Jared (The Protectors #2)(63)

Jared chuckled. “Yes, she is.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I was jealous as hell when I first saw her. I felt the attraction between the two of you, but the way she stood up to Alice and me, I respected that.” She leaned up giving him a kiss on the cheek.

“So, no problems like Alice gives Damon and Nicole?” Jared wasn’t totally convinced.

“Alice is a bitch.” Vicky replied, then pointed to herself. “I’m the nice one. I’ve got more pride than that, honey and there’s more warriors out there to choose from. I don’t need to chase a man who doesn’t want me.”

“Thank you.” Jared bowed his head to her. “Any man would be lucky to have you.”

“Damn straight.” Vicky laughed. “Just be happy Jared Kincaid. If you need to feed just give me a call, but don’t wait so long next time.”

“Appreciated.” Jared watched her walk out the door his mind switching quickly to Levi. What was the little bastard up to? His meeting with Vicky in the pool room was not a coincidence.

Flipping his phone he dialed and held it to his ear. “I need you to find Levi, bring him and Adam to the pool room.” Jared grinned into the phone. “Sid, you’ve always been my bitch. Just do it *.”

Chapter 26

Tessa sat in her car glancing in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were still a little puffy and red from crying. Anger had replaced the sadness. She couldn’t believe she once again fell for a handsome face sprouting smooth words of…bullshit. God, she was pathetic and so pissed off at herself she could scream. She knew better than to trust again, but no, she had to go being a damn gooey eyed idiot panting over a hot vampire Warrior who gave her the best damn sex she’d ever had.

Smacking the mirror so it aimed toward the roof of the car, she grabbed her bag and headed toward the bar. Yeah, this was going to suck, but it was the fastest way she knew to get her life back on track.

Opening the door the familiar odor of smoke and booze hit her in the face. Only a few people sat around since it was still early. The regular crew usually didn’t hit the door until after six. Letting her eyes adjust, she spotted Bobby stocking the bar, usually her job.

Taking a deep breath, she got her feet moving to the bar. Once there she slung her bag down on a stool.

“What can I get ya?” Bobby didn’t turn around as he placed a pint of Jack Daniels on a shelf.

Figuring she deserved a damn beer she decided she would have a damn beer. It wouldn’t kill her. “Beer.” Tessa ordered and then thought, why the hell not go for it. “And a job.”

Her voice froze him for a second before he swung around, eyes narrowed. “What the hell are you doing here?” He scanned the bar quickly, fear flashing in his eyes.

“He’s not here.” Tessa reassured him. “I’m sorry about what happened, okay.”

“No, it’s not f*cking okay.” Bobby hissed, lowering his voice. “That crazy son of a bitch about killed me.”

What could she say to that since it was pretty much the truth. “Listen, I’m sorry.” She tried again to apologize. “But I really need my job back.”

“You’re f*cking crazy, you know that?” Bobby pointed at her still glancing behind her like Jared was going to magically materialize.

“Yeah, I know.” Tessa sighed, then frowned feeling her anger kick up a bit. “But if you wouldn’t have been such an asshat what happened wouldn’t have happened.”

“What…me getting my ass kicked was my fault.” Bobby’s eyes widened.

“You were being an arrogant jerk and slapped my ass…hard.” Tessa slammed her hand on the bar then closed her eyes trying to calm down. Her nasty attitude was not helping get her job back. “I’ve apologized. What else can I do?”

“That maniac needs to apologize.” Bobby demanded. “That’s who needs to apologize.”

Yeah, like that would ever happen. She couldn’t see Jared apologizing….ever. “I need my job back Bobby.” Tessa sighed. “I was your best bartender, I never missed work and everybody liked me. I was good at my job.”

Bobby just stared at her for a second before shaking his head in disbelief. “Why in the hell should I give you your job back?”

“Because you’ve known me my whole life, I grew up in this bar and because…” Tessa took a long swig of the beer he finally put in front of her making a nasty face. “I’m going to lose Gramp’s house if I don’t find a job.”

A spark of understanding flashed in Bobby’s eyes. He watched her take another agonizing swig of beer. “When did you start drinking or attempting to drink?” He rolled his eyes at her facial expressions.

“About two minutes ago.” Tessa wiped her mouth, leaning back on the stool. “Ugh, that is God awful.”

“I am so going to regret this, but when can you start?” Bobby sighed grabbing her beer and tossing it in the trash. He really didn’t want another ass kicking and he knew without a doubt he would have another run in with the vampire, but he couldn’t stand by and watch her lose Gramp’s place.

“Tonight.” Tessa smiled, but then her face turned serious. “I have one condition.”

“You have got to be kidding me.” He threw his hands in the air, then pointed at her again. “You don’t get conditions.”