Page 96 of Blood and Bonbons

She stepped back from me and grinned a little. “But not everything today was a loss. Some good came out of it. Books, bath towels, and bras. Am I right?”

I snorted, understanding her references all too well. And also, thanks to our stunt at the club, we officially had Cross’ help.

Once the shift began, Vena and I settled into a routine. Vena didn’t need more training, so we split my section. While that meant I didn’t get as much money at the end of the night, I was still content that she was safe with me at Blur.

Shepard had assigned us upper stage left, right by the kitchens and overwatched by his office above. It was also the farthest section from Anchor, which meant Vena had a harder time flirting with him. Even across a crowded nightclub, though, when she bent down to pick up a fork off the ground, Anchor’s full blush had her grinning.

“Stop that!” I whispered as she winked at him. “You heard what Shepard said. Anchor doesn’t do casual.”

“I know. But I can’t help it. He’s so damn cute when he does that.”

“Well, start helping it. Because Anchor’s coming home with us again.”

As we cleaned our section for the night, I glanced over to find Sierra walking out from the kitchen. Her phone was in her hands as she typed on it.

“How has she not been fired yet?” Vena asked. “I swear that’s the fifth time I’ve seen her on her phone.”

“I don’t know. But I’m not bringing it up. Shepard’s been cranky all night.”

If Vena felt guilty over the part she played in Shepard’s mood, she didn’t show it. Not that I expected her to.

With the two of us working together, we finished our clean-up quickly. Anchor was at the door, waiting for us when we clocked out.

This time, he had a backpack with him. He slung it over his shoulder as he walked us to the car.

“I’ll be right behind you,” he said. “Wait for me before you go into the house.”

Vena smirked. “I hate waiting. But I’ll make an exception for you.”

I stifled an eye roll as I got into the car and started it. Anchor waited until our doors were locked before he hopped into his truck.

“What if Cross is at home?” I asked once we were on the road and knew Anchor wouldn’t hear.

“Then we’ll see a vampire and werewolf pissing match.”

“I’m serious. I don’t want either of them to get hurt.”

Vena laughed. “Only you would be concerned about a vampire and werewolf getting hurt. But don’t worry. Cross is cautious. He won’t be chilling on our couch and downing potato chips.”

I supposed that was true. But I was still nervous.

By the time we arrived at the house, my hands were strangling the steering wheel.

Anchor parked his truck behind us and hopped out with his bag. I rolled down my window when he walked toward my side of the car.

“Let me check the house first.”

I nodded, and we watched him walk to the house. Vena frowned with me as he unlocked the door.

“How does he have a key?” she asked.

“He installed the lock. Maybe he kept a spare, knowing he was going to be on babysitting duty?”

“Locks come with two keys. I have one and–” She gave me a look, still not happy Cross had the other. “I’m not sure how I feel about my coworker having a key. Now if he were my side piece, I wouldn’t mind so much.”

“Please stop talking,” I said.

She grinned at me.

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