Slade (The Protectors #6)(60)

“Breathe,” Sloan said. “You’re not alone.”

“Yes, sir.” A big exhale of breath came over their earpieces, making them smile except for Slade. His eyes were glued to the monitor.

Finally, they saw the black Nissan pull into the lot. “We have eyes on Jill,” Jared confirmed. “Steve and Adam just drove past with no signs of being followed.”

Slade watched Jill get out of the car dressed in dress slacks, heels and a loose fitting shirt. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but open your blouse a little more. The collar is blocking some of the view,” Slade told her as he watched the other monitor that was connected to her choker. He waited until they had a clear shot. “That’s good.”

Jill suddenly stopped before opening the door. “Did you give them a name?”

“Shit,” Sloan hissed, holding his hand over his mic. “Okay, hurry and think of a name.”

The door opened before they could handle it and a man stood there looking at Jill. “You lost, honey?”

Everyone in the van held their breath.

Jill gave a girly laugh. “No. I was just getting ready to open the door.” Jill walked past him with a flirty grin. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” The man grinned, closing the door. “Now, how can I help you?”

“I’m here to see Ms. Hailey Ayres.” Jill looked around, giving the guys a great shot at the inside.

He picked up the phone. “Who should I tell her is here to see her?”

“Lola.” Jill gave him a large smile.

“Lola?” Sid whispered in the earpiece.

“Shut up, Goddammit,” Slade hissed. “You’re doing great, Jill.”

An older woman headed toward Jill, a frown on her face. “I’m Hailey. How can I help you?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Ayres.” Jill stuck out her hand. “I was told to be here at four and ask for you.”

“Oh, but I thought your name was Jennifer.” The woman’s eyes went to someone behind Jill.

“Shit.” Slade looked over at Sloan who was watching the monitor closely.

“I’m sorry, it is, but Lola is my stage name.” Jill laughed nervously. “I’m so nervous. I’ve never worked in such a beautiful place and I want this job so badly.”

Everyone held their breath waiting for the woman’s reaction. Everyone breathed easier when she gave Jill a proud smile. “Thank you.” She also looked around. “I’ve worked hard to make this a respectful place.”

“Obviously, all your hard work has paid off,” Jill responded appropriately.

“Now, Jeremy told me you were a half-breed. I’m so sorry about what’s going on out there. Believe me, I don’t believe in what they are doing with your kind.” The woman patted her arm. “We do not discriminate here.”

“I appreciate that,” Jill replied. “I’ve stayed low key and under the radar. Hopefully, all of this passes quickly. We’re not all bad.”

“Oh, I know that, honey.” Hailey smiled, grabbing her hand. “I’ve got all different types of girls here, human, vampire, but you are the first half-breed. Men are going to be all over you.”

Slade’s fist tightened at that, but Sloan pointed at him and mouthed, ‘Calm the f*ck down, now’.

“Do you allow them to touch your girls?” Jill asked worried.

“Oh, heavens, no,” she laughed. “I meant they will all want to be at your table. Now, come on. Let me get you with the other girls and they will get you going.”

Sloan covered his mic, leaning toward Slade. “I swear I will shoot your ass if you even make a move toward that door. She is doing fantastic.”

Slade nodded, glaring at the monitor, his body primed to protect, yet he was f*cking stuck in a van. This had to be the last time this happened, because he honestly didn’t think he could take it again.

They watched as Jill walked past a room, following the woman. Damon sat in a corner, a woman dancing in front of him on a table with a pole. He turned, making eye contact with Jill. Opening a door, Jill followed the woman into a room full of half-naked women.

“Girls, I’d like you to meet Lola.” Hailey smiled, pulling her more into the room. “This is going to be her first night here so show her the ropes and treat her like your sister.”

“Hey, Lola,” the women greeted with smiles.

“Hello.” Jill’s voice held strong.

“I’ve got her.” A beautiful redhead walked up and took hold of her hand. “Stick with me and you’ll survive your first night.”

“Holy shit,” Jax whispered, watching over Slade’s shoulder. “Too bad Sid’s stuck out there and can’t see all these gorgeous naked women.”

“Don’t need to see shit, my man,” Sid shot back. “I’ve got me a beautiful mate waiting for me at home.”

“Who has a large gun and knows how to shoot,” Jared cut in.

“There is that,” Sid added, the seriousness in his tone not missed by anyone.

“Shut up!” Slade hissed. “And keep this line clear, dammit.”

The three apologized with ‘sorry’ before the line went silent.