The blonde, who I assume is Layla, peers up at me with kind dark eyes and a welcoming smile. “Trix, nice to meet you. Here”—she motions to a chair next to her—“have a seat.”
“Thanks.” I sit and try to adjust my dress. These girls are wearing more casual attire, cute worn jeans and biker boots or sandals, and suddenly, I feel self-conscious.
I turn my head to the dark-haired girl, and although she’s not purposefully looking unfriendly, her contemplative expression makes me uneasy.
She steps close, her hands braced on her baby, and I can’t help but feel like I’ve seen her before. “Who are you here with?”
My eyes move through the crowd of men at the tables, all of them facing the television screens that are plastered on every wall surrounding the bar. I search out Mason, who, like the rest of them, has his back toward me, the man he’s talking to nearly twice Mason’s size with dark hair and full-sleeved tattoos. My heart flutters with an anxiety I can’t shake, but I push it back and smile.
“She came with Mason.” The high pitch of excitement in Gia’s voice catches my attention.
“We’re going out on a date tonight.” I almost slap my forehead at how stupid I must sound, but I can’t shake the unwelcome feeling that prickles beneath my skin.
Gia props a hip on the table, her big smile framed with all that orange hair. “How in the hell did you and Mase hook up? Did you meet him at the club?”
Embarrassment twists in my gut, and I do everything I can to keep a confident posture. “No, um . . . he had some friends in town, and Angel and I were hired to dance for them.” I look between Raven and Layla, feeling more out of place than I’ve felt in a long time. I have nothing to be ashamed of.
The bar erupts in a mix of boos and groans, whatever happening on the television screen being some kind of disappointment.
“Oh my gosh . . . I know you.” Raven’s blue-green eyes flash with recognition. “You work at Zeus’s.”
“Trix, this is Raven, Rex’s half-sister I told you about.” Gia turns toward the guys. “The big guy over there? That’s her husband, Jonah Slade.”
Oh shit.
“. . . baby Sadie.” Gia finishes, but I’m crippled with panic as the pieces slide into place.
UFL guys. Rex, Jonah, and—
“Trix, I want you to meet the boys.” Mason appears across the table, a big grin on his face. “This is . . .”
Blake “The Snake” Daniels. I remember.
Play it casual, Trix. Remember he’s a total stranger to you.
Blake’s eyes are narrowed for a few seconds, moving between Layla and me, before they widen and he swallows hard. “Trix.” He nods.
“Blake.” I nod back, but, as much as I wish I could cover up all the fear gurgling inside me, it’s too late.
Tension settles in the air, and by the look on Layla’s face, it didn’t take her long to figure it out.
“Zeus’s . . . do you and Blake know each other?” Her voice is barely a whisper, but the jagged edge of hurt is apparent.
“Mouse—”
“Shit.” Jonah moves toward Raven, as if he’s planning to hold her back once she figures it out.
Mason’s smile fades. “What’s going on?” He flicks his hand between Blake and me. “You two know each other?”
“Blake?” Layla stands and locks her hands around her stomach. “Do you know Trix? Personally?”
Everyone’s eyes dart between Blake and me, and I feel Gia push in close, a silent but obvious show of support.
“Fuckin’ A, Baywatch.” Blake glares at Mason, who’s staring intently at me.
“Blake? Tell me.” Layla’s a lot stronger than I am. Whereas she’s inches from an angry tirade, I’m bordering on tears.
“Mouse, let’s go talk out—”
“No, here.”
“Fuck.” He runs a hand over his cropped hair. “Valentine’s Day, when I left, I went to Zeus’s.”
“I know that, Blake.” She throws an arm out and points at me. “Tell me why you’re looking at Trix like she’s about to ruin your life.”
“Nothing happened, baby. She danced for me. I had a private dance, but nothing happened.”
“Don’t you fucking lie to me, Blake Daniels. What did you do?”
He scrubs his face. “I thought you were leaving me for that asshole! You kicked me out!”
“So . . . did you guys . . . ?”
“No, Mouse. I love you.” He moves closer to her, but doesn’t touch her. “I love you.”
“Would you just tell me what the hell—”
“I kissed him.”
All eyes in the room swing to me, wide with shock.
“It’s true. He hired me, and once we were in a private room, I kissed him.”
Layla drops her chin to her chest and breathes deep. Blake moves in, pulling her to his chest and kissing the top of her head.
My gaze swings to Raven, who gives me a half smile, almost as if to say she’s grateful I told the truth but even the kindness in her eyes isn’t enough to erase the awkward tension in the air.