King(53)

“Yeah, the woman has an attitude.”

“What did she do to piss you off?” King read the frustration in Henry’s face.

“She offered Sherri a job as her assistant, told her she deserved better than shaking her ass on a stage for a bunch of horny old men.”

King almost laughed but understood why Henry was upset; Sherri was their top earner, and one of Henry’s personal favorites.

Getting to his feet, he went to the door. “You do know that eventually she’s going to move on.” King stopped when he saw the twisted expression of pain on his friend’s face at his casual comment.

“She wouldn’t want me; I’m too old and ugly. She’s going with Max now, anyways.”

“Max will have someone new in a couple of weeks. When he breaks it off with her, ask her out. She’ll go out with you.”

“You think so?”

“Yes.” King opened the door and went out with Henry following.

Going downstairs, he came to a full stop when he saw what was going on. Penni was sitting at the bar, surrounded by his workers who should be waiting on the men in the club or dancing.

“I better see what she wants before we don’t have anyone left working for us. Send her over.” King sat down at his booth, watching as Henry took Penni’s arm and led her across the room.

“Hi, King.” He found himself returning the unaffected smile the woman gave. Penni was as boisterous as Lily was quiet and reserved.

“Henry told me you’re trying to steal my workers.”

“I think everyone deserves options, don’t you?”

“They have options, just none that can bring them the kind of money I can.”

“So I heard. Sherri was interested until I told her the pay scale.” She shrugged, unconcerned.

King noticed at that point that Ice, Jackal and Max came in through the door. They went to the end of the bar closest to his booth, unashamedly listening to their conversation.

Penni turned her head to see what King was staring at. Her blue eyes might be the same color as her brother’s, but his always remained expressionless while Penni’s showed every emotion she was feeling. Right now, they were spewing hatred at Jackal who was leaning sideways against the bar, facing the table with a beer in his hand.

“What can I help you with, Penni?” King drew her attention back to him.

“I heard you’re going back to Treepoint.”

King stiffened. “How did you hear that?”

“Vida, of course. Why? Is there a problem with me knowing?”

“I didn’t want to advertise where I am moving to. It’s safer for Lily that way.”

Penni waved her hand, unconcerned. “You don’t have to worry about that. I won’t say anything. I can keep a secret.” She gave him a wink.

King blasted Ice with a look for letting the information out. Colton was a member of the Predators who had obviously confided in his wife, Vida, of King’s plans to leave Queen City. Ice shrugged, silently telling him Vida, Sawyer and Penni weren’t his problem.

“I would appreciate it.” King motioned for the bartender to bring him a drink; he had a feeling he was going to need it before he could get rid of Penni.

“Anyway, Evie left something behind for me, and I’ve decided I don’t want it. Could you give it back to her for me?”

“Yes.”

“Thanks.” King watched as she then dug in her large bag. He expected her to pull out a pair of earrings, not the forty-five revolver she whipped out and slapped down on the table between them.

“Whoa,” Jackal said, spilling his beer.

“Motherfucker,” Ice said, his hand going behind his back.

King lifted his hand to Ice, stopping him, while glaring at Henry to step back.

“She left it for me to use as protection, but I nearly shot my date last night when we went back to my apartment. I forgot it was under the couch cushion.” Her red face told exactly how she had been reminded of its presence.

King picked it up from the table. Thankfully, the safety was on, so he simply placed it in his suit pocket.

“I’ll see she gets it back.” He would give it back to her along with some strong words for letting Penni have it in the first place.

“I appreciate it. I found something that will work that isn’t so big.” When she lifted her purse and started to look through it again, Jackal took the purse away from her.

“Give that back!” Penni yelled, beginning to get up. Instead, Jackal pushed her back in the booth, sitting down next to her while going through her purse. King saw her smug smile as he searched her purse. He raised a brow when Jackal came up empty-handed.

Penni jerked her purse back, reaching inside. When she pulled out her car keys, both men looked at them, stumped at how keys could be used as a weapon.