Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 58090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Just the right kind of dirt. My kind.
I’d never been to any place quite like it. Clubs, in general, weren’t my scene, but as I made my way around the fringes of the club, I spotted a couple of half-naked chicks making out on the dance floor and decided that maybe I was missing out.
If I wasn’t on the clock, I would’ve been content to blend in, watch, and zero in on the hottest girl. The one that had all the other guys watching her shake her ass. And I would’ve taken her home, fucked her silly, and left her alone just like I did Harlowe. I wondered if rich debutantes were as wild and free as pool hall chicks. The ones I let beat my ass at the table, so it wouldn’t hurt them so bad when I let them down.
It would be a fun change of pace from the usual pool hall banter, flirting over a trick shot demonstration. Not that there was anything wrong with that. Worked like a charm.
As I circled the floor, I glanced around and noted that most people not on the floor were having hushed conversations in dark corners. I didn’t spend too much time gawking over every detail. I snapped back into work mode and pushed down my own agenda. Maybe I’d come back someday. Tonight, I couldn’t let myself get distracted.
A bar dominated a section opposite the dance floor, and I made my way over. Halfway there, a dark grin spread across my face.
Bingo.
Richie was chatting up the bartender at the bar—a pretty young thing with long dark hair, dark skin, full curves, and a killer smile. She clearly knew Richie and the two were carrying on like long-time pals. I wondered what she’d say if she knew who she was talking to. She deposited a bourbon in front of him—Richie’s drink of choice, the higher the price tag on the bottle, the better, and I strolled over to the empty bar tool beside him.
Game on.
I reached the bar and cleared my throat. “Anyone here?” I asked, shooting a sidelong glance at Richie. I made a show of pushing up my sleeve and checking the pricey timepiece on my wrist.
“Damn! That’s a nice piece,” Richie commented, an air of respect in his voice. “Go on! Have a seat.”
“Thanks.” I grinned. I knew the watch would work. Damn, sometimes I was so good I scared myself.
“Yeah, it was my granddaddy’s. He bought it after getting home from the war. After that, it went to my dad, then to me.” I shifted my wrist in the glittering lights of the bar area, showcasing the vintage piece to perfection.
The whole story was a load of shit. I bought the damn thing on eBay. Cost me a mint, but it served its purpose. Richie was a sucker for vintage watches. The more history, the better. I took the seat, and the hot little number of a bartender turned her attention my way. “What can I get for you?”
“Bourbon.”
Richie glanced over and gave me an appraising look. “Bourbon and that stunning timepiece? A man with great taste.” He picked up his tumbler and chuckled. This was going to be easier than I thought.
“Yes, sir.”
“Sir?” He laughed and raised an eyebrow at me. “Where you from? I hear a drawl in there. Kentucky?”
“Two for two.” I grinned. The bartender poured me a glass that matched Richie’s, except he was a swig or two ahead of me. “Cheers.”
Richie lifted his glass and took another drink.
“Damn, that’s good.” I leaned back, casually spinning the glass on the bar as I looked around, taking everything in.
“First time here?” Richie asked, mimicking my posture.
I flashed him a smile. “Sure is. Helluva place. Nice looking crew, too.” I flashed a sly wink at the bartender. She smiled and then rushed off to tend to people at the other end of the bar.
Richie watched her round ass as she went. “How’d you hear about the place?” he asked, not bothering to remove his eyes from the bartender as she leaned over the bar to talk to her customers.
“Couple of friends came here a week or so ago. They couldn’t shut up about it. I was in town for business and figured, what the hell.”
Richie chuckled and tore his eyes away. They landed on me, and he gave me another long appraisal. “Business, huh? Well, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. They did tell you what goes on here, right?”
I nodded. “I hope the stories are true.”
“You bet your ass.” Richie rolled with laughter, the sound deep and foreboding, like thunder. “Ahh, well, you know if there are two people to give you a grand welcome, it’s these two.”
I looked over my shoulder to where his eyes went and spotted a couple coming our way. The man was tall, maybe had an inch or two on me, setting him in the 6’4 range. He had the broad shoulders to match, and while he looked relaxed, there was something about how he carried himself that immediately let me know he wasn’t someone I’d want to meet in a dark alley. I mean, I could probably take him, but he’d get in a few good punches.