Page 29 of Draco

“Come inside. I already called Draco.”

I thought to call him out for being in my business, but there was an aura of genuine concern in his tone.

“Thank you.” I smiled, sliding past his husky frame.

The club was calmer than it was the night of the brawl. The chaos happened a week ago, but it remained fresh in my mind. A girl never forgets her first motorcycle club fight.

I hardly had time to get comfortable on a stool near the bar before the sensation of hot breath and liquor scorched the back of my neck. I twisted in my seat and came face to face with a short man dressed in a jogging suit.

“Hello.” I spoke first since I was uncomfortable under his lustful gaze.

“Hello to you, beautiful.” He licked his lips. “Where are you coming from? Nightcrawlers aren’t usually outside this early.”

Bear’s growl climbed over my shoulder. “Back up, Oz. She’s taken.”

“By who? You?” Oz tapped my knee. “Baby girl, did this dog tell you he’s married?”

“Oz, back yo’ ass up before I beat your ass then record Draco when he gets his hands on you.”

The short man frowned while pulling his pants up on his waist. “Man, you acting like she’s yours. This wouldn’t be the first time me and Draco?—”

Bear stretched across the bar top, hemming Oz up by his chains. “Watch yourself in front of the lady. I’m not going to tell you that shit again. Apologize.”

The man sucked his teeth but peered over at me. “My bad. I didn’t know shit was so real.”

I nodded. “It’s cool.”

Once Oz scurried away, Bear showed off his pearly whites, and I got back to crocheting.

“What are you doing on this side of town, Frankie?”

I huffed as Bear busied himself behind the bar.

“Damn, that bad?” His brows shot up.

“No. Not bad. There’s just a lot going on.”

“Have you talked to Draco about it? He’s pretty good at making problems disappear.”

The eeriness in his delivery made me glance up from the piece I was working on. Bear and I exchanged an awkward stare down before we started laughing. I didn’t know if the comment stemmed from Draco’s vampire abilities or his protective nature, and I didn’t bother to ask.

“I’m serious. I’ve known Draco and his brothers for over a decade. They’re solid dudes.”

“I don’t doubt that. I just question ifIam.”

“You may be confused, but Draco isn’t. You wouldn’t be here if he thought otherwise.”

My fingers moved a mile a minute as my eyes raced up to Bear. “What do you mean? I know for sure Draco has brought other women around you guys.”

“Not really,” he responded confidently. “I won’t front like he’s never been here with anyone, but all that hand holding and shit has never happened.”

I smacked my lips and playfully rolled my eyes. “You’re his brother. You’re supposed to say that.”

“I’m actually not supposed to say shit, but I can tell you’re a mouse. Plus, I got a feeling you’ll be around for a while.”

Bear ushered a can of Sprite and glass of ice in my direction.

“Dang,” I grumbled. “How did you know I didn’t want something stronger?”

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