His Old Lady - Debra Kayn Page 0,21

orders while working and went about servicing the customers without taking his dominating personality to heart. She was good at her job, and once she forgot her boobs were on display as much as the daily special, she became more comfortable with the job.

It brought in money, and so far, the tips were more than she'd ever seen working at Hot Springs Lounge.

Lance talked to someone from the nearby table. She scooted around a group of men, her shoulder rubbing against the wall.

"How's everyone doing?" She stopped in front of a group of three men.

"Give us five minutes, and we'll be ready for another round." The man eyed her breasts, raising his brows. "Keep us company, sugar, and we might drink faster."

"What would the other thirsty customers say if I spent all my time at this table?" She laughed and flipped the tray, holding it like a shield. "So many thirsty men. You hold tight. I'll be back."

The man groaned, patting his chest. "You wound me."

"Ah, you look like you're a man who can be patient." She smiled, enjoying the flirtation, and backed away.

Seeing Lance watching her, she went over to the booth. "Do you need anything?"

"I'm all set for a while." He lifted his chin. "You have a way with customers. What do you think of the job?"

"So far, so good." She looked out at the room, spotting her friends. "It looks like everyone is staying ahead of the orders."

Though she couldn't answer for the others, it was essential to each of them that their latest job worked out.

"You were right about the women adapting to the atmosphere." He gazed out at Stephanie. "They look like they've rehearsed. You have talented friends."

"I do." Conscious of Angela moving to a different table, Faye took in the situation. Angela stood confidently and looked each customer in the eyes. It was as if she forgot that she was naked from the waist up.

A large man covered in tattoos leaned forward. Angela's breasts gained all his attention.

Faye checked her watch. They were due for a break. Usually, she never had to remind the women to leave the floor, but she had to remember she wasn't in charge at Kingston Bar.

"Aw, shit." Lance sat straighter in the booth.

She glanced at him and followed his intense gaze across the room. She spotted a familiar leather vest.

"Curley," she muttered, dealing with her own rise in anxiety.

Curley and Paco stood inside the doorway. There was no second-guessing why they'd come to the bar, and it wasn't for beer.

Curley took a step toward her, his face blacker than asphalt and set in concrete. The sudden urge to run hit her.

Lance slid out of the booth and stood beside her. Curley, staring straight at her, stalked forward, ignoring Lance at her side.

"I, uh, need to go on my break." She set the tray on the table beside her, milliseconds before Curley stood in front of her.

Hooking her under the arm, Curley pulled her away from Lance. Not wanting to cause trouble on her first day of work, and knowing Curley could burn the place down around her, she put up no resistance.

"Outside. Now." He hauled her to her toes, pulling her across the room.

Catching Angela's attention on her way out, she mouthed, "I'm okay."

Receiving a nod in reply, she slipped out the door. The cooler air washed over her. Away from Lance. Away from the customers. Away from her responsibilities, she slapped at Curley's hand. "Let me go."

"What the hell, Faye?" He inched closer. "Showing your titties?"

His gaze lowered to her breasts. Her nipples peaked, probably in anger, wanting to stab him in the eyes.

Paco tossed Curley a shirt and stepped away. Curley wrapped the long-sleeved flannel around her upper body.

"Oh, so now, you're going to be the upstanding citizen." She folded her arms in front of her, keeping the edges of the shirt closed. "I'm sure you've already seen more boobs tonight at the clubhouse than you have in Kingston Bar, so don't act like you're better than me."

Paco moved farther away. She held her ground. Curley couldn't storm into where she worked and disrupt her livelihood.

"You belong to me."

"I'm my own woman." She pressed her lips together. "You don't want me, and you know what you have to do to never see me again. Then, I won't be your problem, and you can stop trying to get me fired."

He growled and stepped closer until his abdomen brushed against her crossed arms. "Get your friends or leave them