“Thank you and yeah, it’s a slow process but it’ll eventually be a full sleeve of flowers and nature. Can be pricey so I get a little at a time when I can afford it. Plus, I want each one placed perfectly so I’m picky about each addition.” She blushes.
“Oh yeah, sounds like you’ve got a plan. So you bartend full time?” I question.
“Yeah a club in Dallas, but it’s time for a change of scenery. Used to be a pretty upscale place, until recently. Now it’s starting to be overrun by creeps and drunks. Hate leaving my old boss in the lurch but I gotta think about me and my safety. Thinking of moving too; one of the creeps found out where I live and it makes me uneasy even though I’m always carrying, plus I have a beast of a guard dog at home,” she says with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Our mate’s not safe. We have to protect her.
No, she’s not safe. And SHE'S. NOT. OUR. MATE. But we’ll do what we have to protect her.
Stop fighting what I know you already feel. Let me out, I’ll protect her.
NO. Absolutely not. We aren’t gonna scare her by shifting right here in front of her. She’s human. She probably doesn’t even know what we are.
So, she’ll accept us. You’ll see.
Fucking panther, a royal pain in my ass, that’s what he is. What’s this mess about her being our mate? Is he crazy?
“Well let's get with Ridge and see if we can’t at least get you a new job first. The rest will work itself out. You’ll see,” I tell her as I walk out from behind the bar. I take another look at her before heading back to Ridge’s office.
29
Sharayah
Holy shit he’s gorgeous. Those icy blue eyes are hypnotizing and those arms. Damn what I wouldn’t give to be wrapped up in those big muscular arms, safe from the outside world. I’ve never been a fan of guys with a beard, makes kissing feel weird in my opinion, but on him, damn. That long goatee and the scruffiness of his jawline, he can kiss me anywhere and I wouldn’t mind it one bit.
Did he say Navy? Hmm, interesting. He definitely strikes me as someone I’d want in my corner when the going got tough. Shit, I’m staring again. If I keep this up, he’s gonna think I’m some crazy chic.
Looking away as he walks to the back, I decide to take a look around and get to know my surroundings a little better instead. Seems like a good distraction. The club is clean and neat, unlike my current one. The bar is bigger too, in the shape of an L, which means more seats for me to make tips from.
I wonder what the uniform will be. Not that I minded the uniform when I first started at Vinny’s, but now it’s skimpy and degrading if you ask me. I mean, I know it's a strip club, but we were supposed to be a sophisticated club. That’s until recently, now he’s got me wearing less clothing that makes you think I’m one of the dancers!
Drawn from my thoughts, Jude, the man of my dreams, walks out from the back with another guy I’m assuming. is the guy I need to see about the job.
“Sharayah, is it? Hey, I’m Ridge, I manage this place,” a tall, stocky man sporting a braid of beautiful black locks and gorgeous emerald green eyes says as he approaches me.
“Hi, yes, nice to meet you. I wanted to inquire about the bartending position your ad mentioned,” I say, as I stand, reaching out for a handshake.
He extends his hand returning the handshake before motioning for me to have a seat.
“So, Jude tells me you have experience in this type of atmosphere,” he says as he does a hand motion circling the club.
“Yes, yes I do. I've been at my current place for five years and although it saddens me to leave, I know it’s the best move for me too. I’ve been thinking about it for a while but never acted on it. Then today I looked at Vinny and told him I quit.” I chuckle slightly.
“Well with Jude speaking so highly I can’t help but give you the job. When can you start?” Ridge smiles.
“Seriously? Oh my God thank you. I told Vinny I’d give him until Sunday to find my replacement, so would Monday work for you?” I ask excitedly.
“Perfect. Be here Monday at like one and we’ll get all your paperwork done and get you behind the bar. Uniforms are black tank tops and blue jean shorts. Just bring your ID and social security card with you Monday. Now I will let you know we’re club run. Our MC, the Dark Leopards own and operate this place, is that gonna be an issue?” he questions.
“No, not at all, at least I know there’ll be some muscle around to look out for me and the girls if anyone gets too creepy or out of line. So that's actually a bonus. Vinny doesn’t have much when it comes to security, hence how the creep found out where I live,” I answer.
“No, none of that’s tolerated here. Jude is head of security and no one to fuck with.” He smiles then continues, “Okay so we'll see you Monday. Go ahead, take down Jude’s cell in case you need anything between now and then. As for that creep, he better not step foot in here, it’d be a grave mistake. Have a good weekend. It was nice to meet you.” And with that he gets up and heads back toward the back hall where I can only assume his office is located.
Gazing in amazement, I can feel a smile
