A biker with long black hair waves Tripp over. He’s a Heaven Hill boy, so Sass and I stay put. Know your place Doll, I remind myself. If the other biker wanted us in the conversation he would’ve approached the table, not nodded for Tripp to join him. Leaving me and Sass to our own accord, I sit back, taking a pull on my beer.

“You okay, Sass?” She shrugs her shoulders. Taking a drink herself before replying, she seems more determined now.

“I talked to my dad. He said Tank’s not avoiding me, but unable to talk to me. Fuck ‘em all. My dad’s even sticking up for the bastard blowing me off now. It is what it is. I’ve talked to Nick a few times. He’s waiting for me to get back. He wants to take me out on a real date as soon as we get home. After all the traveling, I’m ready for something normal. I want to feel safe. Nick is secure.”

“Nick is not Tank, Sass. Nick can’t give you the rush you need in life.”

“Tank is my friend. He’ll always be my friend. The older we get and the more we deal with, the more I don’t want this. Hell, I can’t even call my fuckin’ friend right now and him answer me. It’s not for me, Doll. My question is….Doll, is this for you? Can you handle Tripp going on transports and not being able to reach him?” She asks, but before I can answer another Heaven Hill member approaches. I don’t catch his name as he snakes his arm around my shoulders. I brush him off me.

“Oh don’t be shy. The women who come here, come to hook up. Let’s go, baby, I’ll be gentle the first time.” He has a seedy grin spreading across his face.

“Not these women.” I say gesturing to Sass and myself. “We’re not here to hook up. I’m here with someone.”

The cocky bastard continues. “You’ve got no property patch. In these parts you’re fair game, no need to be a prude, we can share. I can satisfy you and your friend. The man you came with can even watch.”

Tripp approaches. His face serious, but I can tell he’s not sure what’s going on since the man isn’t touching me anymore and is casually leaning over the table. Standing, I reach out, grabbing Tripp by the waist and pull him to me. Snaking one hand up around his neck, I bring his face down to mine and kiss him. When I pull away, the serious look in his face has changed to heated desire. I tuck myself into him as I look over at the stranger.

“Like I said, I’m here with someone. I’m no bar bitch, so move the fuck on.”

Anger passes over his face at my tone with him. I’m sure very few women have given him lip before. When his eyes make their way to Tripp, he throws his hands up in defeat. I can hear him muttering as he passes us by.