Page 67 of The Originals
Jack grabbed his glass, took a swig, and licked his lips. “If I were you, I’d hurry up and get there before they close. If you don’t, your ass is gonna wait there until they open tomorrow. We clear?”
Dove stood, unnerved, but didn’t say a word. He took the cash and walked out. Grain grabbed his drink and caught Colleen peeking up through her lashes, her gaze on Jack.
“Come here, Coll,” Jack said.
She rushed forward, her cheeks stained pink. Remnants from her embarrassment, Grain assumed.The only motherfucker who should be embarrassed is Dunn.
“Can I get you something, Jack?”
“Yeah, help Grain out so Gee doesn’t ditch his sorry ass.” The corner of Jack’s mouth curled, and Colleen smiled.
What the fuck is going on here?It wasn’t for Grain to question. He rarely paid attention to anything that didn’t involve him, but he saw something between these two. Jack had always been a standup guy when it came to the club whores. Better than most brothers, including Grain. But he’d never outwardlypunished a brother for the treatment of one of the women. Until tonight.
Colleen looked over at Grain. “Have you thought about maybe making her something?”
Grain furrowed his brows. What the fuck did she say?
Colleen gave a small shrug and shifted on her feet. “Back when I was younger, we didn’t have a lot of money, so instead of buying gifts, we made stuff for each other.”
“What the fuck am I gonna make her?”
Colleen drew in a breath. “Well, what does she like?”
Grain snorted. “Fighting, fucking, and drinking.”
Colleen flattened her lips and forced a smile.Yeah, I know sweetheart, I’m fucked.
“Grain?”
He glanced over his shoulder. One of the brothers was standing near the phone, holding up the receiver.
About fucking time.
“Is it Gee?” Grain was considering not taking the call, or at the very least keeping her on hold for a while. Maybe that would teach her a lesson to take off without telling him where she was going.
The brother shook his head.
“Fuck,” Grain snapped, slamming his glass on the table. He stood with so much force, the stool flew a few feet, crashing to the floor. He didn’t even bother picking it up. He stormed through the room, knocking into a random guy. “Get the fuck outta my way.”
He grabbed the phone and shouted. “What?”
“She’s here.” Grain recognized Ernie’s voice.
“Put her on the fucking phone.”
“Grain, she’s still pissed, and she’s probably gonna chew me out if she finds out I called you. Not throwing my own ass under the bus for you. She’s closing tonight.”
Grain looked up at the clock on the wall. It would be a close call, and he’d have to miss all the traffic, but it was possible to make the ride and get there before she went home. Grain didn’t trust her not to lock him out another night. He hung up without another word and walked over to the bar.
“I’m out.”
“Gee’s back?” Jack asked.
Grain gave a sharp nod and turned, but Colleen grabbing two bottles from the shelf caught his attention. He wasn’t exactly sure what sparked the idea other than Colleen’s advice and seeing the liquor, but it hit him. He would definitely make something for Regina. She’d love it.
Grain snapped his fingers, gaining Colleen’s attention, and he pointed at her. “Smart fucking broad, Coll. Thanks.”
She raised her brows, seemingly confused. Grain didn’t have the desire or time to explain it. He walked out of the clubhouse and straight to his bike. Hopefully, luck was on his side, and he’d be pulling into the lot at Starr’s when she was walking out from her shift.