“Actually, we’re not having a conversation and I’m not interested in starting one.”
“Now, wait a minute. You’ve got some nerve acting all high and mighty while dressing like some two-cent hooker.” The man stood.
Her mouth dropped. “Look, asshole…”
“First you’re going to apologize,” Lucien growled at the guy. “And then you’re going to call your mom and tell her what you said and how much of a dick you were tonight.”
“Let me tell you something—” The man’s deceptive smile slipped and revealed a snarl that made Catty cringe.
“I’m not finished.” Lucien stepped into the man’s personal space, their chests touching. The human might be big, but Lucien was bigger. “You’re never going to come into this bar again and harass another woman. And you’re sure as hell not going to try to drug another woman.”
“Drug? What you mean?” She tried to stand, to make her legs move, but the signal wasn’t getting to her brain. Her body felt weightless, like she was floating on a white puffy cloud.
“I saw him slip something in your drink.” Lucien’s tone dripped with venom, the kind that could kill in seconds.
“I’m calling the cops.” The bartender grabbed a phone behind the bar and punched in some numbers. “I don’t put up with that shit in my bar.”
“No need. I am an undercover cop.” Lucien answered. “I’ll take care of this.”
Catty frowned. Undercover cop. She hadn’t pegged him for that.
“Fine, fine,” the man stuttered, his face going pale. “I’m sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean any harm. I’ll just go.”
“You’re not going anywhere. You still need to call your mother.” Lucien held out his hand. “Give me your phone.”
“What?” He rubbed his palms down his pants leg and jerked his gaze around the room.
“Your phone. Now. Or I’m going to punch you in the throat. You can’t talk to your mom when your throat is collapsed.”
The guy blinked and dug around in his trouser pocket. He fished out his phone and handed it to Lucien.
“Your password.”
“What?”
“What is your password?”
“BigDick.”
“An asshole and a liar.” Lucien snorted.
Catty squeezed her eyes tight, trying to clear her muddled head. Whatever he had put her drink must be strong. The bartender shoved a glass of water at her and told her to drink. She complied but kept her gaze locked on Lucien.
His jet-black hair fell across his forehead and scraped his shoulders as his breathing increased with each heavy breath. His lips were stretched across his white teeth in a sneer and his hands were fisted at his sides. He looked like he was ready to kill in his black leather jacket.
The drugs must have affected her brain because she was starting to imagine herself naked and in his arms. He was hot, for sure, but he had a calm, deadly demeanor, like he could snap at the flip of a switch.
He was the last guy she needed to be getting all hot and bothered about. If Big Mike caught wind she was hanging out with a werewolf outside the club, then her life would be in danger.
She watched the scene play out in a blur of activity.
The guy put the phone up to his ear. The next few minutes consisted of him confessing to his mom what he’d done and trying to apologize. Lucien then took the phone out of the man’s hand and began telling the guy’s mom he would make sure he got the help he needed.
He hung up and shoved the phone in the man’s chest. “You will leave and never harm another woman again. If you do, I will find out about it. I have eyes everywhere. You can’t hide from me. Are we clear?”
The guy slipped a finger beneath his collar and tugged. Sweat popped up across his upper lip and forehead, and his chin quivered. He nodded several times before he backed away and finally fled out the front door.
“Are you all right?” Lucien stepped between her legs and leaned in close, his warm breath tickling her cheeks.
“Mmmm.” Her stomach tingled and she closed her eyes. His scent was washing over her like a tidal wave of sexy alpha male.
“Catty?” The unmistakable tone of concern was stamped into his voice. She opened her eyes to find him staring intently at her. He cupped her face, his eyes scanning her face.
Mentally she was telling him to leave, to step away and stop touching her. But she couldn’t seem to make herself say the words.
“Lucien.” His name rolled out of her mouth like a moan.
“Come on.” He tugged her to her feet. Her legs buckled.
He swept her up in his arms before she could fall. She wrapped her arms around him and tucked her face into the crook of his neck.