She had to give the ballsy man kudos for not being afraid of her temper. His provocative attitude was one she could appreciate.
The club was packed, so it wasn’t until a couple of women moved from around the crowded pool table that she saw Train.
Sex Piston saw him, too.
“You need backup?”
“No. You get yourself something to drink. I’ve got this.”
“You need me, just yell.”
“I won’t be the one yelling.” She maneuvered around Cade and Fat Louise, weaving through the crowd until she was standing next to the two bitches. She didn’t have to be told to know they were hanger-on’s. The sluts wore dresses to get laid, which didn’t bother her, as long as they kept their hands and tits off Train.
When he sank the eight ball in the front corner pocket, he caught sight of her. Laying the pool stick down, he immediately came over.
“I didn’t expect you for another ten minutes.”
“I let Sex Piston drive. That way, if we got pulled over, Knox could take care of the ticket.”
“Good thing she wasn’t pulled over, then. Knox has been writing so many tickets lately that the county gave him the okay to hire another deputy.”
“She’ll be riding home with Stud. She’s planning on getting shit-faced.”
“I stocked her favorite brand of tequila.” Train took her arm, moving them away from the pool table. “You want a drink?”
“No, I’m good.” She saw the two bimbos’ disappointed gazes move to Moon who had taken Train’s place.
“I see T.A. and Crazy Bitch are making themselves at home.”
Killyama looked over to see they were dancing with two men she didn’t recognize. Both of them loved to dance. With a room full of men, loud music, and a free bar, they were giving the two bimbos a run for their money.
“They’re not shy.”
“I wouldn’t use the word shy to describe any of you.” Train’s mouth lifted humorously. “I’m going to grab a beer. You want to save me a seat on the couch?”
Killyama turned to where Train had pointed.
“Lily’s here?”
“Yes, I told you she comes sometimes.”
Killyama took another look around the room. It was a couple of seconds before she realized that something was different from the last party she had attended. The women were dressed as slutty as before—she certainly couldn’t throw rocks in that direction since she was dressed just as suggestively. What had changed was their behavior.
“I get it. Who is the club putting on the show for? Lily or my friends?” She raised her brow, daring him to deny it. The men might not be keeping their hands to themselves, but the atmosphere was still PG rated.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Train deadpanned. “You sure I can’t get you a drink?”
“I’m sure. Dude, be real with me.” She placed a hand on his arm to keep him from slipping away.
Train sighed. “For her and them. Lily doesn’t feel comfortable—”
“You don’t have to explain it to me.” She stared down at her painted toenails. “You wanted my friends here a lot tonight, didn’t you?”
“I want you to be as comfortable in my club as I am in yours. I love living here. We’re like a family, like your friends are to you. If I have to make peace with them, that’s what I’m going to do.”
She hated it when men made flowery speeches, but Train had hit her heart with a punch she hadn’t been expecting. Her friends were her most vulnerable spot. She loved them. That Train wanted them to like him as much she wanted his friends to like her put her in an awkward position, one she had never been in before.
“I was dreading coming here tonight. If you hadn’t invited Sex Piston, I don’t know if I would have,” she confessed, still staring down at her toes. She could walk into a room stark naked and not feel embarrassed, but exposing herself emotionally was almost impossible for her.
“Why?”
“I know the club hates me after what went down with Sasha. I don’t want you to have to pick between me and your friends any more than you want me to have to choose between you and my friends.”
“Look at me.” Train’s commanding voice had her raising her eyes. “None of the brothers or the women hate you. Sasha told us how you had one of the guards watch out for her, and she’s had her charges dropped. If we hadn’t been forced to act, she would still be running from the law. So it’s all good, okay?”
“Okay.” She made sure to keep her eyes steady when he mentioned being forced to act, feeling relieved that Shade had kept his word about her involvement in getting Sasha’s charges dropped. “How about you get me a shot of tequila, and I’ll find us a place to sit?”
“I can do that.” He brushed his knuckles over the globes of her breasts. “Did I tell you I like your top? Leather suits you.”
She turned so he could get a look at her ass in the tight leather pants. “I was wondering when you were going to say something. A woman likes to be appreciated when she dresses up for her man.”
The desire blazing in his eyes was better than any words he could use to compliment her.