Page 39 of Eagle

He quirked a brow. “Need some help? Hawk told me you tailed alone yesterday.”

“I was just tailing. Would’ve been more obvious for us both to go. But that’s not my business this afternoon.”

We walked inside and Daisy was seated at the desk, tapping on the keyboard already.

“Good morning, Daisy,” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

She kept tapping away so I gave up for the time being and went to prep for the day. I had my appointments written down already, so I didn’t have to ask her for them.

Falcon popped his head in as I was getting ready for the first client of the day. “She’ll come around once you get it all sorted out.”

With a deep sigh, I said, “If she was anyone else she’d be fired. But I can’t fault her for defending her friend, I guess.”

He crossed his arms as he leaned against the door. “Yeah, she’s missing her bad. So you should get your shit together.”

I grinned. “I’m trying, brother. Trust me.”

“Hey, I got your back, man.”

I stopped fiddling with the ink and looked up at him. “I know.”

“Alright, I gotta get busy. If you need anything let me know.”

I nodded and he walked away. Hawk may have had to lay down the law, but he had my back, too. Even though we had a rat, I knew it wasn’t one of those guys.

After wrapping up with my last client, I cleaned up my booth and let Falcon know I was taking off. “Good night, Daisy,” I called without looking back. I didn’t expect an answer but I’d be damned if she thought she could intimidate me.

I could appreciate the fact she was doing her part as a friend, but she also worked for us. Being a complete dick was never my thing, not on purpose anyway, so I wasn’t used to the sheer hatred oozing from her every time she saw me. Bunnies operated under the knowledge they were bunnies. Daisy was never a bunny, and neither was Lacy. Having to endure such hostility at my own shop wasn’t something I thought I’d ever have to do. She was Falcon’s Old Lady, so there’s not much I’d say, but I knew he’d be having words with her. Whether or not she’d be listening was a different story.

It was stifling hot out, but I had left the windows down all day so I didn’t get smacked in the face with the excessive heat of a sealed up cab. Still edgy, I decided to leave the windows downon the drive to the club but cranked up some Skynard and let my playlist run as I drove.

I pulled into the parking lot of Destiny’s Desires after sitting in traffic for nearly an hour. Stevie was at the door and I was glad Butch wasn’t around. The last thing I needed was him starting shit. Although, looking around the lot, I didn’t see Mama Hen’s SUV, so maybe it wouldn’t get back to her that I’d been there. If Butch saw me, I’m sure Hawk would know immediately. I found a spot off to the side so my truck wouldn’t be visible from the door, just in case Butch did pass by, and killed the engine. She would be getting off soon but would need to change and tip out before she left.

The lot wasn’t full, but it was a Tuesday and not even dark out yet. It would have more patrons later. It gave me a small sense of relief that she didn’t work the busy shift–not yet, anyway. Fewer eyes on her. I’d been to enough clubs to know that while there were rules against touching the fun parts, hands would still be on her, and her ass would be on them.

My jaw clenched, so I took a few deep breaths, trying to relax. I couldn’t be all pissed and mad when she came outside or she wouldn’t want to ride with me. She was going to, regardless, but hopefully she’d come willingly.

Out of the corner of my eye, something caught my attention so I put my hand on my pistol then rolled my head onto my shoulders when I saw who it was. “Hey, Jeannie.”

She tugged a bag over her shoulder and came closer. “Why are you here?” Her blonde hair was piled on her head, the same way Lacy did for bed.

“How was she planning to get home?” I asked.

She shrugged. “I’m sure someone would take her. I tried to tell her not to take a rideshare, but that just leaves the guysworking.”

“She’s not riding with them and they’re not dumb enough to try.”

“Well, what were you gonna do, Eagle? Ambush her? Does she know you’re here?” she asked with a smirk.

“Will you see if she’s ready to go and ask her to let me drive her?”

“Why should I do that? She doesn’t want to go to the clubhouse.” Her brows pinched as she glared at me.

Sighing, trying to stay cordial, I said, “I’ll drive her to your house if that’s what she wants. I just need to know she’s safe.”

Jeannie’s scowl softened and she gave me a once over. “Fine. But if you don’t take her to my house, I’ll call Hawk.”

“Don’t I know it,” I said with a grin. “Seriously, I’m not gonna abduct her. But she doesn’t have a vehicle and she sure as hell ain’t riding with any of these guys. At least I didn’t bring my Harley.”