Page 20 of Venom's Sting

Someone walks towards me, and I hear her sneer, “We all saw your property cut. There’s no need to preen.”

I turn around to see a blonde. She’s wearing tight, shiny, pleather booty shorts, and a t-shirt that shows off her midriff. All the club girls dress so outlandishly here, like they’re goingout night clubbing, rather than it being nine in the morning on a Saturday.

I can’t help asking, “Are you always like this or only before you’ve had your caffeine fix?”

One of the prospects speaks up. “Good morning, Brittany. Didn’t you just come off a ban for talking shit to one of the old ladies?”

“My business isn’t your business, prospect,” she hisses at him.

“Unless you’re looking to get reported, slow your roll and have a seat.” When she eases down onto one of the bar stools, he asks, “What ya drinking this morning?”

“A gin and coke.”

“One coke coming right up because you know we don’t start serving alcohol until eleven and I’m not old enough to pour drinks.”

Brittany grumbles, “Damn, you’re getting to be a smartass. When you finally get patched in, I’m not sleeping with you.”

“Of course not. You’d have to be picked by me and that’s never going to happen in a million years.”

“What the hell is your problem, Evan? What have I ever done to you for you to be on my case constantly?”

“You’re arrogant enough to shit talk the old ladies that I’m tasked with looking out for when their men are out on a job. I’d have to be pretty ignorant not to speak up.”

She leans over and flashes the younger man a sexy smile, “Don’t be that way, Evan. You know I’ve always liked you.”

He snorts a laugh, “Don’t even try to play me, Brittany. My old man would literally throw us both out if I hooked up with you.”

Her saccharine voice turns cold in an instant. “You are going to die a virgin, Evan. And it’s going to be because your daddy’s a preacher man.”

He just laughs at her belittling words. “You know I already have a girlfriend. I bring her around sometimes.”

“Yeah, she’s a cute little thing.” Brittany leans on the bar and sips her coke. “The two of you look good together. Don’t go complaining to your dad about me. The last thing in the world I need is Rigs on my ass, or worse that mother of yours.”

He stops dead in his tracks, throws the towel he’s wiping the counter with down, and glares at her.

This beautiful club girl immediately began backtracking, “I didn’t mean anything by that. We both know your mom has balls of solid brass. She’s tiny but mighty, if you know what I mean. I respect her and your dad for finding all those missing kids.”

Evan frowns at her, “I know. I was one of those kids, remember?”

Another female voice speaks from behind us. “Britt, you should just stop while you’re ahead. Why do you even open your mouth before you’ve had a good strong dose of caffeine is beyond my ability to reason.”

Brittany spins around in her chair and gushes, “Stephanie. I didn’t see you, come join us.” Then she stammers, “How long have you been standing there? How much did you hear?”

“Enough to know you’re going the right way for a perma-ban if you keep it up.” She smirks playfully at Brittany and sits on the other side of me. Without her even asking, Evan slides a nice cold cranberry juice over to her with a straw.

The woman turns and holds out her hand. “My name is Stephanie and I’m one of the club girls, like Brittany. I heard you snagged the last good brother.”

Brittany snorts a laugh. But it’s Evan who gestures to himself with one hand. “I’m standing right here. I’m good too.”

Stephanie just grins at him. “Maybe in five years’ time, kiddo. Anyway, you’re technically still a prospect and not a brother. Don’t worry, your time will come and when it does, you’ll be the best brother in the club.”

Evan picks the towel up off the bar and grins at her. “Tell more about how amazing I am.”

Stephanie shakes her head. “You’re not even eighteen and you already have girlfriend to stroke your ego. You don’t need me. And Brittany is right. The two of you look like you were made for each other.”

Evan’s face lights up like Christmas morning. That’s about the time Ven walks through the front door. He’s looking all kinds of handsome in his cut and faded jeans.

Ven makes a beeline for us and jerks his chin at Evan. “The club girls chatting you up, Evan? You know not to believe adamn thing they say. They’ll flatter the pants right off you if you’re not careful.

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