The tattoo artist struggled against Tony’s big frame. “Let me hit her, Aaron. I’ll make her shut the fuck up and the world will sigh with relief.”
When Aaron shook his head and put a stop to the impending violence, Kristen grinned brightly. Jade glared hard, yet obeyed Aaron’s request. I didn’t though.
The sound of my hand slapping Kristen’s face was like a gunshot. The whole place seemed to shake from the sound. No one reacted. Even Kristen looked unsure at what happened then she screamed “cunt” and swung at me.
“Please,” I said, ducking easily. “I’ve seen small children with better aim.”
Jade hooted while Aaron considered interfering until Tony patted his shoulder.
“Let these women handle their business. Don’t be a chauvinistic pig and tell them what to do.”
A disappointed Kristen realized she wasn’t getting any help. Yet, she was probably five six while I was an inch over five in my tennis shoes. She still figured she’d win easy. She figured wrong.
Using moves I learned to block opponents in roller derby, I nailed Kristen on the jaw and she fell backwards. Flopping on her butt, she looked up at me and burst into tears. Her sobs sent Jade into hysterics while I just frowned.
“Bitch sure can’t take a hit,” Jade said, high fiving me then leaning down to gloat over a crying Kristen. “You fucked with the wrong man. If I see you again, I’ll pound you. No one messes with Aaron Fucking Barnes.”
“Great, I’m Bailey now,” Aaron murmured to me and I laughed. “Are you okay?”
“She didn’t even touch me. Hell yeah, I’m okay.”
“My little fighting muse.”
“Tell you what,” Jade announced. “We’ll drag the crybaby outside and shove her stupid ass in that shitty car. That way, you two can fuck in the shop without anyone interrupted.”
“Gross,” Melissa said. “I’m leaving.”
“No one cares,” Jade said, yanking Kristen up and pushing her out the door.
Tony watched them go then grinned at Aaron. “My woman is so hot when she gets crazy. You ain’t the only one getting honey tonight.”
The men high fived while Melissa hurried out with that bitchy look plastered on her face.
Aaron watched them disappear then looked at me. “I’m firing Melissa. Would you happen to want to work here?”
“What about Denny’s?”
“Babe, give your two week notice and come hang out with me.”
“What if we get sick of seeing each other?” I asked as he leaned down and nibbled at my collar bone. “Never mind. That feels good.”
“I know they left us alone, but I don’t want to do it here. Can you imagine what my customers would think?”
“Not sanitary. Let’s race home,” I said, going for the door as he grabbed his keys to lock up.
Aaron took my hand and stopped me. “I’m sorry that shit with Kristen happened.”
“I was bound to meet her eventually and she was bound to act like a bitch then end up on her ass. We just got it over with sooner rather than later.”
“You are so hot when you turn roller derby on people,” he said and I wondered if we were leaving. “A tiny badass.”
Staring into his blue eyes, I smiled. “I want you and I don’t want to wait long. Are you giving it to me here or at home? I need to reassure my pussy the wait won’t be long.”
Aaron’s expression flattened out and I was pretty sure all of the blood left his brain. A minute later, he blinked and took an unsteady breath.
“We’re leaving.”
“I accept the position as your receptionist,” I said, hugging him against me as we walked out. “I’ll get to see you work and enjoy your happy customers.”
Aaron nodded slightly, but he was mostly focused on getting home without crashing so we could celebrate naked.
Chapter Thirty - Aaron
Most days, I felt like a grown man who could win a fight, pay his bills, and gain the respect of others. Occasionally, Mom would wipe my mouth at a restaurant and I’d feel like a kid again. I felt that way waiting for Vaughn at the quarry. Like a child waiting for his big brother to get him out of a bind.
Fact was I had never stolen a car before. I was strong and smart and figured I would be stealth too. Vaughn rolled his eyes when I said this then he ditched me at the quarry and stole Gloria on his own.
A loser like Larry didn’t deserve a fine vintage car like Gloria. The Corvette Stingray had been lovingly restored by a jackass who named his car, yet treated his kids like afterthoughts. I planned to lovingly tear the fucking thing apart.
“Have your fun then we’ll torch it and get a beer,” Vaughn said, yawning.
“Did anyone see you?” I asked just to annoy him.