Page 25 of Bitter Spirits

Locke took Isa’s hand as they cleared the few steps to the entrance, but they were forced to stop when Carter didn’t move aside. Stepping in front of Isa, Locke moved into the bouncer’s space. “Problem?”

Carter’s attention went from Isa to Locke, something working behind the stony expression as he held Locke’s gaze. Then, surprisingly, without a word, the man reached back, opened the door, and stepped to the side. Lights flashed from deep inside, but strangely, no sound emerged, indicating there was more than one spell at work.

Without releasing his hold on Isa’s hand, Locke ushered her forward, keeping his body between her and Carter. As they passed, a faint scent teased his nose, but he didn’t have time to chase it down. Not with Carter watching them. They stepped across the threshold and into a deafening wall of music. The heavy bass line was an underlying heartbeat that seemed to sync with the flashing lights as he followed Isa deeper inside. The place was busy for a Sunday night, but then again, he wasn’t sure the patrons were the typical nine-to-fivers, so perhaps the whole day-of-rest thing didn’t apply.

Isa led him up a short set of stairs that opened to a wide walkway ringing the mass of undulating bodies on the floor below. As she wove her way through the club-goers, he took in the scene. There were three levels—the main floor below, the walkway they were on, and the top level above. In between the spastic lights, he made out various alcoves on the top floor, with group seating and tables for patrons to lounge at as they watched the happenings below—most likely the VIP tables. Unsurprisingly, he spotted a couple of faces he recognized by reputation.

Isa made a beeline to one of the two bars dominating the second level. Most of the seats were filled, but as Locke and Isa approached, one opened up. Isa took advantage, sliding in before anyone else could claim it, leaving Locke to wedge himself into the space next to her. Isa turned so her bare back was to Locke and crossed her legs as she waited to catch the bartenders’ attention. There were two, both female, both busy as they moved in a coordinated dance along the back line of the bar. It only took a minute or two before the younger one flashed them a smile and a nod, indicating she’d be over in a minute, as she popped tops off a pair of long-neck bottles and set them in front of a customer. The older bartender was busy with a customer a little farther down.

As he and Isa waited their turn, Locke scanned the crowd, noting it was an interesting mix that ranged from discerning sophisticates to edgy unconventional people and everything in between. The music from below was loud, but considering he could still hear the buzz of nearby conversations, it was clear that whoever was running this scene didn’t skimp on things like soundproofing spells—a financial layout indicating this supposed fly-by-night setup was well funded, and he couldn’t help but wonder whose pockets those funds were buried in.

He noticed a handful of bouncer types positioned through the club and was on his return sweep when he saw the older bartender register Isa’s presence and do a double take. As the younger one started to head their way, the older one directed her toward another customer and took her place. She stopped in front of them and wiped a towel over the bar’s top before setting her palms flat so she could lean in.

“Isa, I thought you were shot of this scene.” Her tone was casual but concerned. The woman’s mature features had Locke putting her age closer to forty than thirty despite the trim, fit curves displayed by the triangular leather top that left her arms and back bare above her formfitting leather pants.

“Hey, Nova.” Isa shifted forward so the two could talk. “Wasn’t planning on making a return appearance, but my guy here”—she reached out and put her hand on Locke’s chest—“got an invite and thought to surprise me.”

Nova’s eyebrows rose. “Hell of a surprise.”

“You’re telling me.” Isa’s response carried a guarded edge.

Nova’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t you have enough business at your place to keep you out of mine?” she asked with a hint of cautious teasing.

“It keeps me out of trouble,” Isa said.

“Sorry to hear that.”

Isa gave a surprised laugh. “Me too.”

Nova’s grin was a little less strained as she straightened. “Well, what can I get you?”

Isa looked at the back of the bar, where bottles were lined on lighted shelves. “How about we start with two Eagle Rare tens, one neat, one on the rocks?”

Nova shook her head. “I see some things don’t change.”

Isa shrugged. “What can I say? I like nice things.”

Nova grinned, her gaze sweeping over Locke with obvious feminine appreciation before returning to Isa. “I can see that.”

Isa chuckled as Nova moved off to get the bourbons.

Locke dug cash out of his pocket then extended it over Isa’s shoulder so she could see it as he bent to her ear. “Here.”

She turned and studied him, her face close to his. He wondered if she was going to argue. If she did, he’d be putting a stop to that with a kiss, considering that her mouth was right fucking there.

He couldn’t decide if he was surprised or disappointed when she took the money with a quiet, “Thanks.”

He tucked a few more bills into the glass filled with tips then went back to watching Isa’s back.

Nova returned and set a squat glass filled with golden amber in front of him and one that included a round ball of ice in front of Isa. “Enjoy.”

Isa handed over the cash, though she held on to it when Nova went to pull it away. “Just five minutes, Nova. That’s it.”

Nova and Isa stared at each other for a long moment, then the older woman inclined her head. “I can give you five. Go grab a table.”

Isa let go of the cash, and Nova headed back to the register. Isa picked up her drink then slipped off the stool. Standing in front of Locke, she said, “Come on—let’s get a table.”

He picked up his drink and stayed at her side as they moved through the crowd. Finding a table on the second level wasn’t easy, as they were few and far between and in high demand. He spotted a group near the back wall that looked as if they were getting ready to leave, and he touched Isa’s spine to silently guide her over. They were almost there when Locke slid past Isa to intercept an incoming trio and set his drink down on the tall table. The trio moved on.