Page 47 of Next Level
Jay nods.
He’s so quiet.’
“Thank you,” I say, taking the shot. “Aw, yeah.”
Damn, I love the burn as it goes down my throat.
Zip scoffs. “Tink, you and that damn Fireball. Doesn’t it make you shit fire?”
I put the glass on the bar and motion to Jay for another.
Not many people are allowed behind the bar, but since I was raised here, I am, except during parties, unless a member approves it. Usually, a prospect’s back here, but during the week, it’s low-key. I lean against the bar in front of the men, Jay chillin’ next to me.
“Nah, I’ve been drinking this shit since it was called Hot Damn. Remember that? Damn, I love cinnamon.”
While playing a game of pool, Chewy yells at Jay to bring him a beer. I try to grab it, thinking I could help out, but Jay grabs my hand, stopping me.
“I got it, Tink. I have to go check on Zoom and Dawg in the office anyway,” Jay says in a deep, low voice.
“Okay.”
Jay just stands there for a minute with his hand on my wrist.
Damn, the boy is fine. Quiet but fine.
The Royal Bastards are my family since this club has practically raised me. I was always hands-off until my father passed away, and then I went wild, wanting to fuck everyone. That was until Ray put a stop to that shit, telling me if I wanted to fuck around, that he’d be the one. He wasn’t going to have me be a slutty club girl. So Ray’s been my go-to guy, but damn if this boy right here isn’t giving me the ‘fuck me’ eyes.
“You good?” I say softly.
Jay snaps out of whatever lust-induced thought he was having, pulling back his hand and instantly rushing off.
I watch him.
“I think you got that boy all jacked up,” Lazy rasps out with a chuckle.
With a shit-eating grin, instead of looking at the men at the bar, I watch Jay’s fine ass move around the room.
I hope so because he’d be fun to play with. Sex is good with Ray, but he’s the one in charge. Sometimes, I want to take the wheel and play.
My phone chimes, letting me know I have a text message. My face lights up with excitement when I see it’s from Ray.
LEVEL: Tink, thanks for all the texts and calls. We will be home tomorrow.
I look around the room, and no one’s paying attention to me, as usual. I beam with joy because I know he hasn’t reached out to many people. Mostly Dawg and Zoom, who are both in the office right now doing stuff for Ray.
I respond instantly.
TINK: Just so glad she’s okay. See you when you get back.
When I see he’s not going to reply, I put my phone back in my pocket. I know he hates clingy women. He’s a great friend, the president of the Royal Bastards, and an overall genuine guy. Sex is fucking amazing with him, but I know we’ll never be a couple.
We’re just two friends hurting from the loss of our fathers and needed to let loose. Just trying to numb the pain.
“Tink, you gotta work tomorrow?” Zip asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
I work at the local hospital as a phlebotomist. I wanted to become an RN, but the cost and amount of schooling it required deterred me from pursuing that career path. I make a decent living. I have an apartment, a car, and money to spend on nice things, so I’m happy.
“Yes, I have to work, but I have this weekend off,” I answer, taking another shot.
