Page 53 of Muted

I hum and scratch the side of my beard. “What are you going to do if he is?”

Chaz snorts out a laugh, although I know he doesn’t find any of this funny. “File a police report. Sue him for my half plus what he still owes on the loan. I’m not going to sit back and let him drain this place dry.”

Speak of the devil.We both stop talking when Cliff walks out of the back room, heading straight toward Susu. Chaz stands away from the wall and I find my feet as he marches up to her and then stops at her side.

I hear Chaz rumble out a low growl when Cliff leans down, forcing Susu to lean away from him as she tilts her head back. He’s obviously irritated about something, but his voice isn’t raised enough for us to hear him.

I can’t see Vance’s eyes when he looks over at us and he shakes his head almost imperceptibly.No fucking clue what that means. Deciding I’m not going to stand by and have her uncomfortable with him hovering, I jog over to the bar and ask the bartender to get me a glass of water.

Holding my hand out and waving for it, he can tell I want itnow. The moment he shoves the cool glass into my palm, I make eye contact with Chaz and lift my chin.

When I was in the military, I didn’t stand by and watch people get intimidated by higher-ranked service members, and I won’t fucking do it now just because he’stechnicallyher boss.

My lip curls as I step on the stage and see that Cliff practically has his knee on her bench, like he’s about to crawl on top of her. With a quick look at Vance, I see him glaring, body vibrating and ready to intercede on her behalf.

When his eyes find mine, his shoulders loosen only marginally, but enough that he isn’t about to jump in. Coming up to Cliff’s side, I enjoy the way his body jolts as I drop my heavy palm on his shoulder.

“Excuse me,buddy.” It comes out smoothly and with a hint of warning. I don’t care if he takes the threat as seriously as I intend it to sound, but I will back him off. Pushing my body in front of his, I take a step back into his body to give Susu some much needed space and breathing room.

Her eyes are wide, empty aside from a trickle of fear, so I wink at her to let her know I’ve got this, then let my smile through when we all hear Cliff curse as he stumbles back. Looking back at him over my shoulder, I simply tell him, “Chaz needs you for a minute.”

I’m done with him and focus onher.

She’s trembling, again. Always fucking trembling after an altercation or unexpected interaction with the men in this place. I hate that for her, and I refuse to be the one that provokes this kind of reaction.

So, I squat down to her level, ignoring the crack of my knee or the stretch of my jeans tightening across my thighs. Cliff hovered above her long enough that she deserves to look down on someone for a few moments to catch her breath. “You good?” I ask her quietly.

We both hear Vance get up, muttering, “I’ll be right back.” I don’t pay attention to where he’s headed, but the privacy is appreciated.

I slide my foot about half a foot closer, my body shifting toward her, and set the glass next to her on the bench. Settling my palm next to it, I wait until she picks it up to take a sip before saying, “So, Cliff is an ass, huh?”

I flinch like I’m in pain, and squint at her when she chokes on her water.

Shit, my timing could have been better.

Even though I’m on the ground next to her, I’m still able to reach out and pat her back to help her clear her throat. “Sorry, I should have waited. Take a breath and then another sip.”

Susu eyes me over the rim, her brow slightly raised in question, but she obeys. Smirking, I rest my elbows on my thighs and hold on to her bench. “There’sthat hint of sass I get just a taste of in our texts.”

Now I’m grinning as she stares at me. I watch a flush creep up her neck from her collar. It’s just reaching her cheeks when I deliver another blow, making it explode across her face.

“I want more of it, Susu. I hope you can deliver.” This time, when her hand shakes, I’m positive it’s not for the same reasons as a few moments ago. “Do good tonight.” Standing, I hold my hand out for her glass, then hold it up. “I’ll get this refilled.” I turn and walk away to the sound of a slow exhale.

Chaz meets me halfway and walks with me to the bar, leaning in to hiss, “What was that about?” I don’t slow until I’m behind the bar and topping off her ice water.

“What waswhatabout?” I don’t know if he’s asking about how I interacted with her or the thing with Cliff. If he asks, I’ll answer the first, but I won’t offer up information that I don’t even have a full explanation of. If he asks, I’ll just end up saying something idiotic like ‘I like playing with her’.

He presses his body against the bar and whispers, “Cliff. What the hell was he talking to her about? He wouldn’t tell me anything other than he had a question about one of the receipts from yesterday.”

Huh.I should probably have asked her.

Shrugging, I admit I have no idea. “Not sure, but I can ask her.” Then, I point at him and add, “Or, you can. He’s your partner for the time being.”

“What does that mean?” Cliff’s voice rings out. Chaz widens his eyes at me, wordlessly telling me I’m a fucking idiot for not tempering my voice. Cliff drops the container of drink condiments on the counter behind the bar and marches over. “Seriously. What the fuck did he mean bythe time being?” His voice is raised, and I simply give my friend an apologetic look.

“I meant nothing by it, Cliff. Don’t be so sensitive.” It’s the best I can do because I don’t want to deny anything outright, but I also won’t lie either. “I’m gonna go take this up there,” I tell Chaz, before escaping Cliff, who’s now vibrating with anger. “Sorry, man,” I whisper my apology on my way back to Susu.

This time, when I find myself next to her, I don’t lower my body. Instead, I touch her back lightly and reach around to her front with the water. Holding my breath, I enjoy the way her chilled fingers brush against mine as she takes it.

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