Page 81 of Demitri

I’ve learned their names are David, Cameron, and Seth. All Rock Hill natives.

“Nope. You don’t need to know.”

“Aww, come on, John. You’re obviously getting laid. You’re too fucking happy.”

“Not your business, Cam.”

“Must be some magical pussy he doesn’t want to share.”

“Fuck you, David.”

“Oh, look at him, getting all hot and bothered. She must be something special.”

“She is special. And she’s mine. You don’t need to know about her pussy because if you ever even think about getting close to it, I’ll fucking kill you with my bare hands. The subject is closed. Understand?”

“Touchy, touchy. Sorry, man. Just giving you shit.”

“Look, guys. That woman is special to me. She’s not a barfly. She’s not a groupie girl. She’s not a one-night stand that’s extended for the week. She’s here because she’s with me and I need her by my side. One day, if you all can get your minds off of your dicks, I might even introduce you to her.”

“Wow. Boss is in love, boys!”

Whoops and laughter follow that statement, but I’m not smiling. I’m too stunned that he’s admitting his feelings for me to other people. What he says to me is one thing. I have the magic pussy, after all. And all men say those things when they want that, right? But to hear him say it to the guys that work with him? They don’t know who the real man behind the John name is, but they know he’s serious about me? That tells me more than any of his sweet words ever could.

“If I am, I won’t be telling you assholes first. But when you do finally meet her? Ask her about the Shelby. I think she could probably school you sorry sons of bitches some.”

“Wait. She’s a car girl?”

“She’s a Shelby girl.”

“A woman with standards. Good for you, boss. She still let you drive her around in that old truck?”

“Don’t knock Betty, asshole. She’s my first lady.”

I continue to listen, laughing at their antics. Am I offended he referred to his truck as his first lady? Nope, not at all. He’s a car guy in his soul. I’d be more upset if he didn’t. I look at the time on my phone and know I need to get ready. I finally get to return to the real world tonight, and the energy running through my veins at the thought has me hopping up and practically skipping to the shower.

“I’ll be in the office watching all the cameras. With the volume up.” Demitri winks, his arms wrapped around me in the office.

“I know. I’ll behave.”

“You be you. Just try not to be too flirty with the cute guys?”

I laugh, kissing his cheek. He frowns and pulls me closer for a proper kiss before smacking my ass and laughing when I squeak.

“Asshole. I’ll get you back for that one.”

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

I wave to Brodie as I pass the kitchen.

“Yo, Boss. Good to have you back. Maybe all the hotties will pay attention to me now!”

“Jealous much? Green’s not your color.”

“I don’t like competition.”

I walk behind the bar, sighing at the feeling of coming home. I run my fingers over the grain, the familiar grooves bringing me a peace I haven’t felt in days. My anxiety calms, my stress seems to dissipate. This is where I belong. I look at the room in front of me, breathing in the air before the crush of bodies that usually come with the weekend make their way in. The guys who flirt because they want a heavy pour, the women who get the heavy pour because they are polite. The shit talking at the pool table. The couples canoodling in the booths. The groups who take up the big tables in the middle and yell insults good naturedly at their friends.

Yeah, this is where I’m meant to be.

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