Page 35 of Q: Satan's Fury MC

“I’ll manage.”

With pool stick in hand, I leaned over the table and positioned myself to take the shot. As I stood there, I tried to envision the cue ball slamming into the center of the others, causing them all to disperse into the different pockets, and for a second, I actually thought I could do it. I felt the power pulsing through my veins, and I just knew I was going to make an amazing shot.

I was wrong.

When I hit the ball, I barely grazed it, and the damn thing only moved a couple of inches. It certainly didn’t cause the others to collide and roll into their designated pockets. It was beyond embarrassing, but again, I simply played it off. “I guess that’s a miss.”

“Yes, it is.”

Hayes poured us another drink while Q stepped up to the table and made his shot. Unlike mine, he actually made good contact with the ball, and two stripes dropped into the right corner pocket. Hayes couldn’t contain his excitement as he exclaimed, “That’s what I’m talking about!”

“Good job, Q.” Caroline tilted her head back and drank her shot, then announced, “Guess that means it’s my turn.”

“Yes, it does.” I drank my shot and tried not to wince as I told her, “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Caroline had just stepped up to the table when Q leaned over to Hayes and said, “I’ll be right back.”

“Whoa. Where ya going?”

“I’ll be back.”

Without saying anything more, Q turned and started walking toward the front of the bar. I thought he was going to go outside, but instead, he went over and started talking to an elderly couple who looked like they were getting ready to leave. I leaned over to Hayes as I asked, “Who is that?”

“Huh?” As soon as he realized who I was talking about, he added, “Oh, that’s just the Davenports. They live up the road from Q.”

“Oh.”

I continued to watch as Q helped the older gentleman to his feet and steadied him before he did the same with his wife. Once they both had their footing, the tough-as-nails biker helped ease them over to the exit. I was in complete awe as I watched the trio disappear through the front door.

It was such a kind gesture—one I hadn’t expected Q to make, but then again, I didn’t know Q well enough to know what to expect from him.

I was still staring at the front door when Caroline announced, “I guess that’s another miss.”

“Afraid so.”

“I’ve got it.”

I walked over to the table and filled each of the shot glasses. I passed them around, and one by one, we each tilted our heads back and took the shot. This time the burn didn’t bother me. In fact, I barely even noticed it.

I thought that was a good thing.

But yet again, I was wrong.

Very, very wrong.

Q

“Oh, yeah, baby!” Jules did a quick twirl, and her long blonde hair landed smack dab in her face, causing her to stumble as she cheered, “That’s what I’m talking about!”

Even though I knew it was the booze talking, it was good to see Jules cut loose and have a good time. Her walls were down, and for the first time since we’d met, she seemed happy,confident even, and I would’ve given anything to make the moment last. I gave her a playful smile as I teased, “How about that! You made one.”

“Um-hmm.I sure did.” Jules was well on her way to being completely wasted, and while I was enjoying the show, I knew there would be hell to pay later. “Aaa-nnd I’m gonna make ann-other one.”

“That’s right, Jules.” Caroline swayed a little in her seat. “You show him how it’s done.”

“Oh, I’m gonna. You just wait and see.” She staggered up to the table and lined up her shot, and after several failed attempts, she finally managed to make contact with the ball. I wasn’t surprised that it didn’t make it into the pocket, but Jules, on the other hand, seemed positively stunned. “What! No way! This stupid table is rigged.”

“It’s not rigged, babe.” I felt a little bad fucking with her, but I couldn’t help myself. “You just suck.”

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