Page 91 of Demitri

“Of course you did.” She grins at me.

“Is Brodie good out there?” I ask.

“He’s giving body shots off the bar.” She shrugs.

“I don’t know if you’re fucking with me or not, Gracie. And right now, my brain can’t decide if it cares.”

“Davis is helping behind the bar,” Sarge offers. “He’s got experience. Owns his own up in Boulder Canyon.”

“That’s right. He owns Zach’s.”

“He’s like a local legend up there. Former FBI guy turned bar owner.”

“Of course he is. And I bet all the single ladies in town come in to see the man with the luscious locks.”

“Co-Owner. His wife would be really upset if you left her out of it. And don’t let his momma hear you compliment the hair. She’s been trying to get him to cut it for years.”

“Of course.” I grin at him.

“What’s the plan?” Grace asks. “Want me to start kicking everyone out?”

“No,” I laugh. “No point in it. Nothing’s going to get solved tonight. Tell Brodie I need ten more minutes and he better have his shirt on when I get out there or he’s fired.”

I grin at her, both of us knowing I’d never fire that man.

“You sure you don’t want to close for the night?” Demitri quietly asks.

“I’m sure. I just pissed off the unofficial, self-proclaimed, wannabe head of the Bratva. We’re staying open to celebrate.”

“Okay then. You heard the lady.”

“We’ll see you out there.” Sarge tips his chin before leaving us alone in the office.

When we’re alone, I turn to Demitri. “What do we do now?”

“I don’t know. Right this minute, I guess you go out there and run your bar. I’ll touch base with Joker, and when you close, we’ll debrief before we go home. How’s that sound?”

“Home-home or the apartment?”

“Home. I think if I take you back to the apartment, you’ll lose your mind.” He smirks at me.

“You’re probably right,” I return his grin, “but I think I’ll sit here in your arms for a few more minutes before I go back out there into the real world.”

“This is real, too,Krasotka. Don’t doubt that.”

He tips my chin up, kissing me softly, his lips pressing against mine in a promise.

If only I could stay here for the rest of the night, but he’s right. Reality is all around us and it’s time I deal with it.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

TEXT MESSAGES FROM THE GUYS

SATURDAY NIGHT

Joker: How’s it going?

Demitri: Fine. Mia took the bitch down like the bad-ass boss lady she is.

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