“Are you kidding me, big guy? You think I’m going to get in something like that dressed like this?” I ran my hand down over my hips.
“I was just following your lead,” he said dryly.
“What about me would lead you to that car in particular?”
“Oh my god, you were heading in this particular direction.” He gestured wildly to the area around the cars.
“Yeah, but that? Really? Come on, dude.”
“I know nothing about cars. I don’t live in this realm. I blink where I want to go,” Coal pointed out as he raised his brows and threw his hands up in the air. My enthusiasm faded a little. He took the fun out of everything. How could you not like cars?
All the more reason to get rid of him.
But it’s sort of nice to have someone around, no? My mind feasted on the idea that someone might fill the void.
Shut up. Coal could be here to kill us.
“That’s so boring, jeez, live a little. You don’t have to know anything about cars to appreciate a good-looking one.” He glanced around the lot, and I waited for him to see my gorgeous lady, Zee, perched directly in front of the Camry, but his eyes passed right over her. I shook my head, slumping my shoulders. “You don’t see it?” He shook his head ruefully and waited for me to finish. “Dude … you’re such a drag.” I mashed the unlock button on my keyfob, and the headlights faded in and out. I grinned like Chronos in a mass grave.
There she sat in all her glory, my tiny little blurple coupe, Nissan 370Z Nismo edition. My pride and joy. She rested low on twenty-inch black, deep fit, five-spoke rims that teased my inner naughty girl by tucking themselves just under the fenders. Equipped with a wide-body kit and a carbon-fiber wing and hood, she looked aggressive as hell. And way too small for my new giant friend. I snickered, taking her in and admiring her curves.
The bland look on Coal’s face suggested he either didn’t get it or was less than enthused with just how beautiful she was.
“Oh, come on! You still don’t get it? Are you even a man?”
“There is no way I’m getting in that.”
“And why not?” I asked, offended. I patted my Zee just in case he hurt her feelings.
“For one, how the hell do you expect me to fit in that tin can?” I scrunched my brow, thoroughly taken back by his comments. Then, I imagined him folding himself into the passenger seat and shook with laughter. I would pay money to see that. Score. “And two, I’m not sure I want you behind the wheel of any vehicle, let alone one that I’m riding in.”
I scoffed, jerking my head back. “How dare you talk about her like that. She is one-fourth carbon fiber. For your information, I have a perfect driving record, no accidents, no tickets.”
“That doesn’t mean you’re a good, safe driver. That could just mean you’ve managed to evade the police.” I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin high. It didn’t make much difference because he was so tall and I was so short, but it made me feel better anyway.
“Fine, blink there if you want, I don’t care, but I won’t have you disrespecting Zee like that. She didn’t do anything to you. It’s not our fault your mom fucked Bigfoot, and you popped out.”
I yanked open Zee’s door and slid in just as I heard him ask, “How old are you?” Jamming my foot into the clutch, I pressed the start button. Zee’s Motordyne exhaust rumbled and drowned out any other snide remarks he had. My hasty retreat left him standing in the parking lot by himself. But I wasn’t alone for long. He appeared next to me when I pulled in and placed his jacket protectively over my shoulders again as we made our way silently to the door. I snarled.
Red and blue neon lights shone through the windows of the bar. Multiple cars and two Harleys that I recognized to be the owner and his wife’s, were parked in the gravel lot. It was a packed house. Great, I would make money for the next couple of months of rent tonight. I whipped open the door to the little shack and stepped in. The sting of body odor and too much alcohol burned my nose hairs. Hot air blasted my face, and a bit of sweat broke out on my forehead. There were way too many bodies in the tiny place. I slipped Coal’s jacket off my shoulders.
“I’ll take that,” Coal said as his rough hand slid over mine to take the jacket he gave me. He claimed he gave it to me to keep me warm, but I was pretty sure it was some alpha male crap to get me covered.
“Coal,” I said, still a little pissy from his rude remarks.
“Shadow,” he returned and filed in behind me, right on my heels.
“It’s Shay when we’re around others. Keep your distance. I don’t need anyone thinking I’m unavailable.” A snarl ripped from his teeth, and I raised a brow and twitched my head in response. He didn’t like that idea.
“Got it,” he responded curtly. His eyes scanned the bar, taking in every face as if he were cataloging them. Great, just what I didn’t need, him ready to fight should anyone get too handsy. I raised another brow in his direction. “What? I have to be prepared and know what I’m up against.”
“This isn’t war.”
“Any situation could be war, Shadow.” My right eye twitched. “Sorry, Shay.”
“This is a pool hall filled with drunk humans. They are harmless. As I said, I don’t need your protection.”
“Fine, you’re right,” he conceded. “You can handle yourself. I’m going to get a drink, then. Do you want anything?” Heat tingled as he eyed my body with pained confusion as if I were a painting on the wall in a museum. A war was waging in his mind. I didn’t need him to get possessive.
It wouldn’t be so bad, would it?
Jesus Christ, why, so it would make it easier for him to get closer to me and kill me? My mind grunted, and my chest ached. Another thing for which I owed my father thanks. Not only was he the reason for my loneliness, but now he dangles Coal in my face like a carrot, and I latch on like the good little empty rabbit I am.
I shook my head. “I don’t drink until I hit the club after this. I need my head clear.” He shot me a look of respect, but it vanished just as quickly. To keep my reputation intact, I added, “Be careful not to step on anyone while you’re here.”
He stalked away, head shaking.
“Hey, fellas.” I pushed my boobs up and made my way over to the pool table. Despite the crowd, the men cleared the way for me, whistling and catcalling. A hand squeezed my ass, going a little low. I growled and turned to find Hal giving me a once over. He was practically drooling, brown eyes glassed over, swimming with alcohol as he swayed on his feet. Hitting the bottle a little early, were we? Perfect, the first game would be an easy win. I rested a hand on his pathetic chest and rubbed down his torso.
The fine hairs at the base of my neck stood on end. I glanced over my shoulder to see Coal standing with his arms crossed over his chest and a scowl rearranging his beautiful face. I was sure he hadn’t meant to egg me on, but the moment was too perfect for wasting. I let my hand fall lower until it grazed over Hal’s flaccid penis. Coal’s nostrils flared, and the muscles in his forearm twitched and jumped, his blazing eyes narrowed. A sinister smile formed on my lips.
“Now, Hal, you know you can’t touch until you win.” He pouted, and his buddies, Jim and Sam, I call them the triplets, laughed. Hal pinned them with his eyes, and I lost sight of him when Coal stepped in between us. He handed me a cup of water as he sipped what smelled like vodka on the rocks. I let the show of dominance slide and snickered, loving the fact that I was getting to him. He couldn’t help his protective nature, or maybe he honestly didn’t like the man touching me, or he had no idea he was here to kill me. It had me questioning the motives of my father. Why send someone to kill me and keep their real task a secret? Unless he’d gone rogue and wanted to keep me around despite being ordered to kill me?
Naw, no one liked me.
“What’s the buy-in?” Hal asked, slurring his words with confidence.
“Let’s start small, Hal. I wouldn’t want you spending all Phyllis’s money in one place. Five hundred.” Hal
’s boys and the entire bar started cheering in approval of my taunts. We racked, and I let Hal break because it was most likely the only shot or two that he would get. He was a great shot on a good day, but it was a different story when he could barely stand. I almost felt terrible even playing the drunk when it wouldn’t be a fair competition, but his groping put us on an even playing field. He deserved to lose for touching me.
The balls scattered when he took his first shot, and he had all he could do to stay on his feet when he leaned back up. He managed to sink a stripe and lined up to take his next shot. Unfortunate for him, it was a swing and a miss.
A grin plastered on my face, I chalked up, bent over, and took my shot, sinking two solids. The crowd hissed their approval. No doubt their sights were set on me and not the table.
I sashayed and shimmied, giving them more of a show as my dress slid up and up. I let out a little gasp as I stood and tugged it back down haphazardly.
I finished the game off, sending Hal packing, and left Stan, the bar owner, pissed because Hal couldn’t pay his tab now. “Hey, I only called for five hundred.”
“You know Hal can’t help it; he has to play you,” Stan returned. “It’s not fair what you do to the man.” I licked my lips, slowly, watching as his eyes followed the path my tongue took until a little frown tugged at the older man’s lips when it disappeared back into my mouth.
“Maybe Phyllis should hit it more often, and my lack of clothing wouldn’t sway Hal.” Despite his attitude, Stan smiled and dismissed me with a wave of his hand. Coal’s eyes were nearly slits as he watched the whole ordeal. The cup in his hand shook as his grip tightened, promising shattered glass and vodka to hit the floor.
What the hell was his deal?
Shaking it off, I situated my boobs back up a little higher in my dress and made my way back towards the table.
Jim stepped up next, face hardened and ready for battle. I broke this time, calling solids when I dropped one of each in the pocket.
I couldn’t go wrong with solids. They chose me initially, so I had to stick with them.
Coal grunted when he returned from the bar and saw me lining up my next shot. I had cleared half the table by then, leaving Jim to only one shot on me. I couldn’t exactly get a read on why Coal was grunting, as usual. I hadn’t done anything worse than before, and no one was too close to me, though everyone was looking.
He should’ve been used to that by now. They couldn’t help it when I was stretched over the table, my dress shrinking up so that my garter was exposed, the thin straps sliding beneath my dress and promising a damn good time.
I glanced at him, raising a brow, a sarcastic remark loaded and ready. His eyes briefly latched onto the far side of the table where the yellow four-ball was waiting all by itself. He gave a slight nod, and I made my way around, scrutinizing the table. Standing behind the ball, I saw what he was seeing. If I could bounce the cue ball with enough spin, I could sink the four and the glaring three-ball.
Points to the big guy. I shook off the thought, spreading my legs just a little as I took my stance. Soft moans escaped the men around me. Too easy.
I didn’t dare look at Coal.
I leaned in and executed perfectly, leaving a pile of stripes and the eight ball. Curious, I called the pocket and took a peek at Coal. I didn’t need to, I knew it was a solid shot, but I wanted to see if he agreed. He just blinked, then locked eyes with me despite the permanent glowering of his features.
Room silent, I took the shot with ease and collected my thousand from Jim.
“C’mon down, Sam, you’re up.”
He shot a look at Coal then back at me, raising a brow. “Naw”—he shook his head—“not tonight.” Then, he made his way to the bar.
Pussy.
Coal tilted his chin up, looking smug, alpha male status kicking in––asshole.
I exposed a little more cleavage, then shrugged. “Alright then, who’s next? Fifteen hundred this time.” I placed my stick back on the wall. “I’ll let you guys think on it while I help myself to another drink.” I left the men chatting amongst themselves and sauntered over to the bar. I blotted my forehead with a napkin as Coal eased in next to me, a low rumbling in his chest. I ignored his grumbling.
Booze and cigarette smoke with a little bit of his familiar musk mixed in accompanied him. It wasn’t the best concoction in the world, but I’m sure I wasn’t any better. It was hard to avoid in a place packed with AA members on a binge and women that tarred their lungs and watched their men flirt with younger, less raspy ladies.
“Thanks,” I said after he polished off his drink and asked for another.
“For what?”
“For your help back there. I would have won regardless, but who doesn’t like a good two-for-one shot? You’ve got a good eye.” He ignored my praise and took a swig of his refill.
“I didn’t do anything,” he said quietly, as he tilted his chin to something behind me.
Jonas, one of my possible opponents, leaned an ear close as he ordered a beer. He twisted the cap off, eyeing my empty water. “Fresh water for the lady,” Jonas said, trying to play off the fact that he was listening. I smiled slyly at Coal’s warning.
I would take his advice on my game, but I wouldn’t get attached. I didn’t know this guy from Adam, and I wasn’t even sure I could trust him. I wasn’t scared of him by any means, I could protect myself, but that didn’t mean I trusted him. I would keep my guard up, and if he had to be here thanks to Daddy, I would use it to my advantage and make a little money. He had useful input, and we fed off each other well during the last game.
As I assumed, Coal was everywhere. But I had to give it to him though, he respected my space as much as he could, and he kept his mouth shut other than to provide me with little bits of advice. I also caught him admiring my backside just like my opponents when I bent over the table, but there was no ignoring the disgust and disapproval. I could have sworn I saw a little sorrow there as well. Regardless, I was glad that the others enjoyed playing hide and seek with my black lace panties.
I was three wins in when Jameson showed up with his overly drunk buddy, Winchester, from the next town over. Aside from always being sloppy drunk, they had a hell of a pool game. Formidable opponents that unfortunately got a little rowdy every time I beat their asses. I would be heading to the club after I whooped Winchester’s ass, so I was eager to get the game going.
I sauntered over to Winchester, who couldn’t help but watch me walk, mesmerized by the way my boobs bounced with each step. Not attempting to hide the fact that he was looking, his thin lips turned up at the corners. Drunken, hazy blue eyes sparkled.
High on my wins and counting my wad of cash, I pulled two grand from the roll kept safely within my boobs and rolled it between my fingers. Winchester’s eyes flashed as he watched me retrieve it. He sucked his teeth and revealed his wad of cash. Coal turned away, his jaw working in quick little ticks.
“Twenty-five.” Winchester shot me a challenging look. The crowd oohed and awed.
“Alright, twenty-five,” I said confidently, quite sure he upped the ante only because he wanted to see me fondle myself again. “You’re up, baby.”
I tossed him the chalk and circled the table to stand across from Coal, who had forgone the drink. He was standing once again with his arms over his massive chest. He ignored all the groping that was happening as I walked the table, his eyes never leaving the felt. Continuously, his clenched jaw worked, and his nostrils flared. He knew everything that was happening.
And he was far from happy about it.
Winchester chose solids, bastard, and sunk three of them before it was my turn. I considered my options and took a position behind my target. One methodical blink from Coal and I took my shot, then the next, missing on the third by a hair.
We went back and forth from there, shot for shot until I was up for the eight-ball. I situated myself and heard a grunt from the gargantuan. Thankfully, I hadn’t called the pocket y
et.
I casually glanced at him, and he tilted his head to the right. I backed off and tried to see what he was thinking. Then, I saw it. My angle would’ve ticked the corner of the far pocket. I had a much clearer shot for the center pocket.
I blinked and gave a sweet little peep of my tongue to thank him, and he shifted to cross his arms over his broad chest once again. Jameson cracked his knuckles and made eyes at me, squinting speculatively. I ignored him and took my shot, then yawned with a smile.
“Maybe next time, boys.” Winchester tossed his roll of money. It bounced from the table and tumbled to the floor. He wanted a show, that’s fine. I would oblige after taking his mortgage payment for the next few months. It was the least I could do. Whistles sounded throughout the crowd once more as the guys' excitement grew. I hung my stick on the wall, stuck a netted leg forward, and started my descent.
Two giant Vans stepped in front of me, blocking my range of motion. A hand on my shoulder led me back to standing, where Coal growled possessively. I raised my brow, daring him to make another move. He handed me my winnings and stepped back. I pushed past him as the crowd booed. He was going to get it when he got back to my apartment.
Pissed, I stormed off to the bathroom and waited in the line, trying to cool myself off. I could have just blinked into a stall, but I wanted a minute to clear my head.
The damn nerve of him, stepping up as if he owned me. How dare him. Who the hell did he think he was? I belonged to no one, and no one told me what to do. Not Daddy, not anyone. I was topside doing my own thing, I didn’t need a lug of a statue thinking he could control me, and I certainly didn’t need him telling me how to act.
The line cleared, leaving the hallway empty. I reached for the door when I was shoved hard from the back. My forehead cracked against the exposed wood of the wall, and I let out a snarl.
That hurt.
Hot breath landed on the back of my neck as a much larger body pressed me into the wall. A knee worked to separate mine, and I felt a half-flaccid dick press into my back. Jameson’s lips trailed down my neck, starting at my hairline. He was biting me by the time he reached the top of my shoulder. He shoved his hand between me and the wall and pulled down the neckline of my dress. Roughly, he squeezed my boob, getting his fill.
Pawns Daughters of The Underworld Book 1 Page 3
