Page 8 of Ghost

Interesting.

Looking closer, I caught sight of a Smith and Wesson 12-gauge shotgun propped against the wall.

I wondered if they’d be offended if I told them, it wasn’t safe to keep that lying around when there were children underfoot.

I had a feeling the advice might fall on deaf ears.

“Do you get trouble around here often?” I asked, flicking my chin toward the weapon.

“Club business,” he retorted, a hint of steel in his tone.

Scrunching my nose, I frowned. The place was starting to feel more like my daddy’s compound in Tennessee by the second.

“Miss Thompson?” I pivoted on my heel and caught the gaze of two men strolling toward me, my eyes widened at the sight.

Both men were tall, broad, and imposing. After further inspection, I picked up on the family resemblance.

Father and son, if I had to guess.

The older of the two grinned as he offered me his hand.

“Call me Rae,” I said, taking his hand.

“Rae.” He nodded his head. “You can call me Pop.”

“Banner,” the giant with tattoos snaking up his arms said, introducing himself.

“Nice to meet you.”

"Hey," the beauty from the table said softly as she moved around me. Banner locked his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close, the possession loud and clear. "I'm Sophia."

"Nice to meet you all."

"Come on then." Pop gestured to the large table.

Once we were seated, Pop took the lead. “You’ve come highly recommended.”

I seriously doubted that, but I offered a smile and nodded my head anyway. He didn’t need to know this was my third assignment in almost as many months.

“So…” I started. “You’re needing a live-in nanny?” My tone skeptical as I found it difficult to imagine kids running around there. Sure, it sort of had a family vibe, but kids? No, I just couldn’t see it.

“Payton, our niece,” Sophia said gently. “She’s only an infant. Pop and the,” she looked over her shoulder at one of the half-dressed women I’d noticed when I came in, “girls have been taking care of her while her father is away.”

Something passed behind the old man’s eyes, but he schooled his expression before I could see.

“For now,” Banner added, eyes locking on his lady as his hand moved to the tiny bump I somehow missed.

Sophia smiled adoringly at her man and agreed, “For now.”

Before I could ask where Payton and her parents were, Pop jumped in asking questions about my experience and qualifications. As I listed off my references, classes I’d taken, and certificates, it dawned on me that nobody had said a word about the child’s mother, which I found odd.

Mind your manners, Rae. It’s not your business.

Truth was, it didn’t much matter anyhow. I’d do whatever it took to get this job.

For the next half hour, Pop continued to ask me random questions that didn’t have much to do with the job I was applying for. The longer this went on, the more comfortable I became. He was working out who I was. Not on paper, but in character. It was different as far as interviews went.

Next came a quick and dirty education about the club. I could tell he was only scratching the surface but giving me enough to keep me out of trouble.

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