Beyond the Horizon (Sons of Templar MC #4)(41)

“Now I know you’re a stupid son of a bitch, but I didn’t realize you were suicidal, threatening my brother’s Old Lady right in front of him,” the tall one bit out, face dangerous.

Carlos didn’t appear rattled. “No threat. Just a friendly observation from one business owner to another,” he replied calmly. “You boys want to stay, have a drink, enjoy the show, you’re most welcome.” His eyes flickered to Adam, who’d been standing silently watching the exchange. “First round’s on me. Though, if you’re thinking about swinging any fists, I’d advise against it.” He nodded his head to a corner where someone who looked like he abused steroids stepped out of, hand on his hip like there was something dangerous underneath it. Something dangerous that shot people full of bullets. Carlos’s head moved to another corner where meathead’s long lost brother did the same thing. My stomach dropped with concern. Not for the men beside me, they could take care of themselves, but for Bex. I may have had too much vodka to think with complete clarity, but I realized that a strip club that required this kind of security, a man who was prepared to give veiled threats to the club, it was dangerous. It was more than it seemed.

Carlos treated me to a look that made my skin crawl then gave the men a patronizing smile. “Enjoy the show, boys,” he said, before turning on his tasteless heel and disappearing into the crowd.

“Wow,” I exclaimed before any of the men could say a thing. “I knew he was an asshat, but Bex’s boss is officially a massive dick,” I declared with drunken certainty.

There was silence, the big guy turned slowly, Lucky stared at me, and Asher gave me a look, then they all burst out laughing. Well, Lucky and the big guy did, Asher’s mouth turned up slightly hinting at amusement.

“Wanna educate me as to what the f*ck you’re doing at a strip club, alone?” Asher asked lightly, though his jaw was hard. The big man and Lucky leaned on the bar on either side of me, people dispersing with a look from each of the men.

“Man, I wish I could do that, give someone a withering look and get them out of my bubble,” I observed with amazement.

Lucky smirked again. The big man shook his head.

Three beers were set on the bar. Adam’s was focused on me. “Everything okay here, Lily?” he asked me with concern, his focus on Asher’s cut.

I gave him a grin. “Everything’s fine,” I declared. “Asher’s not a shark,” I winked.

Adam didn’t look convinced. “You need me to call you that cab, just give me a holler, darlin’,” he responded firmly.

“She doesn’t need a cab, I’ve got her. My thanks for looking out for her,” Asher answered for me.

Adam gave him a weary gaze. He nodded, looked at me a second more then moved down the bar.

Asher raised a brow. “Sharks?” he questioned.

“The men who frequent such establishments.” I held my hands out to the room.

Lucky choked on the beer he was taking a tug of. “That’s one thing to call them,” he said dryly.

Asher gave him a hard look, then moved his gaze to me. “Such establishments are not somewhere you need to be spending your nights, flower,” he informed me. “Especially not alone.

“I’m not alone, I was with Bex,” I explained.

Asher didn’t seem happy about my answer. “Was. I don’t see her anywhere, and this is not a place you should sucking down drinks. We’re leavin’,” he declared.

I smiled. “Wow, I think you may be the only man to say he wants to leave a strip club,” I teased, not knowing where my cheerfulness was coming from. I had a niggling feeling it was coming from the man whose body was claiming mine.

Lucky let out another strangled chuckle, his eyes roving around the room.

Asher’s face changed at my words, I didn’t get time to think too hard on it as the music came on and the lights dimmed slightly.

“Plus, we can’t leave, Bex is about to come on,” I threw my hand out toward the stage where music had just started blaring. Three sets of male eyes focused on the place where Bex emerged, strutting her stuff. Her eyes found mine as she rounded the poll, bugging out slightly at the men I was with, though her step didn’t falter. She recovered quickly and winked at me.

“Jesus Christ,” Asher muttered under his breath, his eyes darting away from my scantily clad best friend the moment he realized it was her.

“Holy shit,” Lucky exclaimed, his eyes glued to the stage. “I think I’m in love,” he proclaimed dramatically.

The tall guy didn’t say a thing, his eyes were glued on Bex and stayed there, his jaw hard.

Asher pulled me lightly out of my seat. “We’re leaving,” he said, or more aptly, ordered, his eyes on me.

I frowned at him. “We’re not. Bex has only just started,” I protested.

Asher gave me a hard look. “I’m not sitting here watching your friend strip, and more importantly, I’m not sitting in a strip club with you wearing those shorts,” he bit out, his eyes moving over the length of me. He leaned into me, so his mouth tickled my ear. “Seeing you in those shorts means I’m going to have to f*ck you in the next twenty minutes, and I’d rather not do it in a strip club bathroom,” he added, making my stomach drop.

I gaped at him when he leaned back. “Okay. We’re off then,” I decided and the men grinned. I didn’t have time to give them proper goodbyes as Asher dragged me away, I only waved over my shoulder.