Page 34 of Rex

“He had never mentioned you or your mom, so when you two arrived at the ranch, Lucy didn’t know you even existed. She didn’t even know if you were his girlfriend or wife. All she was told was that you and your mom were to be protected by the club because you were important to him. We’ve been close our entire lives, and I’ve never seen her hurting that much. It broke my heart, and I must admit, I’m still keeping him in my crosshairs. Sorry, I know he’s your brother, and he’s a great guy, but I’m still a little angry with how he handled that whole situation,” Lisa explains.

“I get that. I would be too if she’d done it to my brother. I can’t imagine the guilt that would have caused him, though,” I say softly.

I see Candy nod her head in agreement before abruptly turning and walking away. I watch as she skirts the room before coming to a stop and placing her back against a wall.

“Why’d she walk off? Did I say something wrong?” I ask, confused about Candy’s behavior.

“No, not at all. She likes to keep an eye on everything,” Lisa says with a careless shrug.

Lisa and Suki start discussing something, but I don’t pay attention. I’m still watching Candy. She’s watching a table of men who have had several drinks and are starting to get loud. Her eyes stay on them for several long seconds before makinga pass around the room. When they meet mine, she gives me a chin lift, and then they move back to that group of men. Turning back to face the bar, I tune into Lisa and Suki’s conversation.

I’m on my second drink when Freddy joins us. Turning to say hi, I bite back the word when I see the concern on his face.

“Hey, Freddy! Did you decide to come have a drink with the most beautiful women here?” Lisa asks before looping an arm over Freddy’s shoulder.

“Hi, ladies. Do you have a club member with you tonight?” he asks bluntly.

“We have Candy. She’s over there,” Lisa answers while pointing toward Candy.

I watch as Freddy visibly relaxes, and a smile finally shows.

“That’s good. Okay, then, yes. I’m here to have a drink with the most beautiful women in Denver.”

Seeing a chance to find out what’s up with the club tonight, I ask Freddy, “You think Lisa and I need a babysitter?”

I ask this with a wide smile to take the sting out of my words. Freddy’s eyes meet mine, and he grins hugely. With a nod of his head at Lisa, he whisper-shouts, “It’s always smart to have one for Lisa.”

“Heard that. Not offended by the truth, though,” Lisa states before downing the rest of her drink.

“It’s busy for not being a weekend, isn’t it?” I question Freddy.

“It’s always busy, it seems. A lot of our regulars come in during the week when they think it’ll be quieter, hoping to get some extra attention from the dancers. Sundays are about the only quiet night lately. What brings you ladies out tonight?”

“Boredom,” I answer. “And Lisa wanted to pop my strip club cherry, I think.”

Freddy laughs and nods like he’s heard this before.

We chat about little things while Freddy drinks his beer. He’s friendly and kind, but I notice how watchful he is of everything happening in the club.

“Vex working tonight?” Lisa asks.

“No. He’s got a thing going with the club but stopped by to speak with me first,” Freddy responds. “I better get back to the office and finish up some things. You ladies have a good night, and keep Candy close.”

After Freddy walks off, Lisa turns to me.

“Sorry. I was trying to find out what’s so important that Rex stood you up.”

“I was trying too, but it doesn’t really matter,” I say half-heartedly.

“Want to dance?” Lisa suddenly asks with a wicked grin.

“What? No! I’m not getting naked and shaking my bits and pieces for these men to see!” I exclaim.

“Not here! I was just asking if you wanted to dance tonight because we could go somewhere else,” Lisa explains. “Can you imagine what Candy would do if we tried to take over the pole?”

“Oh God, no! She’d tackle and then drag us out of here,” I answer, now grinning at the thought.

“If Candy didn’t, Freddy would,” adds Suki as she plops drinks down in front of us.

---