Page 31 of Conflicted
Today, she volunteered at the club by stocking drinks and snacks with Bob. Now perched on a stool, she braced her forearms in front of her and let the sturdy furniture support her. Listlessly, she watched Bob pour two mugs of coffee and dump her usual three packs of sugar in one.
“You look pale, honey.” Bob placed the steaming mug in front of Ruby and leaned on the bar in his signature casual pose.
“I’m tired,” Ruby mumbled before dropping her head onto her folded arms with an exaggerated groan.
“Parent trouble?”
“Uh-uh,” Ruby lifted her head with drooping eyes. “The sperm donor is leaving me blessedly alone, and momma is ecstatic about her new car.” She pushed herself upright again and took a sip from the hot brew – sweet and strong. Perfect! She smacked her lips and continued, “Partner trouble is more accurate.”
“Hmm.”
Ruby patted Bob’s arm lightly. “Don’t get that worried psychologist’s expression on your face.”
Bob stroked his short beard.
“And now you’re hiding your smile behind your hand. Won’t work, your eyes tell me you’re amused.”
Bob dropped his hand and his pretense, and with the laughter ringing clearly through, replied, “It seems to me you should be a lot sweeter than you are.” He looked pointedly at her coffee mug.
Incomprehensive Ruby followed where he was staring, and then her mouth fell open. “I don’t use that much sugar.”
“Oh yes, sugar,” Bob smirked and quickly stepped out of reach, “you do.”
“I should punch you.”
“I wouldn’t do that.” A deep voice behind her made her turn on her stool. “I might have to arrest you for assault and battery if you did.”
Ruby blew a raspberry at Will. “You wouldn’t. What happens in this club is safe, sane, and consensual.” She grinned as both men barked a laugh.
“Is she creating havoc again?” Another deep, smooth voice joined in, and Will stiffened beside her.
Ruby’s shoulders slumped as the tension in the room thickened.
“Ruby,” Bob pulled the dishtowel from his shoulder and slapped it on the counter, “could you watch the bar for ten minutes or so?”
Without waiting for her answer, he turned to Will and Nathan. “Gentlemen, if you would follow me.”
Ruby stared after the three men and had Deja Vu. About two years ago, Kate and Chris had a full-blown argument at the main club room and Ruby remembered how Bob had gone all Dom on their heads. For a switch, the man sure could be dominant and Ruby wasn’t too proud to admit she soaked her thong. At times the man is magnificent!
––––––––
Fuming with anger, Bob led the men away from Ruby and other eavesdropping ears – although the club was fairly empty at this time of night – and into the deserted dining room. Those stupid assholes! Nothing much ruffled his feathers but these two seriously pissed him off.
Bob crossed his arms, glared at the two other men, and let the silence build. Let them stew a bit.
With both Will and Nathan being dominant males, it took much longer for one of them to cave than with subbies. If Bob would have been a betting man, he would have chosen Will to crack first, but it was Nathan who spoke.
“What is it, Bob?”
Bob pulled his lips from teeth in his best imitation of The Shining “Here’s Johnny” grin. “What do you think it is?”
Nathan narrowed his eyes and Will grumbled, “Oh hell, now he’s going to go all psychologist on our asses.”
“And that would be why?” Years of practice kept most of the sarcasm out of Bob’s voice, but not all.
“Because fucking head shrinkers always wants their subjects to find their own answers.” Will’s scowl deepened.
Ah, the man has some experience with counseling. Probably not a big surprise given he’s a Police Detective. Most cops run into disturbing shit in their profession and they’re a lot better about dealing with it than they used to be. Bob just hummed, and his anger slightly decreased.
