Page 48 of Reckless Pawn

"May I get you anything? Dinner perhaps?"

He nodded. "I could eat. How about dinner in a private room, though?"

I didn't have to inquire further. I knew exactly what he referred to. "Of course, sir. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I'll be right back."

I hurried over to where Zook stood despite my reluctance to go near him. Might as well get it over with.

"A gentlemen at my table would like to arrange for a private dinner."

Zook snorted. "They don't do dinner back there, babe. They fuck and they suck."

My mouth dropped open at his crudeness. It was so easy to forget that I was in a different world now until one of the members said something so rude I was sure I'd remember forever.

"Thanks, hon. But I don't care about the details of what they do back there or anywhere else for that matter. That's their business. I'm just here to tell you Mr. Adams is looking for a room with company."

Zook didn't move other than to use his eyes to roam over my body, where he lingered in certain places.

"Can't blame him for needing some relief after watching you for a few hours. Hot piece like you can be quite inspiring."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't be a pig. It's so uncouth."

His back went ramrod straight for a second before he leaned into my face. "Did you really just say the word uncouth to me? And call me a pig?"

My stomach trembled for a second as fear niggled at the base of my spine. One of these days I was going to go too far with these big, bad biker dudes and then I'd have to pay for it. Although I didn't think it was tonight. Zook looked more amused than pissed.

Phew.

"I thought we were here because we both have a job to do. Don't think that has anything to do with hassling me about it."

He shook his head. "Babe, you need to learn when someone is giving you a compliment and how to take it. A thank you or a smile would have sufficed. And just cause I say things like fuck and suck, don't make me uncouth. It makes me real. A smart ass, but real. So relax, I didn't mean nothing by it."

My heart skipped a beat. Was Zook coming on to me? Unfortunately, I had very little frame of reference for this kind of thing. I'd have to talk to Patty or one of the other girls about this kind of talk.

If I could get past the embarrassment of it.

For now, I needed to lighten up. It would seem I had been wrong in my hasty assessment of Zook's behavior. I'd stereotyped him.

"In that case, I take it back. Maybe you weren't being a pig."

"Oh, I was totally being a pig. I just enjoy yanking your chain. But you can take your uncouth and—"

"Is there a problem here?" Eva arrived, inserting herself between me and Zook. "Half the club can hear your conversation," she whispered.

I had to stop myself from glancing around. I didn't need to question her words or make a bigger fool of myself. "Just making arrangements for one of my customers."

"Zook, you good? Is there a problem with the request?"

"No, ma'am." He gave her a mock salute and then turned and disappeared through one of the side doors that I assumed led to the many private rooms hidden back there.

"Don't let him get to you. He's a bit cranky, but pretty much harmless. Especially toward the women here. He's very protective of them." Eva placed her hand on my elbow and guided me back toward the high roller section. "Everything going okay with the table? Do you need any help?"

I shook my head. "It's been pretty quiet. In fact, if you want to assign me another I'm sure I can handle it."

Eva hesitated only for a moment before she answered. "Excellent."

As I returned to the table after getting Chuck settled, I found the rest of the men already embroiled in the next game.

Instead of bothering them, I wandered over to my new table and introduced myself. These men were younger than my first table and completely absorbed in the game. No one even bothered to look up. I wandered back and forth between the two tables making sure everyone had what they needed.

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