Page 6 of Coty

“What’s a normal night like?” She tosses her towel into the trash can.

“What?” I’m a little out of sorts tonight.

“I’m new in town. Just trying to get my bearings. It’s New Year's Eve. I’m sure it’s not always this crowded.”

“Right.” I lead the way to the door. “Weekends are steady. Weeknights are a hit or miss.”

Her shoulders drop. “Sounds like most small towns.”

“You must be a city girl.”

“Yeah. Chicago.” She lifts her eyebrows and presses her lips together.

My heart kinda hurts for her. She’s going to die of boredom here. She’d fare better in Nashville than Willow Creek. Shoot, Jackson would probably be better for her. We step into the hallway as a couple of giggling college girls rush into the restroom. It must be nice to be so carefree. It’s something I’ll never experience again.

“If you’re looking for a job, I can talk to Bankz.”

JB’s is shorthanded right now, even on regular days. Emily’s doing great, but it’s just for tonight. The way Jerrard talked earlier, he’s not likely to let her wait tables again.

“Thanks, but I have a job.” She stumbles a little as a guy pushes past us.

A hand wraps tightly around my upper right arm before we can get through the crowd to the main room. Fingernails dig into my skin as I’m pulled backwards down the hallway past the men’s restroom door. A yelp escapes when my back hits the wall.

He leans in close, using his body to press mine against the wall. “Women like you are a disgrace.”

I don’t recognize his voice. How’s that comforting? He’s a new danger, not the one I know. My brain and senses finally snap into action.

“Let go!” I try to shove him away.

The little distance made between us is enough for his face to come into view. He probably allowed it. He’s a lot stronger than I ever will be. I do know him. Well, not his name. He’s one of Blake’s friends. A college jock, more than likely football, from the looks of him.

“Get away from me!” I shove harder and raise my knee.

He’s prepared for the move and shifts enough to block the blow. “You’re trash. Can’t give a good man a chance. Have to crawl in bed with dirty bikers,” he snarls, actually showing his teeth.

My eyes bore into his. I hate men like this. A little rich kid looking down on everyone else. His grip on my arm tightens. My left hand slowly slides into the front pocket of my jeans. Hendrix Weapons and Range carries more than guns. This knife is specially made. It fits perfectly in my hand.

“You’re the only dirty piece of trash here.” The knife clears my pocket, and I easily snap the blade open.

In the blink of an eye, the jerk’s face is replaced by the Viking Warriors emblem. I snap the knife closed and slide it back into my pocket. Another second or two and I would have stabbed my boss in the back. Emily and the woman who walked out of the restroom with me rush to either side of me.

“We don’t treat women like this!” Bankz slams Blake’s friend face-first into the opposite wall.

“Ah,” he cries out.

I don’t look. I’m sure there’s blood somewhere.

“Oh, this one is mine.” Hendrix forcefully twists the guy’s arm behind his back and roughly ushers him out of the hallway.

“You okay?” Bankz carefully lifts my chin and gently turns my head side to side.

“I’m good.” I take a deep breath and nod. “He didn’t hit me.

“He shouldn’t have touched you.” Whoa. It’s not often Emily Powell gets mad. This version of her is scary.

“When Hendrix is through with him, he’ll think twice before touching another woman.” Bankz’s voice is full of anger and hate. Hurting women is the worst thing a man can do in the eyes of a Viking. “Let’s get you to the bar and get a drink.”

Emily and my new friend wrap their arms around me and walk me to a stool at the lower end of the bar. Parker sets a shot of whiskey in front of me. Trust me. I’m not turning this down.

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