Page 108 of The Originals

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Colleen watched Jack walk in the back followed by all the men. This was a strange and surreal position to be in. As a club whore, she knew exactly her role.But this?She wasn’t even sure what she was if not a club whore.

“You gonna sit the fuck down or just stand there all night?” Regina snorted, taking a sip of her vodka.

Colleen glanced around the room. There were a few girls hanging out near the dartboard and another on the couch. Aside from Lyssa tending to the drinks, only old ladies were at the bar.She was completely at odds with what to do. She certainly didn’t fit in with the women at the bar. But for some reason, she didn’t feel the draw to the club whores.

The leg of the stool screeched, and she saw Regina raise her brows and jerk her chin to the seat beside her. It seemed the decision was taken out of her hands. Her smile was shaky as she walked over and sat. Meg and Maureen were on the opposite side of the bar. Both women smiled. Of all the old ladies, they’d always been the kindest, especially to Colleen.

“What are you drinking?” Regina asked.

Colleen looked over at Lyssa, who gave her a harsh glare. It was ironic. Colleen had never refused or given attitude to any of the girls when they’d ordered a drink. Lyssa was acting as though serving Colleen was beneath her.

Colleen pressed her hands to the bar and started to stand, but Regina grabbed her arm and aggressively forced her to sit.God Gee, that’s gonna leave a bruise.

“Where the fuck are you going?”

“I can make my own drink.”

It would keep the peace, and Colleen didn’t mind. It was rare anyone waited on her.

Regina’s brows dipped tightly into a scowl.

“You heard what Jack said. You’re not working, which means the bitch behind the bar has to make you a drink. And how fucking ironic is it that it’s the girl who was fucking your man last week.” Regina laughed, shaking her head. “I love when karma strikes, and I’m here to see it all.”

Colleen felt the heat rise to her cheeks. It was secondhand embarrassment for Lyssa. Colleen peeked over, noticing Lyssa raise her chin and jut out her chest. She had her armor up, but a comment like that would have to sting. Colleen knew from experience. It was best to order a drink and be done with it. Had she not, she was sure Regina would be relentless.

“I’ll have a beer, please.”

Lyssa glanced over, and for a brief second Colleen thought she might refuse. It would’ve been a bad move on her end. At this point, it wasn’t about Colleen. Regina was showing her own power, and it was best for Lyssa to just bow down. There was no winning with Regina.

Colleen stared back, and finally Lyssa walked over to the keg, drew her a glass, and walked it back, placing it in front of Colleen.

“Thank you.”

Lyssa nodded and muttered, “You’re welcome.”

Colleen lifted her beer, taking a sip.

“So, where you been?”

Colleen wasn’t prepared to answer any questions. She’d assumed when she came in she’d be bartending and continuing the role she’d always had at the MC. Club whore. Colleen slid her fingers over the glass, making a swirl over the condensation. It was always best to give as little information as possible.

“Staying with a friend.”

“Yeah?” Regina’s voice hitched, and her tone was taunting.

Colleen smiled and nodded, then glanced over at Meg, who smirked and looked down at her drink. There was no doubt Mick had told his wife he’d seen her at Jack’s house. But she wouldn’t say anything.

“Your friend live in Ghosttown?”

Colleen bit her lip and shook her head. She grabbed her glass and took a large gulp of her beer.

Regina laughed, took a drag of her cigarette, and eyed Colleen. Relentless. She’d continue to interrogate her until she got answers. Thankfully, they were interrupted when the men came out from the back hall. One by one the guys filed out, and she watched the line expecting to see Jack. She had no idea what his strategy would be. Colleen had every intention of followinghis lead, but she needed to give him the heads up that Regina was suspicious.

When Mick walked out, he rounded her stool and lowered his voice.

“Jack wants you in the back.”