Before I can think much more about the changes going on in the family, the door to the bar swings open and Matty, one of our close family friends walks in. He glances around the room, obviously appreciating all of the ass on display, but then makes a beeline to the two of us through the crowd.
Good man.
“Roque. Arlo.” Matty glances at the glass of whiskey in my brother’s hand and gratefully accepts it, throwing it back without a wince. “They’re not coming.”
“What the fuck do you mean that they’re not coming? Of course they are.” Arlo slams his hand down on the bar, causing a few people to turn and look at us. “They have to come.”
This meetup is supposed to be a big fucking deal. Our family owns the city, and everyone knows it, but my uncle’s associates and sons have been some of the last to admit defeat after we killed him. Tonight is when they’re supposed to come and pledge allegiance to us, but if they don’t…that’s a problem.
Matty shrugs, but he doesn’t step back. I like that about him. We don’t like to hang out with pussies, and there are a fucking ton of them in his world. Matty’s not technically family, but he’s close enough that he gets a pass for a lot of the shit he does. But if he ever started acting like he was afraid of someone in the family? That wouldn’t fly.
“I ran into Tony, their runner. He told me that they’ve decided to reconsider the agreement and decide whether or not they really back your dad.”
The rage coming off of Arlo is fucking palpable, but there’s no reason to get upset. I learned that a long damn time ago. My uncle’s family made their decision and they would pay for it, but getting pissy about it in the fucking Claw and Crown? You’re going to have a bad time.
“There’s nothing to do tonight,” I tell the two of them. “Arlo, you get back to the house and let Pops know that the shit fell through. Matty, enjoy one on me.” I slip some cash from my pocket and toss it to the barkeeper.
It’s always one fucking thing or another. This is why I don’t have the time to settle down. No matter what Ma wants, which is some fucking grandkids, I just don’t have the time to give them to her. Nevermind that most of the girls in this town are terrified of me just because of my name, but that doesn’t help much.
Arlo stomps through the crowd and heads out the door, holding it for someone to walk through. I raise my eyebrows, slightly impressed that my baby brother is finally learning manners, when the girls who walk through catch my breath.
Well, not the first one. My eyes slide over and off her like she’s invisible, but the second one has me completely focused. She looks a little nervous, like she’s never been here before, and since I’ve never seen her, I’m guessing that’s right.
The way she pauses when she walks in the door and her tight little dress clinging to her body has me instantly paying attention. It’s a bondage dress, designed to show off all of her curves, and ends mid-thigh. I have the sudden urge to go to her and push her dress up her thighs to see how short I can make it.
My cock instantly springs to attention as she looks at me, but then her friend pulls her arms and guides her to the other side of the bar. I’ve already dismissed Matty and Arlo, and I slide off of my stool and meet them, standing so close to the bar that she has to scoot past me, her curves brushing up against my bulk.
“Can I help you?” My voice is deep, but the way that her eyes fly open when she hears me talk surprises me. Tentatively, she reaches out and touches the top of the bar like she’s trying to keep from falling over.
In those heels, I’m honestly surprised that she can even walk, and I grab her elbow to steady her. immediately, there’s a shock of electricity straight to my core as her skin touches mine. My cock is hard and throbbing now, and I’m grateful that the bar is a little dark.
“I’m sorry, I’m just here to get a drink with my friend.” The girl glances over her shoulder at the friend she’d walked in with. As if on cue, her friend leans on the bar and orders. She’s obviously had a couple before getting here, and I hope that she wasn’t the one to drive.
What the fuck? The thought passes through my mind before I can stop it. I’m not the kind of person to give a shit about what other people do, but the thought of this gorgeous girl in the car with someone who shouldn’t be driving makes my stomach clench.
“You’re celebrating.” I should probably let go of her elbow, but I saw the way some of the other men in here looked at her. She’s mine, and I’m not going to let her go. “What are you celebrating tonight?”
I swear, I must have thrown her for a loop reading her like that, but it wasn’t like it was hard. Her hair and makeup are on point, and she’s new to the Claw and Crown. Somehow, the two of them got an invitation to come, but nobody’s come over to meet them yet, so I’m not sure who to thank.
“We’re celebrating her move!” Her friend leans over to me, wrapping her arm around the girl I’m talking to. “Eva moved here a year ago today and left behind a real sack of shit, and we’re out celebrating that!” Her voice is far too loud and I feel,
