Gray would much rather have Hunter rough him up than have Connor exact his revenge. He might seem mild-mannered, but he was brutal when he thought someone was being wronged. And he didn’t care about breaking laws.
“Does she need medical attention?” Gray asked, concerned.
“She said Maggie took her to the doctor. The doctor said there’s nothing she can do but rest.”
“Then what the hell is she doing here?” Hunter asked.
“Said she needs the money. And I’m guessing Maggie agreed to let her work because if she’s here, then she’s not at home with him, being roughed up.”
The others nodded and slowly went back to their conversations while Connor quietly disappeared out the door. Allie watched him leave. He wondered if those two would ever realize they had feelings for each other.
“You all care about her.” Lacey said.
Gray turned to her, watching her closely for a moment. He had to lean in as the noise in the bar grew louder. “You don’t think we should care?”
“No, it’s not that. But not everyone would. Not everyone would do something.”
Hmm, he wondered if this had something to do with whomever had lost control around her and drank too much. Had they become violent as well? Or was he reading too much into it? After all, she’d worked with criminals for years, she’d probably seen and heard all sorts of horrible shit.
“We take care of our own,” he told her. “And even though Allie doesn’t work for us, we’ve been coming here every Friday night for years. She’s a friend. And nobody deserves what she’s gone through.”
“No, they don’t.” For the first time, there was real warmth in her face as she looked at him, and her body language was more relaxed. She was leaning into him, so close that it would only take a bit more for him to reach down and kiss her. And maybe he’d do just that.
“Hey, handsome, want to dance?”
What?
He blinked, then watched as Lacey tensed and moved away from him, her face shutting down. She turned to look at whomever had interrupted them. Gray glanced over and nearly groaned. Great, it was the young chick who’d looked him over earlier.
“No,” he told her sharply. More sharply than he would have if his dick hadn’t been throbbing painfully from sitting so close to Lacey. What was that scent she was wearing? Raspberry? Strawberry? Whatever it was, it was making him hungry and not just for berries.
“Come on, I’ll make sure you have a real good time,” she drawled, sticking one hip out to the side and placing her hand on it. She snapped her gum, and he winced. Did she really think that was attractive?
“Are you old enough to be in here?” Lacey asked stiffly. She’d completely frozen him out. Fantastic.
“I’m twenty-one,” the blonde told her indignantly. “You oldies think everyone under twenty-five is young.” Despite the brave words, she glanced nervously over at the bouncer. Great, so underage and a bitch.
“Oldies? How old do you think I am?” Lacey asked curiously.
“I dunno, like fifty or something?” More gum snapping.
“Go away, or I’ll call over the bouncer,” Gray gave her one last warning to leave quietly. Maybe he could still salvage something from this night with Lacey. Although from the longing look she was giving the door, perhaps not.
“Come on, you know I can give you a better time than granny here.”
“Granny? Oh, God. I think it’s time I left.”
“Wait.” Gray signaled the bouncer, who walked towards them. Lacey stood, ignoring his command. Irritation filled him, and he pushed it back.
She doesn’t know who’s in charge. But she will.
Crap, what was he thinking? He was attracted to her, sure. But she wasn’t a sub. Although Hunter was right. She could use definitely use something to help release all that tension she held.
***
What had she been thinking? Had she seriously been about to kiss him?
“Idiot,” she muttered to herself as she left the bar. She stood there for a moment, glancing around. The shadows could hide someone. They could be watching her even now. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.