Page 8 of Baring it All (Men in Charge)

People always say to watch for the big guys, they’ll hit you harder. They have no idea what they’re fucking talking about. It’s always the tall, leaner ones. The energy is like they’ve got enough damn drugs in their system to go round after round, not feeling a lick of pain. It took Nav, Jeremy, and me to subdue the four knuckleheads. There was no containing it away from the cops either. Another customer called, and while I’d have rather thrown their drunk asses out or in a hired car, really, nothing could be done.

“You good?” I ask Nav and Jeremy. The lights to the bar are on, and we’re closing down early. There’s no need to try and salvage another hour after the shit we all just went through.

“Yeah, man,” Nav replies with a shiner developing around his eye. “Chicks dig banged-up guys.” I look around the bar, not seeing a chick hanging around. Maybe he’s off to another bar since we’re closed.

“Get your shit done and go find one who will look at your ugly mug,” Jeremy responds.

“If you have the cash registers closed down, I’ll put the deposit in the office, and then I’m out for the night.” Nav gets back to off-loading the coolers, pulling the drain plugs, and re-stocking the unused beer for Monday.

“They’re done. The waitresses have already cashed out, too.” I follow Jeremy to the main cash register he runs on the nights Barbie doesn’t work here. Those two are the ones I can leave with the bar and know it’s not going to catch on fire only to burn to the ground.

“Thanks,” I say. Jeremy hands me the money bag.

“No problem. I’ll lock up, make sure the trash is taken out, and then see you next week.”

“It’ll be Barbie and you next week. I’ve got a boat race to be at, so I’ll be gone Thursday until Sunday,” I tell him the same thing I did Barbie. Usually, the two of them will talk, figure out who wants what days and nights, and then go from there.

“Alright, I’ll text her tomorrow, and we’ll let you know the days we choose,” Jeremy states.

“Sounds like a plan. I’m out of here.” I nod, rap my knuckles on the counter, and then make my way back to Stormy. I’ve been gone a lot longer than I thought I would. A brawl will do that. The paperwork and the four guys being taken to the drunk tank tonight made it impossible to be fast. I take a look around the dance floor along the way, noticing that it’ll need to be waxed in the next couple of weeks. Another thing to add to my list once I return from the boat race. Making a quick mental note, I walk down the hallway leading me to my office, where Stormy should be on the other side. I told her not to open the door for anyone except me, and I’m sure she didn’t. The key code would make it impossible, except for Barbie, who isn’t here, and Jeremy, who knows Stormy’s in my office, so he wouldn’t even bother. My main concern was someone clumsy enough to make their way back here, up the stairs, and to bang on the only door, which is my office. It was enough to make me worry.

“Stormy.” I knock on the door before putting the code in so she knows it’s me coming in. I don’t get a response as I twist the knob, open the door, and come to a stop.

“And she sleeps.” My baby girl likes to burrow, it seems. There, in my shirt, arms tucked beneath her head and trying to melt into the back of the couch, Stormy sleeps peacefully. I close the door behind me, see that she ate the dinner I picked her up. The television is playing softly in the background, and I definitely need to add a blanket for her. My steps are quick to her. I place my hip to the cushion, my hand hovering above her cheek, wondering if waking her would be a good idea or if I should let her rest a bit longer.

“Stormy, baby, wake up for me.” I make the decision she’ll be more comfortable in my bed. No,we’llbe more comfortable in my bed because while the couch and her sleeping on top of me is an appealing situation, there isn’t a lot of room. The last thing I need is for her to roll over and land on the floor.

“Griff.” Her eyes are still closed as she sinks into my hand that’s cupping her cheek.

“Baby girl, I need you to wake up so we can head home.” I’m wondering if she even realizes I’m here and touching her.

“Huh?” Her eyes open, and she blinks the sleep away. “What happened to your jaw? Oh my God, Griff, your lip is split.” The once sleeping beauty is wide awake, sitting straight up and grabbing for my hand.

“I’m okay. Had to break up the fight, and it took longer than expected,” I reply, seeing and hearing the worry in her face and her voice.

“Come on, I’m taking care of you this time.” Fuck yeah, this woman. I’d let her do whatever the hell she wants, as long as it’s not in the bedroom. I help Stormy up from the couch and let her guide me once we’re standing and walk to the bathroom.

“The first aid kit is under the sink. Hop on the counter, and you can have your way with me.” She flips the light on in the bathroom, and we both really see the damage. The cocksucker that took a swing at me did a stellar job to my jaw and mouth. It’s a damn good thing none of my teeth are loose. Had that been the situation, I’d have really let him have it instead of only holding him down.

“Griff, for once, let someone help you out instead of helping everyone else. Sit on the toilet so I can clean you up. I’m pretty sure you don’t need stitches, but a new shirt is in the works, too.” Stormy’s independent streak comes out. I oblige her, ready to get this over with, head to my place, and pass out with my baby girl in my arms.

“Fine. Did you eat enough?” I flip the seat down, doing as she asks as she opens the cabinet, grabs the first aid kit, and sets it on the counter. My eyes stay glued to her body as she washes her hands, then opens the kit to rip open a few antiseptic wipes before coming to stand between my spread thighs.

“I did, thank you. Though, I’m sure you didn’t, and now eating is going to be hard for you,” she says. “This is going to sting.” My hands go to the back of her bare thighs. She wipes at the dried blood, then at the split above my lip. Meanwhile, I stay stone-cold still.

“I’ll be fine. We’ll take whatever is left to my place, and I’ll finish it there.” The tips of my fingers move up, and she presses the wipe deeper into my cut. This time, I’m unable to hold back a hiss. I guess that’s what I get for having my way with her body while she works on me.

“All done, no stitches necessary. You’re going to have a decent-sized bruise, though, and who knows how long it will take your lip to heal,” she states, throwing away the used wipes. She has no idea the only thing I’m pissed off about is the fact I’m not going to be able use my mouth on her pretty cunt until it is healed.

“Thank you.” I stand up, reluctantly letting go of her thighs. “Let’s go home.” My cock is back to hard as a rock, and it’s tired of being locked up behind my jeans.

“You’re welcome.” She puts the first aid kit away, washes her hands again, and I wait for her. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

“Come on. I’ll have Nav pull your car around the back. Then you can follow me to my place, unless you want to leave your car in the parking lot overnight?” I offer the last bit, but that doesn’t mean I want her to actually do it. And not because it’ll give the town of Jasmine more to talk about. I could give two fucks about what they think. It’s not safe when I have a perfectly good two-car garage hers could be parked inside.

“I didn’t drive,” she replies.

“What do you mean you didn’t drive. Did a friend drop you off?” I swear to Christ, if Stormy says she hired a car to bring her here, I’m going to spank her ass until she can’t sit for a week.

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