She kicked off the thin sheet wrapped around her legs and climbed out of bed. The weathered hardwood floors were cool to the bottom of her feet as she padded to the tiny bathroom. She turned the water on. Quickly shedding her T-shirt and panties, she stepped into the shower under the spray of tepid water.
She longed for a day when she could have a steaming hot shower. Her studio was old and the water only got warm. But at least she had running water. If tepid water was all she had, she would take it. Hell, she’d take a freezing cold bath in the middle of an Alaskan river if she needed to.
One day, maybe one day she wouldn’t have to have water to wash away the sins on her soul.
Maybe one day she’d be white as snow.
***
“Another one?” The pretty blonde bartender nodded at his empty beer bottle and gave him a sultry grin.
“Sure,” Lucien said.
She went about the business of popping the top off another bottle and sliding it toward him. He didn’t miss the invitation in her eyes, but he wasn’t interested. He was here on business. Not to get laid.
“You new in town?” She rested her arms on the counter of the bar and leaned forward, pressing her large breasts up over the top of her skintight shirt.
“Passing through.” He took a drink of his beer. The icy liquid cooled his dry throat but did little to cool the rest of his body.
“Passing through alone?” Her eyebrow shot up as she ran her tongue across her lips.
“Yes.” He kept his tone cool and averted his gaze, hoping she would get the hint.
“Well, if you need anything, come see me. I’m working all week.” She grinned and straightened as a waitress approached and gave her a drink order to fill.
“Know of any adult entertainment that might pique my interests?” Barrett didn’t know the name of the strip club where Catty worked, so he hoped the bartender could give him a place to start.
“Yeah, there’s the Triple X Club down the street,” the waitress interrupted, ignoring the dirty looks the bartender was shooting her. “Strippers mainly, but if you want to pay for a little more I’ve heard the girls are willing. But it’s a rough club.” She looked him up and down and shook her head. “But I get the feeling you are used to rough hangouts.”
He chuckled as he caught the scent of wolf on the waitress.
The bartender narrowed her eyes at the waitress before heading down the bar to fill her orders.
“Thanks,” he mumbled before pulling out a couple of twenties.
“For the strip club info or blocking Lisa?” She nodded at the bartender before looking back at him.
“For both. Name’s Lucien.”
“I’m Helen.”
She leaned close. “Be careful, wolf. When I say the club is rough, I meant rough for other werewolves. I’ve never seen you before, so I’m assuming you’re not from here.” She lowered her voice. “There’s been rumors about a lot of illegal stuff going on in the club. If you’re looking for a piece of tail, then go down to the next bar over. It should be easy for you to get laid with the bad biker vibe you’re giving off.”
“I’m a big boy. I think I can handle myself.” Did the illegal shit involve missing Guardians?
“Then you need to be even more careful. New Orleans is not what it used to be.” She cast a worried glance around. “It would be wise to stay away from humans as well. No matter how hot they are.” She nodded at the bartender.
“I’m not interested in her.”
“Yeah well, here in the Big Easy, women have a hard time with the word no.” She straightened as the bartender set a couple of Hurricanes down on her tray. “See ya around.” She whisked the tray up and skirted the nearest table as she made her way toward her customers in the corner.
It was his cue to leave. He’d gotten a lead. He didn’t need to stick around anymore to give the bartender any hope she was getting into his bed tonight.
He hated to break it to her, but there had yet to be a woman who could lure him in with just one look.
It would take much more than a hot body and a pretty face. It would take an angel.
Chapter Six
“I’ll give you a hundred dollars for a blow job.” The greasy, fat human waved a couple of damp twenties under her nose as if that would tempt her.
Catty grimaced as the revolting stench of body odor rolled off the bills.
“Sorry. I’m not that kind of girl.” She finished her dance move on the stage and stood, ready to get the hell out of the way in case the man couldn’t take no for an answer. He was human but could still overpower her since she was forbidden to shift.
“Stupid bitch,” the man muttered. He turned to the next stripper, who saw him waving the cash like a flag. Luckily, the man’s attention was diverted and Catty eased her way into the dressing room.