Page 26 of The Beast

I know he didn’t mean to sound disrespectful and it’s the only reason I let it go. He is a good guy, he’s just picking up bad habits from the growly guys around him.

“Job interview,” I answer and smile.

“But you have a job.” Justice frowns.

“Sweetie…” I pat his shoulder as I round the bar. “This isn’t a job. I need something that will earn me money. I can’t stay in the clubhouse for the rest of my life.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m a grown-up?” I laugh. “This is great, and I’ll always be grateful for everything the guys and the club have done for me. But I need to get back on my feet.”

Justice studies me for a moment before shrugging. “Did you get the job, at least?”

“Yeah.” I smile widely. I’m giddy at the prospect of starting this new chapter in my life. “I start on Monday. You are looking at the new general manager for Dusk ‘til Dawn.”

Justice pulls me in for a hug. “I’m happy for you.”

“The fuck?” A roar interrupts our moment.

Justice releases me instantly as we both turn to face his brother. Mad Dog has him by the arm, holding him back. Beast looks about ready to murder someone.

Chapter Nineteen

Little Green Monster

Beast

I swear it’s like a red mist descends over my vision when I walk into the clubhouse to find Irene wrapped in my brother’s arms. I’m mostly sure that it’s innocent, but my jealous streak is not listening to logic. Glaring at Justice, all I can think of doing is ripping his arms from his sockets and beating him bloody with them.

Mad Dog is holding me back but it’s a fucking joke. The only reason I allow it is because I respect the man and I know he’s trying to keep me from making an ass of myself. Taking a deep breath, I try to find my inner calmness.

Justice watches me closely as he steps away from Irene. She catches him moving from the corner of her eye and grabs his hand, pulling him back to her.

“Stay right here,” she says. Her gaze stays glued to me as she walks around the bar. “We need to talk.”

She doesn’t wait for my reply as she heads out the back door and into the afternoon sunshine. Mad Dog releases me and I follow her, watching her ass sway with every step she takes. When I get outside, she closes the door behind me with a glare.

“What the fuck is your problem?” she shouts with her hands thrown in the air. “You’re acting like a goddamned lunatic.”

Her attitude helps ramp my anger back up again. “Excuse me?” I ask through clenched teeth.

Her breathing is labored as she faces off with me. “You heard me. Is this why they call you Beast?”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I tower over her, glaring down.

“Don’t try to intimidate me, you asshole!” Irene pushes at my chest. “I don’t have time for your shit.” I catch the hand flying at my face just in time to stop the slap from landing.

Grabbing her by the hips, I pull her against me while lifting to crush her against my chest. I crush my lips to hers and let all my frustration bleed through into the kiss. She doesn’t try to push me away. No, she wraps her legs around my hips and opens her lips to allow me access. I take the opportunity to deepen the kiss. Walking across the grass I pin her to the wall before pulling my lips away from hers.

Resting my forehead against hers I take a deep breath. “I like you,” I say gingerly. “I don’t want us to be nothing more than a one-night stand. I don’t want to walk in on you embraced by another man, especially my brother. And I sure as shit don’t want you going for coffee with Preacher.”

She wriggles in my grasp, and I gently put her down on the grass. Her gaze stays locked with mine as she processes everything I just said. She swallows visibly before running a hand down her face.

“We talked about this last night,” she says softly.

“I know.”

“And you didn’t think to mention any of this?”

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