Page 10 of Tempting Her Dragons

“Why not?”

“It’s his story to tell.” He looks into my eyes. “When he’s ready.”

“Damn,” I pout.

“How about I tell you if you come to work on time for a month straight?” He tilts his head.

“Fuck, no fair.” I lived most of my life without a schedule; I’m not great with restrictions.

“Right.” He stands straight. “There are tables to serve,” he says, waving his arm.

I stomp around him. He’s right about so many things, and it’s annoying.

“Wait,” he says, and I turn. “Janet called in sick. She sounds like shit, but I took the opportunity to ask her about the asshole customer. The cold medicine helped her relax enough to tell me. It will be taken care of.” His eyes swirl dangerously and I would be running for my life if it was directed at me.

“Thank you,” I say, and he nods. I planned on speaking with her tonight.

“Work?” he says when I don’t move.

“Of course.” I smile widely and turn away. I’m glad Ryker is one of the good guys, unlike most of the men I deal with.

My brothers will be upset that I have hidden part of my life from them. They will lecture and ask questions that I don’t want to answer. Then they will insist I quit killing bad guys. I’m not looking forward to the lecture about my safety. They are hypersensitive about my well-being since I have moved here to stay. When that doesn’t work, they will insist on accompanying me, ruining my groove. Penny needs to be their focus. She needs her mates beside her, not helping me rid the world of abusive men. Penny would be the first one to encourage me; she is badass.

I weave through the crowd in my six-inch high boots, avoiding the grinding bodies dancing to the beat. I dim my hearing since the band seems extra loud tonight.

Most shifters can muffle their enhanced hearing. I’ve had enough practice over the years. The noise of the world can become grating on the ears.

I grab a tray and slide it across the bar to my favorite bartender as I quickly guzzle my coffee.

“Busy?” I ask, licking the coffee from my lips. He looks up from the drink he is making with a smile.

“Always.” He finishes pouring and places it in front of a customer before moving back to me. “Late?”

“Always,” I grin.

“Ryker has a soft spot for you.” Janson is a lion shifter and a great guy.

“Maybe, or he’s afraid of my fire.”

“Right. I don’t think that’s it,” he says.

“What tables are mine?” I ask, and he slides a card across the bar with a list.

“Thanks.” I memorize the numbers and put it in my pocket. “Would you toss this?” I ask, sliding my cup toward him. As he nods and takes it, I wave at him and turn. So many people. My phone vibrates on my butt. When I slide it out, Rach’s name is lit up.

“Hello,” I answer, a little surprised.

“I know you were heading to work, and I don’t want to bother you,” she says, and I lean back against the bar.

“No worries,” I say and ignore the snort behind me. I look over my shoulder and glare, communicating to Janson he shouldn’t eavesdrop. “Did I forget to pay?”

“Nothing like that,” she rushes to say. “Are you busy after work? I thought we could grab a drink.” I turn back to the dance floor.

“I wish I could.” I can’t tell her I have plans to kill someone. “I usually work really late.”

“I’ll be here a couple more hours since the owner extended them. Everyone loves coffee,” she laughs.

“I feel for you, but I can understand the love,” I say dryly. “Can we do it another night?”

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