Page 31 of Savoring Her Snake

“He’s sitting at the bar,” I grit out. “I am the only one who serves him.”

“He’s clearly with the people at that table,” she points out, and I want to rip her nails off.

“Do what I say,” I instruct.

“Shit, alright,” she says. “You aren’t the boss.”

“I work the bar,” I remind her. “I am your manager when I do.”

“You don’t have to be a bitch,” she says, twirling away. Usually, I wouldn’t have said it, but Heath has worked his magic on me.

“She’ll get over it,” Robin says. She’s in her forties, works hard, and the customers love her.

“Probably not for a while,” I say.

“Grace is doing better around the men here,” she says, looking toward the table where Grace stands.

“I know. She’s making progress.” Grace is sweet. She had a boyfriend who beat her and is working hard to gain her confidence back. Heath’s friends would never hurt her, but she’s not ready for them. Her ex was very handsome.

“Do you think they’ll tip well?” she asks.

“Yes.” I watch Sally and Roxanne laugh.

“Thanks, Jules,” she whispers. Robin is raising her grandchild; money is tight.

“Anytime,” I say. She nods and starts to walk toward Sally. I slowly move down toward Heath. I’m halted when someone wants a refill, and I try not to rush. I’m grateful he ordered a beer so I don’t have to take more time and can quickly give him his change. Health watches my progress. “Heath,” I whisper, and he leans his arm on the bar. I press my forearms to the bar and meet him in the middle, speaking into his ear. “If your friends like to tip, it would be appreciated.” He smells so good. He moves his head, and I turn away as he presses his cheek to mine.

“They do,” he says, his breath hitting my ear. “She in need?” I turn my head and our faces are close. His lips are close.

“Yes. She’s a good person. Her daughter ran away and left her kid with her.” I usually wouldn’t share such personal things with anyone, but Heath isn’t just anyone. “I gave her the table.” I bite my lip, and his eyes drop to it.

“We’ll take care of her,” he says, meeting my eyes. “You’re a good person.”

“Anyone would want to help.”

“No, they wouldn’t,” he says. He brushes his knuckles over my cheek. “The more I learn about you, the more I admire you.” His hand moves to my shoulder and then down my arm to stop on my hand.

“Admire?” I ask weakly. I can feel the heat on my cheeks.

“Jules,” a customer yells over the music and the frantic beating of my heart.

“I have to go.” I back away. “I’ll be back.” I force my body to move. The customer, Justin, is a regular and someone I don’t like much. He is flirty, and I don’t think Heath will brush it off like I do. He brings his two friends with him every time he comes in, and they are no better at respecting boundaries. I saw them come in and could feel his stare as he greeted others. He hasn’t crossed the line by touching, but I can tell he wants to. “Hey, what can I get you?” As a bartender, flirting a bit is expected, but he gives me a creepy feeling. The older gentleman who always comes in every Saturday night and sits at the end of the bar flirts. He isn’t a threat, just lonely.

“As long as you get it, I don’t care,” Justin smirks. I smile just enough to be polite. “Do you want the usual?” He does this every time, and I want to smack him over the head with the specialty beer he orders.

“Please,” he says silkily, and I turn to get it. “How are you doing tonight, Jules?”

“Great. Do your friends want the same?” I ask over my shoulder.

“Sure. I’m buying, so they’ll drink what I give them.” He flashes his cash as if that will impress me.

“Alright.” I grab two more and turn. Setting them down, I watch his hand lift. Fuck.Don’t touch me, don’t touch me.His fingertips graze my hand, and I begin to jerk away. Suddenly, Heath leans beside Justin, his elbow propped on the bar, as he gently lifts my hand. He tangles his fingers with mine.

“She is mine,” he states roughly. “I don’t like it when others touch what is mine.”

“Dude—” Justin freezes as he looks into Heath’s eyes.

“Have you touched her before?” Heath asks.

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