“Is that why you’re here? To relay a message that came through Cueball? How the fuck is what I say to Taylor or when I go to Durango any of yours or Cueball’s goddamn business?” Heat flushed through his body.
Eagle threw his half-finished joint to the ground then cracked his knuckles as he glared at Army. “If you got a problem with me, then let’s go a few rounds.”
For several seconds a tense silence filled the patio until the door swung open and Aspen stepped out.
“I don’t mean to interrupt, but Charlie needs some help. Wyatt called in sick and he’s getting slammed.” Aspen smiled weakly at the two men who glared at each other.
“I’m on it,” Army said gruffly. He turned and went to the door.
“Is everything okay with him?” He heard Aspen’s soft voice asking Eagle. Army slammed the door behind him and stalked to the bar.
For the next couple of hours, Army didn’t have a chance to think about anything but making drinks and running credit cards—it was a welcome relief. As he was pouring whiskey shots, he saw Brutus coming over to the bar. He jerked his head at the Night Rebels’ member.
“It’s fuckin’ packed in here,” Brutus said as he pushed through several people leaning against the counter.
“Tell me about it. Jaxon and Caleb are here already.” Army jerked his head toward the front door.
“I saw them when I came in. Do you need some help back here? It looks like they’ve got everything covered at the door. I told them to let me know if they need help in throwing anyone out.”
“I could use a break,” Army said.
“You got it, brother.” Brutus went over to the screen and began reading orders. “Anything special I should know?”
“No. Charlie can fill you in if you need some help with the more exotic drinks. I’ll be back in a bit.”
Army went out back and called Taylor. He’d been avoiding a trip up to see his brother because of Stiletto. A part of him was surprised she hadn’t tried to contact him through Taylor. There definitely were some sparks between them, and he knew she felt it too. It was a new sensation for him because he’d never felt such an intense connection with a woman who he’d just met. The way Stiletto had closed her eyes and parted her sweet lips let him know that her body had won over her reason.
“It’s about time I heard from you,” Taylor said.
Army shut the back door tighter, blocking out all the noise from inside the club. “I’ve meant to call you, but I’ve been busier than hell. How’s it going?”
“Good. I’m preparing for another fight in a few weeks. The recruit says the UMMAC wants to see me win the next couple of fights, then they’ll pick me up. I’m so damn pumped about it.”
“They’ll be lucky to have you. Are you nervous about your opponents?”
“Jason ‘Ironman’ Swick, I’ve fought against before. I know his strong and weak points, so I’m good with that. The other fighter, ‘New Breed,’ I’ve never been in the ring with. His name’s Chad Torrent, and he’s a real contender. I’m going cross-eyed watching all the videos of his fights over and over.”
“That’s the best way to figure out his moves. What else have you been up to besides training?”
Taylor laughed. “That’s about it.”
“You haven’t gone out in the last couple of weeks?”
“I’ve gone out with people from the gym. We usually go to Berriegood on Wednesdays and Fridays. They’ve got great protein bowls and smoothies.”
“I’m glad you’re going out even if it’s with the same people you see every fuckin’ day.”There’s no damn way I’m asking about her.
“Don’t you hang around the guys from the club every day?”
“That’s different—we’re family … a brotherhood.”
“I guess. When are you coming up?”
“I was thinking in a few days. I have to double-check with Steel to see if I can take some time off.”
“It sounds like you’re going to stay longer than your usual day or two. Dad’ll be happy about that.”
Army ran his fingers through his hair. “Yeah … well … I need a break. I can’t remember when I’ve been away for more than a couple of days. Maybe I’ll join you on one of your protein bowl nights. Do they put steak in them?”