Page 12 of Rattlin' Bones
Relieved, I nodded. “Okay.”
Skel didn’t seem appeased by that answer. “I could help.”
My father shot him a doubtful look. “I don’t know who you are or why you helped my daughter. I’m thankful for your assistance, but your services are no longer needed.”
I sighed. When my father got like this, reasoning with him was almost impossible. “How can you help, uh, Bran?”
Skel’s lips twitched. He seemed pleased that I picked up on his real name, which meant Skel was an alias or nickname. “I run a private investigation business. I’m good at finding secrets.”
Wow. He was a P.I.? Interesting.
“I already have the best tech experts on the city payroll working on this case. They’re digging into Juan Diego’s financials and background. I’ve added Luis to the list after tonight.”
“But it wouldn’t hurt to have a P.I. helping us, right? What if he can find things your connections can’t?” I asked, hoping to convince my father to hire Skel.
“Perhaps,” Dad agreed. “Do you have a card?”
Skel reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Reaching inside, he removed a card and presented it to my father. “Shadow Investigative Solutions. I’m currently taking on new clients.” He glanced my way and winked.
“Consider yourself hired on a probationary basis. Provide something useful, and I’ll hire you on a more permanent basis.”
“I appreciate that, Judge Maxwell.”
My eyes closed. Exhaustion left me weak and unable to stay awake. “Goodnight,” I whispered, already drifting asleep.
“Night, Sweet Girl.”
I heard him leave and wondered how long it would be before I saw Skel again.
Chapter 4 Lacey
Present—
“Get the fuck away from her. Now,” Skel rumbled, placing his body in front of mine.
God, that growl was sexy. Everything about Skel turned me on, and I hated it. He knew how he affected me and played with my emotions like the skilled playboy he was.
My skeleton man. That was what I had named him. The dark vigilante in a mask who helped save my life. Twice.
If this was any other place besides this strip club, I would have enjoyed my crush coming to my aid. But tonight? No. He was going to ruineverything.
The bouncers never moved in our direction. Maybe they thought I had it under control. Or perhaps they were bored. I wasn’t sure, but it cemented my suspicion that they weren’t there for the girls. The management hired them for muscle, just not for the front room.
“Hey, back off. Both of you.” I lifted my empty tray, holding it between me and Skel. “No fighting. And there’s no touching unless I say so,” I added, glaring at both men.
The guy on the floor apologized, nursing his bruising jaw as he sat there. Maybe he was too smashed to get up.
Skel cocked a brow, daring me to ignore him.
I did it anyway, rushing toward the bar. After placing the tray down, I made a beeline for the ladies’ room.
Skel caught me first. His arms slid around me and lifted, carrying me into the empty storage room. I wiggled out of his embrace before he shut the door behind us, leaning against the wood with a scowl.
No mask tonight. I almost missed it.
“What the fuck are you doing here, Lacey?”
“I don’t owe you any explanations.”