Page 14 of Devils Cut

"Whiskey, Corvus!" A brother yelled over the noise of the crowd. I obliged, pouring him a generous shot, and then moved on to the next order. The work was familiar, almost soothing, but my mind raced with thoughts of Tempest and the danger she faced just by being here.

"Fuck, man, can you believe this shit?" Amanda shouted, gesturing to the swelling crowd. "It's getting crazier every week."

"More money, more problems," I quipped.

I eyed Billy as he stumbled toward the bar, weaving through the crowd like a ship adrift at sea. The fucker had always been loud and messy, but tonight, it seemed worse. I could feel the trouble brewing, thick and heavy in the air.

"Hey, gorgeous!" He slurred, leering at Tempest.

"What can I get you?" she shot back, her frown loaded with disdain.

"Whiskey," he grunted, his eyes never leaving her.

Tempest poured him a glass, her hands steady despite the disgust that clouded her face. As she pushed it across the bar, Billy made his move - grabbing her wrist and pulling her close. My blood boiled.

"Let me go, please," Tempest pleaded, her voice wavering. But instead of releasing her, Billy leaned down and licked her hand.

"Fuck's sake, Billy!" Amanda snapped, smacking him away from Tempest. "No touching! You…” she pointed to the closest brother, "take him down the back."

But I couldn't let it slide. Not this time. With a snarl, I vaulted over the bar, seized Billy by the neck, and slammed him face-first into the counter.

"Pretty sure the whole club was told hands off the new girl," I growled, my grip tightening. "Did you break my rules, cunt?"

Killer strode over, his expression grim, and hoisted Billy up off the floor. I glared at him and spat, "Show him out."

The brothers whistled and jeered as Killer dragged Billy away. They quickly returned to their drinks and conversations, as if nothing had happened. Still fuming, I climbed back over the bar and approached Tempest, who looked shaken but unharmed.

"Tempest, you okay?" I asked, careful not to get too close. My usual bravado couldn't mask the concern in my voice.

She nodded, her eyes meeting mine for just a moment. "Yes, I'm okay. Thank you." With a determined look, she turned back to her work, pouring drinks like nothing had happened.

When five o'clock finally rolled around, and Amanda called out to Tempest, "Home time, girl."

"Corvus," I heard her say quietly, "Would you walk me out?"

"Sure thing," I said, trying to play it cool despite the flare of protectiveness that surged through me. As we moved through the crowd, I positioned myself as a shield between her and the brothers. But there was no need—the bikers all stepped aside without hesitation, letting us pass unobstructed.

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the parking lot as we made our way to Tempest's beat-up car. The rusted metal and peeling paint stood out like a sore thumb among the gleaming bikes of my brothers.

"Have a good night," I told her, trying to keep my voice casual. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Thank you," she said, giving me a small smile as she climbed into her car. I couldn't help but notice the clutter of clothes, bags, and other belongings filling the backseat. My gut clenched with concern.

"Are you sleeping in your car?" I asked, unable to keep the worry out of my voice.

She blushed, caught off guard by my question. "Nope, I'm staying at a local hotel until my house is approved," she replied, avoiding eye contact as she closed the door, started the engine, and took off, leaving exhaust fumes in her wake.

But I could tell she was lying. Damn it.

Shaking my head, I walked over to my bike and threw a leg over it. The cold metal beneath me grounded me, reminding me of who I was and where I belonged. Glancing back at the bar's entrance, I saw Killer smirking at me as if he could read my thoughts.

"I'm heading out!" I yelled, revving the engine before peeling away from the bar.

Chapter 7

Tempest Miller

Shit, the last thing I need is for Corvus to find out I'm living in my goddamn car right now. How fucking embarrassing would that be? To have him know that one of his bartenders is so pathetic she can't even afford a place to stay.

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