“I’m sorry to bother you, but do you have a minute?”

“Darlin’, I always have time for you. What’s going on?”

Tracey ran her finger along the pattern on her skirt, choosing her words carefully. “I hope you know I’m grateful for everything your family has done for me and how much I love my job.”

“I do, honey.”

“Okay. Good.” She exhaled with relief. “Because I need to talk to you about Diesel.”

“Go on,” Red said carefully.

“Red, I appreciate you asking him to watch out for me when I first started working at the bar. I needed that support. But I’m stronger now. I can handle myself.”

“I know you can. I have total faith in you.”

“Thank you. I do, too, and that’s a really good feeling. But Diesel’s breathing down my neck and scaring off customers. Well, not scaring them off from being at the bar, but from sitting at my tables. I asked him to back off, but he said I had to take it up with you. Would you mind telling him that I can handle myself? I have to be allowed to stand up to customers or flirt with them. That’s how we make tips—you know that—and I would never cross any lines.”

“Tracey, I told him that months ago. Whatever he’s doing now has nothing to do with me.”

“But…” Tracey was at a loss for words. Had she misunderstood what Diesel had said? He was pretty clear about it being a directive from Red. “Really?”

“Yes. Now, keep in mind, when Diesel took over for Bullet, it was for his brawn, not just his bartending abilities. He helps keep riffraff out of the bar. Could that be what you’re feeling?”

“Maybe. We had an incident yesterday, so that kind of makes sense.”

“Dixie went through the same thing with Bullet for a long time. And you know she can handle herself. She’s a fire-breathing dragon when she wants to be. But, honey, the men in our world are protectors through and through. They’re as fierce as they come, and backing off is not easy for them. Especially when they care about you. If you’d like, I’ll speak with Diesel again.”

“No, it’s okay. Maybe you’re right, and he’s just doing his job and being who he is. I’ll just keep letting him know that I can handle it. Hopefully we’ll find a middle ground. I’m sorry to have bothered you with this.”

“You are never a bother, honey. The good news is you won’t have to worry about Diesel for long. He came by to see Biggs this morning. He’s leaving right after the holidays.”

The knots in her stomach tightened. “Leaving? To go where?”