Page 16 of Queens and Monsters

“Do you know that man?” I asked.

Rei was the one who saw him first. “No, but if he doesn’t stop looking at you, I’ll make it a point to cut out his eyes.”

I shivered at the thought as a waitress appeared at the table, blocking the blond man’s view.

“Welcome to Green Lady Lounge. Can I interest you in anything from the bar?”

After she took our orders, I looked around. The man was no longer at the bar, easing my nerves. “I took a modern history course last semester,” I said, beginning a new subject. “This place could be a field trip.”

I had their attention.

“Tell us more,” Em said.

“During Prohibition these types of cocktail lounges were a major part of American social life.”

“They were illegal,” Rei said.

“Yes,” I agreed. “Usually set up and run by criminals like Al Capone.”

“The Mafia gets all the good crime stories,” Em said.

Reinaldo shook his head. “It’s time Jasmine broadens her criminal exposure.”

After our drinks arrived, Em laid his hand on my thigh. “How does it feel?”

“Exciting.” I didn’t try to contain my grin. “Like I was saying, this place is like something out of an old black-and-white movie.” I lifted the martini glass. “Down to every detail.”

“You could never be in a black-and-white movie,” he said.

“I couldn’t?”

Em’s fingers gently squeezed my thigh. “It wouldn’t do you justice. You’re far too beautiful and colorful to be monochrome.”

Reinaldo’s nostrils flared, and the muscles pulled taut in his cheeks.

“There’s another stage downstairs,” Em said. “Come with me and check it out.”

When I started to move, Rei covered my hand with his. “She’s staying here.”

“I would like to see?—”

Rei released my hand and lifted his bourbon. “Check it out and come back,” he said to Em. “She’s safe sitting here with me.”

“Jasmine?” Em asked.

I shook my head. “I’m happy here.”

After Em walked away, Rei turned toward me. “Are you?”

“That was my question. Am I safe with you?”

For the first time since we’d left the penthouse, a smile curled his lips. “You’re safe from other monsters.”

My quickened pulse returned. “Other monsters? Are you a monster? Is Em?”

“We all are. It’s how we live another day and how we can live with ourselves when we finally sleep. You’re not unaccustomed to monsters. You’ve lived with one for most of your life.” Reinaldo laid his arm on the top of the booth behind me. “I’ve been thinking about last night.”

Warmth filled my cheeks as I released the stem of my glass. “Me too.”

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