The pensive look on Mickey’s face said he was weighing his options. No one needed to have the cops in the club, not cops who were on duty anyway. Bottoms Up was a big hangout for law enforcement. Not knowing if the men were bluffing or not, Baby Jade thought for sure Mickey would be his usual rat bastard self and side with the customers.

He took a step toward Mr. Tats and cautiously placed a hand on his shoulder. Baby could tell he was trying not to make any sudden movements. Mr. Tats looked like he would start swinging any second. The way his jaw flexed and the muscles in his arms tensed was a clear indication that he was waiting for the go ahead to pound on the man. It was also a major turn on.

“All right, Lucky. Let’s back off and let the gentleman up,” Mickey said using a calm voice.

Lucky? Seriously?

Mr. Tats, or Lucky, did not move. “Come on now, we don’t wanna have to replace the table now do we?” Mickey asked. Mr. Tats lowered his arm and slowly stood upright, allowing the man some oxygen, still scowling. Baby Jade noticed he didn’t blink, not once.

“There now. Mister, you might wanna get up off that table before he decides to have another go at you again. And let me tell ya, I won’t be stopping him next time.” Mickey turned to address the crowd. “And the rest of you piss poor sons of bitches can be on your way and don’t drag your sorry asses back in here,” he said, with his hand still tucked in his waistband.

“You’re gonna kick us out? Your guy attacked us. We didn’t do nothing to him. He’s crazy,” Loudmouth protested.

“Maybe, but you must have done something to our girl here and we don’t stand for that either. Read the rules on the wall. And if you can’t read, maybe you should bring a designated reader with you on your little kindergarten group field trips. Now get the hell outta my club.” Mickey stared the loudmouth down, daring him to make a move. The look said it all. Mickey might be fat and slow, but the gun he was now gripping at his side wasn’t.

“Ain’t that some shit. Fine, we’re going. Ain’t nothing but skanks and whores here anyway.” The men sulked toward the door. Mr. Tats didn’t move out of their way, making them walk around him to get out. He stared until the man he’d had pinned was gone and the door slammed closed behind him.

Baby Jade couldn’t believe that Mickey sided with Mr. Tats. That was a first.

“Look, Lucky. You can’t get physical every time some douchebag pisses you off. It doesn’t matter if he’s the one trying to get physical first. Get your shit under control. Got it?” Mickey waited for confirmation, and he got it through a quick nod. “Good. Now both of ya get back to work,” he said, leaving the two of them awkwardly standing together. Jewella had slithered off to Mickey’s office sometime during the confrontation. Baby Jade felt bad for Coral having to go on after the chaos.

Mickey made an announcement through the loud speaker. “Hey guys, the next round of drinks is on the house and we’re getting out some more food ASAP.”

The instant hooting and hollering from the bachelor party put Baby Jade at ease. Mickey had somehow managed to save the day. She looked over at Mr. Tats, who appeared to be un-phased like nothing had happened. He wasn’t fooling anyone. He was definitely no stranger to violence.

She placed her hands on her hips and sucked in a deep breath. “Well, Lucky. It looks like it’s you and me for the night. It is Lucky, right?”

Towering over her, he looked down and replied, “Yes ma’am.”

“Good. Now, first things first. I am in no way a ma’am. You can call me Baby Jade, or simply Baby. That’s my stage name. Well, that’s what everyone calls me anyway. Can you handle that?”

“I think I can. Now I have a question,” Lucky said nonchalantly.

“Shoot.”

“Do you talk to everyone like they’re idiots? Or am I special?” Lucky asked with a stone face before stomping away to stand guard at his designated post. He left her standing alone with a gaping mouth.

What the hell?

Baby wasn’t used to being talked to like that. Sure, Mickey talked down to her, and the other girls were always trashing one another. Slade was hot and cold. He either treated her like gold or like a slut. But Lucky wasn’t talking down to her. He was standing up for himself. She was the one doing the downing. She felt like a giant jackass.

Baby Jade did the walk of shame and planted herself next to Lucky, speechless. A few stragglers came and went. He stood his ground. It was no surprise that he fit the role of bouncer perfectly, never cracking a smile. Every now and then Mickey glanced over to make sure Baby was being a good little babysitter, but not too good.

After about fifteen minutes of silence, she couldn’t take it anymore.

She bit the bullet. “Look, I’d like to apologize. Truth is, yes. In this place, I do talk to most people like they’re idiots. That’s because either they are or they act like one. I shouldn’t have talked to you like that. I’m sorry.” Baby bit her lip, hoping to hide her humiliation.

Lucky turned toward her. He stood well over six feet tall. They were close enough that she felt the heat coming off his body. “Apology accepted. Why don’t we start over? I’m Lucky and you’re Baby Jade, or simply Baby.” Lucky’s full lips curved up into a lopsided smile.

Holy Hell!

Her heart skipped a beat. The left side of his mouth curved slightly upward, creating the perfect dimple. It took her breath, giving her stomach butterflies. Long, dark lashes set off his chocolate brown eyes. His chiseled jawline made her body flush. Tattoos peeked out from the neckline of his black tee arousing her curiosity. She fought the urge to ask about them.

“You’re new in town?” Baby tugged on her bottom lip. She had adopted the habit long ago when she became nervous or anxious.

“You were eavesdropping,” he said, making all the hair on her arms stand at attention.

“No, I wasn’t. Overhearing is not the same thing as eavesdropping.” She tried to protest but smiled when he chuckled.

“Ok, ok. Yeah, I got here a few weeks ago. I’ve lived here before. I guess it’s more like I’m back in town. You’ve asked a question. Now it’s my turn.”

“All right, lay it on me.”

“How old are you?”

Her eyes opened wide. “Damn, that’s a little personal. I was trying to make small talk. You’re digging. No fair.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Well, you should have set some parameters beforehand. Now answer the question.”

“I’m twenty-one.” She eyed him closely for a response waiting for his reaction. Nothing. She had known the man for less than twenty-four hours, and already he had her going crazy. “My turn. Why are you back in town?”

“That’s a long story.” His lips pursed together.

“Oh well, you should have set some parameters beforehand. ’Fess up.”

“Touché.” He grabbed his cock and adjusted himself, almost as if he had to prepare himself to answer the question. “I have some quick business stuff to take care of. I won’t be around long. How long have you worked here?”

Baby Jade stiffened. The question immediately threw up her guard. Too many people had tried to set up traps for underage workers.

“Too long but not long enough.”

“That’s cheating.” He crossed his arms. She smiled in satisfaction knowing she had him. He continued. “Yeah, I know. Parameters.”

Mickey busted into the end of Coral’s set alerting Baby it was her turn to take the stage.

“I have to go. I’m up,” she said and turned to walk away.

Lucky grabbed her hand before she was out of reach, catching her by surprise. “You are coming back to babysit me some more, right? I’d hate to have to tattle to Mickey.” There was that damn grin again. Those dimples. The way his smoldering eyes danced when he smiled. She sensed he was sincere. Also something that Baby Jade wasn’t used to.