Page 30 of You Can't Fight Lightning
“That will be fifteen dollars.” I stared right at him, a completely fake smile on my face.
He pulled off two twenties. “Keep the change, honey. And about that number?”
“Thanks.” I picked up the twenties and put them in the till.
“What, you’re not going to give me your number?”
I smiled, and this one was a lot more genuine. “Nope. That’s not on the menu.”
He slapped a hand on the bar, his face mottling red and his eyes small and piggish.
Shit. This would push things to a fight if I didn’t calm this idiot down.
“I think your business is finished.” A deep voice appeared to the side of the honey idiot.
It was Z.
“What do you know about it? Shove off.” The idiot had no sense. None.
Z looked taller than usual, his face dark, like the clouds rolling in for a coming storm. His eyes were the blue of a storm at sea and glittered in a hard, angry fashion as he stared at the idiot, not blinking.
“I know that the lady said she’s not interested. So perhaps you take your drinks, and go enjoy your evening.” Z’s words were calm, his voice was low and quiet, but he radiated menace.
Mother of Pearl. I’d only seen him as his cocky self. This was a different side, and frankly, it was scary.
I could see the other patrons who were walking nearby slowing down, watching without watching the scene unfolding in front of them. Some were waiting to see if they’d need to intervene.
“Are you her boyfriend? Sorry about your luck.” The idiot made a snorting noise—didn’t he realize this lowered his appeal to every other woman in the bar, even if this scene wasn’t already making him gross?
“Whatever you say, friend.” Z didn’t even blink. He didn’t look bothered. He sounded bored.
The idiot picked up the mason jars of ambrosia, and eyed Z, obviously weighing his chances. Sense took over, and he made another unappealing noise, then lumbered over to where his friend sat.
Everyone around the bar who’d been watching relaxed. It was as though the entire building heaved a sigh.
“Thank you.” I spoke softly, only for Z’s ears. “That doesn’t usually happen.”
“People get crazy sometimes.” He still sounded bored. “I’m sorry that happened, however.”
“Well, you shut it down. Keep your eye on him, though.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
“He’s the kind who is sneaky and gets mean.” I risked a glance at the idiot. “I know the type.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Z slid onto a barstool. “How about some ambrosia and water?”
“What have you been up to?” I couldn’t resist asking as I got his drinks.
“You look good tonight. Very festive.” He gave me a once over that made my blood heat, my heart beat faster, and my mind go straight to the gutter.
Or the bedroom.
I couldn’t respond for a moment since my reaction to Z overwhelmed me.
“I’ve gone on two long rides, coming far too close to the Mexican border and managing to get myself searched.” Z rolled his eyes, ignoring my lapse in conversation. “Pure foolishness on my part. I knew this area brought you close to another nation, but I didn’t realize how close until I was just out for a drive.”
“Yeah, the border patrol is pretty strict.”
