Page 35 of Rex

“I wouldn’t mind if Rod tackled me,” Lisa says and then points across the room.

I understand why she said that when I see the man that’s approaching the far end of the bar. Lisa has stellar taste in men.

“Is he a Devil’s Angel?” I ask.

“No, but he could be with those looks,” Lisa answers as she slowly turns her stool to keep Rod in sight.

“He’s divorced,” Suki adds. “But he’s divorced, bitter about it, and has sworn off women. For now, of course. He won’t last long.”

“They forget quickly, and women never do,” Lisa states in a knowing tone.

Watching the expression on Lisa’s face, I know she’s speaking from experience. It saddens me to know she’s been hurt before. Most adults have at some point, but she’s carrying hers with a sense of never forgetting or repeating what happened ever again.

While I’m thinking about Lisa’s past, I notice her eyes widen in surprise. At the same time, a hand covers my mouth, and an arm wraps around my body, pulling me off my stool. I’m held againsta body as my feet are set on the floor. I immediately start trying to pull the hand off my mouth while twisting my head to get a look at who’s holding me immobile. When I hear Lisa laugh, I quit struggling. I don’t know who is behind me, but I know he’s not a threat.

“I would have expected a bigger fight from you. Are you becoming a quitter now?” I hear my brother say as he releases me.

Whirling, I watch as a slow smile spreads across Drew’s face as he looks down at me with gentle eyes. Returning his smile, I impulsively go up on my toes and plant a soft kiss on his cheek.

“I thought you were busy with the club tonight,” I say.

“I am. Just had to stop by and speak with Freddy. What are you two doing out on a worknight?” Drew asks while glancing from me to Lisa. “And should the world be worried that you two are spending so much time together?”

I answer no at the same time as Lisa answers yes, and I watch my brother smile broadly.

“Thought we’d blow off some steam and get out for a few hours tonight,” I state, answering his first question.

“I got them, Chubs,” Candy says as she joins our small group.

“Then I know they’re safe, and I can get back to work. Appreciate it, Candy. Behave, ladies, but have fun,” Drew says with a grin.

Watching my brother walk toward the back of the club, I spot Horse walking the same direction. Following Horse is Rex, but unlike Horse, his eyes are on me. His face is serious as he gives a slight nod in my direction before disappearing down a hallway.

“Doesn’t look like the club members are having as much fun as we are tonight,” Lisa states.

“No, they don’t,” Candy responds before moving down the bar to take a seat at the end.

I take my seat on my stool but turn it slightly so I can keep an eye on the hallway that Rex disappeared down. Suki joins us again, and I half listen to her and Lisa discuss the pros and cons of being a stripper. I nod, smile, and toss in a few comments, but my mind isn’t really on the conversation.

“Is our conversing interfering with your covert stalking?” Lisa asks with a finger poke to my shoulder.

“No, and ouch,” I respond absently.

“Which one is she stalking?” Suki asks with interest. “Because if it’s Horse, Tessie will be throwing hands at her.”

“I’m not stalking anyone,” I instantly deny and probably sound guilty as hell.

Before Suki can question me further, a commotion starts up across the room. Looking in that direction, I see there’s a loud disagreement between two of the men that Candy had been watching earlier. Now standing, the men are face to face with voices rising above the music.

“Here we go,” Suki mutters as the men start pushing each other hard in the chest.

I watch as the other men in their group stand and appear to take sides. Rod and another guy that I’m assuming is security start toward the men when things take an ugly turn.

When one of the men shoves the other, the man collides with a female server and sends her sprawling, drinks flying everywhere. Just as Rod arrives at the fight and the other security guy pulls the server out of the fray, a knife appears in one of the men’s hands.

I hear Suki relaying what’s happening to someone, but my eyes remain glued to the fight. I’m sure she’s alerting Freddy, and I’m sure the club members will be appearing soon.

As the guy with the knife lunges forward, a loud bang ricochets through the club. I gasp in surprise at the speed at which this fight has progressed but shriek in shock when I’m physically picked up and thrown over the bar.

---