerful, my hand instantly goes to my chest. Presley lets out a loud, gagging cough after she chokes down the shot, making her eyes water from the intensity. Jeremy let out a quiet laugh as he observes Presley forcing down the Jack Daniels. Back in his drinking days; he got such a kick out of watching a girl slam down a shot of whiskey. Probably because there was no girl around here who could unload whiskey the way he used to, myself included.
“Here.” I shove her mug of beer across the table and motion with my eyes to take a sip. She quickly chugs down the ale until about half of the contents are gone.
Presley slid two twenties across the table over to Jake. She eyes Jeremy, giving him a little snide grin and says, “Next one is on me. Tequila instead of whiskey.” Jake hops off the bar stool and makes his way to Reggie for round two and the start of a very drunk night.
Reggie
The bar is busier than normal for a Friday night. As soon as the open sign lit up, a steady flow of thirsty customers started pouring in. The more packed this place gets, the more money I have in my pocket. I’m pretty fortunate how successful the bar has been since I opened it two years ago. Even the torment of Michigan winters doesn’t keep people away, but I have yet to reap the benefits of my growing profits. The Darcie situation has been costing me quite a lot, but she’s worth it. I work my ass off every day to ensure she stays with me; I can never let her go back to what I rescued her from.
Robert Stein threatened me constantly for that first year. However, when the pictures arrived at my house, the ball was in his court. I couldn’t risk getting the authorities involved. I would lose my family, including Darcie. So the only other choice I had, was to pay. It didn’t matter what I said to refute the photographs, I was guilty for what happened to Vinnie. No one would believe the truth, not from a piece of shit like me.
He would take everything away if I didn’t pay him. He has clout, being the town’s golden boy. The hot shot business man who is responsible for making Sulfur Heights the city it is today. Well, the north side anyway. Luckily, I had several thousand dollars saved from my MMA fighting days, and even though my mother was worthless, she did manage to secure a small savings from her heroin dealing days. So I made the deal with the devil. In order to keep her away from him and my secret in the past, I agreed to pay him monthly payments. What else could I have done to keep her safe? He’s a sick bastard, who loves to beat little girls.
Darcie was so messed up the first year she was with us. I couldn’t bear to tell her about the agreement I made with her stepfather, and now, I’m not sure I can. I fear she’ll hate me or worse she’ll leave.
After she lived with us for a while, Darcie began to fight back with everyone. Once she started getting into trouble; fighting, stealing and trespassing, he upped the price. I had no other choice except to pay for her safety. The corruption in this city is everywhere. He has everyone of any power in his pockets. What other choice do I have?
The steady stream of customers ordering drinks keeps me busy and my agonizing thoughts at bay. Natasha has made her way to the bar and every guy in this joint is staring at her tits. Don’t get me wrong, she’s got an amazing rack, but Natasha is narcissistic, which is completely not my type.
I pick up a rag and wipe down the counter when she says, “Hi Reggie. I’ll take a screwdriver, please.” Natasha’s voice oozes sex as she lightly touches my forearm.
I answer with a wink. “Sure thing, gorgeous.”
As I slide the straw in her glass, Natasha motions with her finger for me to come closer. I oblige and she whispers, “What’s it going to take for me get my legs wrapped around you? I know you want me, Reggie. I can feel it. I want you on top of me.”
I practically choke at this sex-crazed woman’s proposal, but decide to have a little fun with her and keep her coming back as a loyal customer. “I don’t think you could handle it, Natasha. No one’s ever been able to handle…all of it.”
She takes a sip of her drink. “I’m sure I can manage, Reggie.”
My playful banter breaks when Jake appears at the door, showing Big Mike his ID. I know it’s wrong to let them come to my bar and drink, but I feel better knowing I can keep an eye on them. Also, for the most part, they stay out of trouble. Then I spot her. She looks gorgeous and incredibly sexy. My body can’t help reacting at the sight of her. I move to the other end of the
bar, trading stations with Gavin. Natasha is visibly annoyed, but I want a better look at Darcie. I want nothing more than to taste her lips and feel her body pressed against mine. Is it wrong to have these developing feelings? She’s nine and a half years younger than me. She’s seventeen for fuck’s sake!
I continue to mix drinks and handle cash, but I can see her out of the corner of my eye. She is looking right at me. Staring. What is Darcie thinking? Does she feel the same or is she comparing my intentions to her stepfather’s? I would never hurt her. She’s become one of the most important people in my life and I would give up everything I had to keep that beautiful smile on her face.
When our eyes connect, I can’t hide the ridiculous grin on my face. My eyes follow her as she finds a seat over by the pool tables. I’m proud of the way the guys watch over her. I know she’s been a handful, but sometimes, they need a little reminding. Like Jake; he likes to encourage her out of sheer entrainment for himself.
I watch Jake make his way to the bar, pulling a twenty from his back pocket. “Hey Reggie, the usual, plus one, Drake brought his girlfriend.”
“Yeah, I saw that. She’s got an ID, right?” So help me God, if they brought that little girl in here without a good fake, I will lay him flat. They all know my rule.
“Calm down, killer. Yes, it’s one of the best ones I’ve seen.”
I take out a tray from under the bar and add four shots of whiskey, beer and water to the top. “Keep an eye on the girls tonight, especially Darcie. This place is packed and she needs to stay out of trouble. I can’t afford her to get in anymore fights.”
Jake’s face turns sober and he nods at my order. The boys all know what I have to do to keep them safe. We have no secrets. He walks back to the table and I watch them down their whiskey. I hope tonight stays mellow, however, with this crowd, it’s a long shot. A guy can hope can’t he?
Chapter 7
Darcie
I can barely form sentences from the haze of alcohol swimming through my head. Each of us bought a round of shots and beer, after shot number three I was pretty tipsy. By shot five, I was trashed.
Presley is continuing to impress me. I was sure after three shots we’d be taking her to the ER for alcohol poisoning. She is able to down each one, though, and it doesn’t seem to affect her like it does me. You would think, out of the five of us, I wouldn’t be the lightweight when it comes to booze consumption.
The boys abandon us to shoot pool and hustle some poor sap out of their paycheck. I barely notice they’re gone. My eyes have been glued on Reggie bartending from the moment we sat down. He’s been too busy to come over and talk to us, but apparently, not too busy to ogle Natasha. Bitch!
My body is aching for the closeness we shared in my bedroom. Now that I’ve allowed these feelings for Reggie to surface, I wouldn’t mind getting even closer without the barriers of clothes. Wow, I am cutting myself off. I shouldn’t have thoughts of being naked with Reggie. I blame it on the whiskey, tequila, vodka, rum, and schnapps.
It’s impossible for me to stop staring at Reggie, though. Every time he looks over at me, his face lights up from his smile and I can’t help the smile I give back. He makes my heart flood with happiness and I can feel my protective guard shed another layer.
I almost forgot Presley is sitting with me at the table until her little singsong voice fills my ear. “I thought you guys were a couple.” My eyes snap over to hers and I feel like the wind has been sucked from my lungs. “You and Reggie, I could have sworn you were together.”
“What? Why would you say that?’ I manage, struggling to find my voice.
“Because of how you look at each other,” she says very quietly. It piques my interest.
“And how is that?”
“When we first got to your house, you know, when Reggie was mad about your suspension…” she trails off. “All you had to do was look into his eyes and the anger just melted away.”She’s hesitant, yet continues with her observation, “Then, when you were screaming…you should’ve seen the look on his face. It was almost like someone was killing him. He nearly knocked everything over just to get to you.” This made my heart squeeze a little. “And now, since we’ve been here, you haven’t taken your eyes off him the entire time. When he glances up and smiles at you, it’s different from the smiles he gives her.” Presley motions to Natasha. “It’s like he’s saving his true smiles for only you.”
Wow, she’s as quiet as a church mouse, hardly saying anything, but when you give her some alcohol she turns into Dr. Phil and rocks my world to its core. Could I have really been this blind? Does Reggie have feelings for me? Or is she just reading into how deep our friendship has developed over the last three years?
Suddenly, shouting breaks up my reverie. I look over to the pool tables where Jake is arguing with another man about a shot. The conversation is getting heated as each man stands toe to toe with one another; they’re about to come to blows. Having seen this played out before, I grab Presley’s hand and pull her off the bar stool, making our way over to the action.
Jake is nearly shouting when I make my way through the crowd. “I made the shot. Pay me my three hundred bucks!”
The man is a couple inches taller than Jake and has a good twenty-five years on him. “I’m not giving you shit. You cheated!”
“Cheated! How the fuck did I cheat? I made the shot, therefore, I won. Stop being a pussy and give me my money.” The older guy shoves Jake out of his way, but Jake comes back with a right hook to the man’s cheek. Chaos ensues as men from all directions descend toward Jake, ready for a rumble. I grab Drake’s arm. “Get her out of here and wait by Jeremy’s car. I will get Jake.” Drake follows my instruction and swoops down, pulling Presley up into his arms, then snaking through the crowd toward the front door.
Jeremy and Jake are backed into a corner. They’re surrounded by three guys; three very large and rough guys. I need to help calm the situation before they get their asses handed to them while trying to get Big Mike or Reggie’s attention quick.
I move between the men acting as a mediator. “Now guys, we’re just here to have some fun. Why ruin it all by fighting, huh?” I bat my eyelashes and try to stand on steady legs. Damn these heels. Damn those shots. Okay…breathe and focus.
The older man eyes me up and down, taking in my female form. It makes me feel disgusting, and the pressing need to shower grows greater with every second. “Your little friend here cheated, and I’m not giving him any money.”
“Jake doesn’t cheat; I can vouch for that so you do owe him the money. It’s not his fault you’re stupid enough to get hustled. Now give him his money and we will be on our way.” My tone is clipped and my patience is wearing.
“Like I told him, I’m not giving him shit, but I’ll consider changing my mind and handing over my three hundred dollars if you get on your knees and suck my dick.”Laughter from his posse erupts at his crude proposition.
Anger floods within me. I start shaking my fist sat my side, trying to calm myself down. I pull my twitching hands behind my back and start to rub the pad of my thumb deep into my scar. Internally counting myself down from the ledge, one…two…three.
I promised Reggie I would try not to fight anymore and stay out of trouble.
Four…five…six.
When I feel Jeremy’s hand land on my shoulder, it focuses me on the need to cool out.
Seven…eight…nine.
Deep breathe in and release. It’s so much harder to calm your raging anger when your body is in a drunken fog.
“No, Darcie,” Jeremy whispers behind me.
“What do ya say, cupcake? Are you gonna get on your knees or not?” the disgusting old man asks while running the back of his hand down my arm.
Jeremy steps in to intercept, but my redemption is lost before he can stop me. I draw back with my left hand and connect it into his jaw. The man’s anger explodes as he lunges toward me. The other men in the group dive toward Jake and Jeremy while I’m le
ft to deal with the angry douche bag.
The man pulls his hand back and slaps me across the face. The sting hurts. I retaliate by bringing my stilettoed heel to his groin. The man crumples to the floor. I take the opportunity to reach in his pocket, pulling a wad of money from his wallet. I whisper, “Suck that, dickhead.”Moving toward the other fight, I reach to grab Jake and Jeremy who are detained.
I cup my face where he hit me and the next thing I know, a very large hand is being secured around my neck, choking me. He slams me back against his chest. “You stupid bitch. You’re going to pay for that.” I struggle to get out of his grasp as my air supply is plummeting.
I can feel my salvation before he arrives. My knight in shining armor has come to save me. Reggie rips the man’s fingers from my neck and pulls me behind him. I drop to my knees, gasping for air, then look up to see that Reggie’s eyes are feral. He wants nothing more than to annihilate this man. The guy takes one look at Reggie’s massive size, holds his hands up and surrenders. It appears he’s at least smart enough to know there’s no way in hell he will win a fight against Reggie. The man calls over to the guys fighting with Jake and Jeremy and they stop in their tracks once they get a good look of Reggie towering over them.
Big Mike makes his way from the front and snags them by their shirt. “I don’t ever want to see you fuckers in here again.” Big Mike leads the men to the front, escorting them out the door.
I am on my knees, working to get the air back into my body when Reggie’s gentle touch guides me up off the floor. His face is menacing as he glares at Jake and Jeremy. “Storage room, now.”
Reggie guides me back to the storage room while Jeremy and Jake follow close behind him, shutting the door, waiting for Reggie to explode.
Scarred Love Page 5