CHAPTER14
Crow threw backthe shot of tequila and motioned the prospect for another one. He’d been working double shifts between the pool hall and the strip club since Army and Brutus were partaking in a poker run the past several days. Making the week even more irritating, Angie had been ignoring his calls and texts, which pissed the hell out of him.
“You look like you’re itching to beat the crap outta someone,” Scorpio said as he sidled up to the bar.
“It’s been a shitty week. How do you deal with the assholes at Lust who act as if they’ve never seen tits before?” Crow picked up the shot glass and brought it to his lips.
“It’s no big deal. I just toss those asswipes outta there.” Scorpio wrapped his fingers around a beer bottle. “I don’t give second chances, and I don’t let anyone get away with disrespecting the dancers.”
“Or you.”
“That goes without saying.” A wide smile spread across Scorpio’s face, highlighting the lines around his mouth and at the corners of his eyes.
“Whatcha got going for tonight? You wanna hang out at Lust?” Eagle asked as he pulled out a barstool.
“Fuck no,” Crow replied while Scorpio chuckled.
“Damn, dude, you gotta get laid.” Eagle held up two fingers, and the prospect rushed over with two shots of Jack.
“Yeah, what’s up with you brushing off the club girls? Ruby’s been crying the blues that you’re not into her anymore. Fina and Lucy have been saying the same shit. What gives, bro?” Scorpio asked.
“Maybe you’re getting it somewhere else—like from that pretty HUD chick. I could tell you two had something going on that night at Leroy’s.”
“You don’t know shit,” he replied.
“What chick?” Scorpio darted his eyes between Crow and Eagle. “What the hell does HUD have to do with this? Are you moving, dude?”
Eagle busted out laughing. “How much shit have you smoked? Crow’s not moving; he’s just banging this chick who works for HUD.”
Crow shook his head. “Leave it alone, dude. Angie and I are just friends, that’s all.”
“Now it’sAngie. You’re so fuckin’ transparent.”
“Who’s Angie? The chick from HUD?” Scorpio asked.
“Focus, man—it isn’t that hard to follow.”
Crow pushed away from the bar and clasped Scorpio on the shoulder. “There’s nothing to follow because this conversation is over.”
“Are you fuckin’ the chick or not?” Scorpio asked.
“Later,” he said, walking out of the room.
He shoved open the screen door and stepped out onto the patio. The minute he closed the back door, the noise from the clubhouse grew faint, and the crisp night air filled his lungs. While the last dim light of day faded into night, he gazed at the craggy peaks of the San Juan mountains silhouetted against the moonlit sky.
Leaning against the stucco wall, he plucked his cell from the pocket of his cut and stared at the black screen.Angie’s pissed. Damn, what does she want from me?Crow had spent most of that evening trying so hard to restrain the lust that tugged at him. At the end of the night, he’d merely kissed her and then pulled away before he lost control.Maybe she wanted me to lose control. Fuck, I’ll never understand women.Angie kept giving Crow mixed signals by either pushing him away if he came on too strong or acting pissed off if he treated her like a lady. He raked his hand through his hair.Damn, woman. What the hell do you want from me?
A ping from his phone broke in on his musings. He glanced down and saw Angie’s name flash on the screen. A streak of excitementandsatisfaction wove through him as he swiped his finger and brought up the text.
Angie:Sorry for getting back to you so late. Been real busy.
Crow pressed his lips together. A part of him wanted to make her wait for his answer, giving Angie a taste of her own medicine, but he wasn’t the type to play games. He was happy to hear from her, even if he’d never admit it.
Crow:No worries. Been busy too.
Angie:Dinner was fun. Thanks again for picking up my meal.
“What’s your problem, woman?” he muttered as his fingers tapped a response.