Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Liam

After work, we come back to my apartment to get ready to go out to Tanks. Both of us take showers because we’re sweaty from our workouts.

Jasmine walks out of the bedroom wearing a silky teal top with long sleeves and a high-neck, button-up collar, distressed skinny jeans, and ankle boots. Her hair is hanging loose in beautiful dark corkscrew ringlets. She’s stunning, and I’m already worrying about what’s going to happen tonight at Tank’s. She’s going to attract a lot of male attention, and honestly, I’m not sure how well I’ll deal with that. Or how well she’ll deal with it.

“How do I look?” she asks me as she gazes down at her outfit. “Is this appropriate?”

“You look great,” I tell her. “It’s perfect.”

“Thanks. You don’t think it’s too much?”

“No, not at all. You look lovely.”

Her smile widens, and I think she might be blushing.

“Shall we?” I ask. I grab my leather jacket off the coat hook and slip it on. Then I grab her jacket and hold it for her as she slips her arms into the sleeves. “Are you nervous?”

She nods. “I’m afraid someone will recognize me.”

Her jacket settles on her body, and I reach around her to free her hair from the garment. “You don’t need to be afraid. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

We take the elevator down to the parking garage and hop into my Jeep. It’s a short drive to the bar, and I luck out and quickly find an off-street parking spot just two blocks from our destination. As soon as we get out of the vehicle, Jasmine pulls her hood up to cover her hair and shield her face. We start walking toward the bar. It’s dark out already this time of year, but the street lights give us enough light to see our way.

Jasmine walks so close to me that our arms brush. She’s hypervigilant, her gaze scanning both sides of the streets. I’m tempted to put my arm around her or hold her hand, but I don’t want to confuse our situation or give her the wrong idea. Big brother. Protector. That’s all.

I have to keep reminding myself of that because part of me doesn’t care about what’s right or wrong.

As we approach the intersection close to Tanks, I notice a young woman standing on the corner. She’s wearing a super short mini-skirt, fishnet stockings, stiletto heels, and a silky white top with a plunging neckline that does absolutely nothing to hide her cleavage. And despite the frigid temperature tonight, she’s not wearing a jacket. She smiles at every passing car.

I’m guessing she’s a prostitute.

Jasmine stiffens and presses closer to me, studiously avoiding eye contact with the young woman on the corner.

“Do you know her?” I ask after we’ve passed out of ear shot.

Jasmine nods but doesn’t say anything.

Finally, when we reach our destination, I open the door for Jasmine, and she steps inside and comes to an abrupt halt just inside the bar. She lowers her hood and stares at the crowded room.

The place is packed tonight, but that’s no surprise. This time of year, there are sporting events playing on all the big screen TVs scattered throughout the room.

I look to our usual table, a large circular booth in the back corner, and spot some of my friends. “This way,” I say to Jasmine as I guide her through the crowd.

She spots Jason and Layla already seated at our table and waves. Layla waves back, an eager smile on her face. Mack and Erin are here as well. Our corner booth is large and circular, accommodating a number of people. I let Jasmine slide in ahead of me so she can sit beside Layla.

“Hi,” Layla says to Jasmine, and then again to me.

“Hi,” Jasmine says.

I take off my jacket and hang it on a hook on the wall beside our booth. “Can I hang up your jacket?” I ask Jasmine.

She looks at me, obviously hesitant, but then she nods and takes off her jacket. I hang it up beside mine.

The door opens, and Miguel and Philip walk in. They’re the last two of our group. I haven’t seen either of them in the past two weeks, which means they haven’t met Jasmine. Philip works with my brother Jake, primarily doing surveillance. Miguel is a bodyguard, currently working as a floater, filling in as needed.

Just as Miguel and Philip slide into the booth, our server brings a tray filled with glasses. Another server delivers two pitchers of beer to our table.

Our server says she’ll come back to take our orders in a few minutes. The moment she’s gone, Miguel leans into me and says, “Who’s your friend?”

“Guys, this is my friend Jasmine. Jasmine, this is Miguel Rodriguez and that’s Philip Underwood. They also work for McIntyre Security.”

Miguel is sitting closest to me. He reaches in front of me to offer Jasmine his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Jasmine glances at me first, looking uncertain, but then she surprises me by shaking Miguel’s hand. “Thanks. You, too.” She waves at Philip, as he’s too far away to shake her hand.

But then Phil surprises me by standing so he can reach across the table to shake her hand. “Nice to meet you,” he says as they shake.

I swear if either of these guys hits on Jasmine tonight, I’ll lose my shit. Well, to be honest, I’m not worried about Philip. He’s already crushing on someone right now. But Miguel is as single as they come. He’s also good looking and a super nice guy. He’d be perfect for Jasmine.

“Do you work at McIntyre Security?” Miguel asks Jasmine. “I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”

“Not exactly,” she replies. “But I hope to one day. Right now I’m assisting Liam in the classroom part-time.”

“She’s also studying self-defense with Lia,” I say.

“Cool,” Miguel says, nodding as he pours beer in his glass. “You won’t find a better company to work for. Shane’s the best.”

Jasmine nods. “He’s been very kind to me.”

“Would you like something to drink?” I ask Jasmine. “We have beer, or if you prefer something else, we can order it.”

“Beer’s fine,” she says.

I go ahead and pour for her when she doesn’t make a move to do it herself. She takes a sip and gives me a small smile. Then she goes back to scanning the bar, checking everyone out. I imagine she’s looking for familiar faces.

I pat her thigh. “Relax. Everything’s fine.”

When I see that faint smile again, I’m pretty sure she doesn’t believe me.

Our server returns to take our orders, and she goes down the line asking everyone what they want. I order a burger and fries. Jasmine orders a chicken sandwich with potato chips.

As we’re eating, I steal a chip from Jasmine’s plate. She grins at me as she’s chewing a bite of food. She swallows, then sneaks a French fry from my plate and pops it in her mouth.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Philip elbowing Miguel as he nods to us. “Are they too cute, or what?” he mutters.

Grinning, Miguel shakes his head as he takes a sip of his beer.

While everyone chats, Jasmine sits quietly and listens in as she scans the room. She watches the door every time it opens. I figure it’s going to take her some time to get used to being out in public.

After we’ve all eaten, and our plates are cleared from the table, Mack and Erin slide out of our booth and head to the dance floor. Jason and Layla follow soon after them.

Miguel and Philip try to draw Jasmine out in conversation, but she’s not very talkative. She’s still too tense and hypervigilant.

After a couple of dances, Layla and Jason return to the table. Layla makes eye contact with me behind Jasmine’s back and mouths “ask her to dance.”

I sneak a peek at Jasmine, and sure enough her gaze is glued to the dance floor. I can’t imagine she actually wants to get out there.

Layla continues to give me encouraging looks when Jasmine can’t see her.

I sigh. Fine. I’ll do it. But before I can even ask her, she turns to me and says, “Where’s the ladies room?”

“I’ll take you,” Layla says.

Jason slips out of the booth, making way for Layla and Jasmine to exit. The two girls head for the restrooms, which are located behind the bar.

Just as I’m about to follow after them, Jason says, “I’ll go. You sit and relax.”

As soon as they’re gone, Miguel and Philip practically pounce on me.

“So, who is she?” Miguel asks.

“Where did you meet her?” Philip asks.

Both of them are grinning at me. They assume she’s my date tonight.

“Come on, man,” Miguel says, grinning as he elbows me. “Spill it.”

“We met a couple of weeks ago, right here outside Tanks.” I decide to keep it simple and factual.

Miguel seems skeptical. “You met her here?”

“Well, actually it was outside the bar. She was having a little difficulty and needed a ride, so I helped out.” It’s only a matter of time before the guys find out she’s currently staying with me, so I decide I’d better come clean. “She’s kind of going through a rough time right now and didn’t have anywhere to go, so I offered to let her stay with me until she gets on her feet.”

Their eyes widen.

“She’s living with you?” Miguel asks. “Why are we just now hearing about this?”

I shrug. “What can I say? It’s been a busy couple of weeks.” Speaking of Jasmine, I glance toward the hallway where the restrooms are located just as Jason and the girls are heading back this way. Jason’s holding Layla’s hand—keeping her close, as always. Jasmine’s right behind them.

A big tattooed guy in a white T-shirt and black leather vest, a beer bottle in his hand, steps in front of Jasmine, blocking her way.

“Shit!” I’m out of the booth in half a second, making my way across the bar.