Page 6 of Locke

“I hate that for her. Maybe I can talk to her.”

“You two were good friends before. I don’t doubt that she’ll come around for you,” he adds. I smile sadly. I hate that this is what her life has become. I hate she turned to drugs.

“I’m going to get a drink. You want anything?”

“I’m good darlin’. Go get you somethin’.” I shove off the couch and walk toward the bar, catching Locke looking my way as I go. I ignore his dark, sinister stare as I make my way closer to the bar.

“Bartending now?” I ask when I’m close enough. Hodge smirks at me and shoves a beer my way.

“I don’t make the girls serve me drinks.”

“Lies, Hodge. I know you do.”

“Okay, I do. But I saw you comin’ and knew you wanted somethin’ special.” He finishes mixing up the drink in front of him before passing it to me. I don’t know what the hell it is or how he does it, but I have loved every drink Hodge has ever made for me.

“This is so good,” I say as I take a second drink.

“Don’t get trashed and start strippin’.”

“Not a chance in hell. Speaking of, am I still good to work at the club?” He sighs and runs his hand through his hair before nodding his head.

“I don’t really like the idea, but it’s fine.”

“Why don’t you like it? I’m not stripping. Just serving.”

“I know, but I still don’t like it. They can get handsy, and sometimes that place gets out of control, Kiki.”

“You think I can’t handle myself?”

“I know you can. That’s not the point.”

“Then what’s the point?” I ask.

“I don’t have one. I just don’t like it,” he tells me as he brings his beer to his lips.

“Well, I’ll be fine. I can handle myself.”

“I know you can. Fuck, I’m just glad you’re back.” He walks around the bar and pulls me into his arms, hugging me tightly. “I’m so fuckin’ glad you’re back.”

“Me too. I’ve missed this, missed you.”

“Don’t do that shit again, yeah?”

“Never.” Hodge pulls away and nods his head as Locke walks up to the bar.

“Bondin’?”

“Somethin’ like that. You watch out for my sister, yeah?”

“I watch out for everyone in this club,” Locke adds.

“I know you do. She’s included in that now.”

“No doubt, brother.” They fist bump before Hodge walks away, leaving the two of us.

“How long have you been in the club?”

“Two years.”

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