Nikki pulled back and joked, “Maybe I won’t have to trip over this dog and find dog hair everywhere.”

Mack laughed and they both sat down. “I heard my wee barra has really enjoyed looking after my Dexter.”

Nikki rolled her eyes. “I know. That’s all I hear about from Isy, Mum, and Dad.”

“I know a good breeder.” Mack smiled.

“I’m quite sure. I’ll think about it.” Nikki let out a breath. “I’m really sorry I wasn’t back from my business trip in time to welcome you home.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you, Mack. What you did—”

Mack held up her hand. “Stop. We’ve been over this more than enough times. I did what I did for you, for the family, for what was best for us of all. I love you, Nikki, and the business and Isy needed you outside of prison.”

“I’ll never forget what you did. Never. Let’s have a drink.” Nikki raised her hand and caught the attention of someone at the bar.

In seconds a young butch woman hurried over with an order pad and pen. Nikki sat back and slowly crossed her legs, gave the woman a smile, and said in a honeyed voice, “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

The young woman dropped her pen on the table and became extremely flustered. “Sorry, Ms. Sharkey, what can I get you?”

Mack covered her laughter by picking up Dexter and placing him on the seat beside her.

Nikki picked up the pen and handed it to the young woman with a devastating smile. “Oops. Here you go, and call me Nikki. Mack, this is Lee—Lee, this is my cousin Mack.”

“Awrite, good to meet you, pal,” Mack said and shook her hand.

“You too.”

Mack could feel the tremor in Lee’s hand and saw her gulp hard. She was both terrified and tantalized, as Nikki tended to make people.

“Could you be a wee darling and bring us some drinks?”

“What would you like, Ms. Shar—sorry, Nikki?”

“Glass of white wine for me, and Mack?”

“Pint of lager, thanks, and a bowl of water for ma wee pal here.”

“Right away,” Lee said.

As she scuttled away, Mack watched with amusement as Nikki’s eyes followed the denim covered behind. Nikki loved women, but especially androgenous or masculine-presenting women.

“Another one under your thrall, big cousin?” Mack joked.

Only then did Nikki look back to her and gave her a glare. “Shut up. She is gorgeous, though. It’s just her first week.”

“You’ve got her shaking in her boots already.” Dexter was wriggling and trying to get down. “Okay, trouble. Go and run about.”

“No accidents on the club floor,” Nikki warned.

“He’ll tell me if he needs to go out. Don’t worry.”