Page 47 of Jake's Angel

I’m pulled out of my joke by a familiar voice growling behind me. “Over my dead body, Angel.” He’s so close, I feel the heat of his skin against my back. His breath caresses my ear, coaxing a shiver from my body.

Why does he sound so pissed at me?

I whip my head around and find Jake looking none too happy with me.

What the hell is his problem now?

“You two have no business being up on those poles, unless you’re applying for the role of club whore or stripper. In which case, please continue.” He gestures with his hand. “I’d love to watch the audition.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Did you just call me a whore?” My words said loud enough that we have gained an audience.

A deep throat clearing comes from somewhere behind us. I turn to find Mack and a tall older man, who looks to be close to Mack’s age, with short black hair peppered with some gray, and a full beard. He’s got tattoos on every inch of exposed skin that I can see except for his face and neck.

The stranger walks over, places his hands on my shoulders, bending down to meet me eye to eye and says, “Long time no see, baby girl.”

Awkward vibes, anyone? No? Just me? Alrighty then.

“Avery, this is Gabe, he’s uh …” Mack starts, but it’s Gabe who finishes the introduction. “Club President. I’m a close friend of Russ and Mack. I’ve known you since you were a baby. It’s been a long time, sweetheart.”

I tense at the mention of Gramps’ name. I don’t see him anywhere, and I’m terrified when he does finally show he’s going to want to send me home.

“Pres. Our new friend here was asking about pole dancing. What are your thoughts on the subject? You think Russ would approve of his precious princess becoming a stripper?”

I’m met by Jake’s deep blue eyes, which are not so casually raking over my body and assessing my features. Even though he just saw me a little while ago, he drinks me in from head to toe like he’s never seen me before.

What game is he playing now?

“Not happening.” Gabe angrily snaps. “And fuck you for suggesting it.” He points at Jake.

Jake’s hands come up in a placating manner. “I was merely asking since she was telling Sadie they could practice their moves here for the guys in the club.”

I can feel the heat crawling up my skin all the way to my ears. “What the …” I stop myself before I completely lose my shit on these leather wearing assholes who think they can just step in and tell me what I can and can’t do. They’re all watching expectantly for me to continue my thought. But it’s Jake’s smirk that has me ready to pounce.

Okay, smartass, two can play at this game.

“Actually, Jake here was just asking me if I wanted to audition to be a—what did you call it—a club whore or a stripper? Did I get those right? He was offering to watch my audition, though I’m not sure exactly what he was asking of me forsaid audition. Would you care to explain further, Jake?” I tilt my head, biting my lip and fighting hard not to laugh at how uncomfortable and angry he looks. “What does a club whoredo for you, exactly?”

“You did what?” Both Mack and Gabe growl at Jake. Both men’s heads whip around, pinning him with a glare.

“It was a joke.” Jake throws his hands up in surrender, while fixing his deadly glare on me. “I wasn’t really asking her to do it.I was explaining the facts. The only women who use the poles are strippers or club girls.” He pauses, “Or Skyler.”

“Fuck you, Jake!” Ethan shouts across the room. Skyler’s face is buried in his chest, but I can see her shoulders shaking from here. I’ll have to ask her later what Jake’s going on about.

“Whores. You specifically saidwhores.” I correct.

Jake lets out an exasperated groan.

Damn! Even when he’s frustrated, he’s a fine specimen of a man. I could get lost in those blue eyes of his. Or maybe with someone a little less… him.

I watch as the three men interact without words. They’re all so casual with each other.And pretty to look at.

On the bright side, my new temporary home will have a great view.

No. Damn it. I can’t think of this place as home. My stay here won't be long.

I can’t help all the thoughts running through my head. These men are nothing like the boys in Baron’s Edge. They couldn’t hold a candle to the men standing in front of me now. I smile to myself at the thought.

Gabe leaves the room, down a long hallway, with Mack and Caleb in tow.

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