Page 118 of Challenge Me

“Not right. I don’t need security.”

“It can’t hurt. It’ll make people feel safer when they drink there anyway. It’s a win-win situation.”

“And how much does Tommy charge for his special services? I won’t be giving him a blowjob. Enough cringey porn tropes have happened in this place already.”

“No favors,” he replied firmly. “It doesn’t matter what it costs. If nothing happens, good. If it does, he’ll take care of it. He’s licensed for this and isn’t afraid to put hands on someone.”

“Yeah, I’m sure, but the answer is still no.”

“He’s also been out of the service for a year and hasn’t been able to find a good job. He has two young boys and a support dog that helps him out. A husky named Loki.”

I narrowed my eyes at the door. “Loki, you say?” With a muttered curse, I re-holstered the gun beneath the counter. “You’re a bit of a douche, you know that?”

“I’m fine with being a douche, as long as it keeps you safe.”

“I don’t need you to protect me. I’m only agreeing to this because I respect our heroes.”

“You’re a saint, Remi.”

“Mmhmm. I’ll go wrangle your Marine.”

“Alright. I, uh . . . miss you.”

A smile curved my lips. “I miss you too, baby.”

Setting the phone down with a sigh, I headed toward the door. When I opened it, Tommy was standing off to the side smoking. There was a husky beside him, which he’d tied to the bike rack.

“Give me one of those.” I held out my hand, and he passed me a cigarette. I leaned forward to let him light it, then took a long drag. “It appears my powers of deduction were lacking in there.”

“No need to apologize. I think the worst in most situations. Habit.”

“Mm. I’m not apologizing, but I concur. Why’d you leave Loki out here? Don’t you know he’s prone to getting into trouble?”

He looked at the dog, then back at me. “I didn’t know if you’d be alright with him hanging around. I was going to stay out here at the door anyway.”

“Nah, he’s welcome inside. You can’t really do your job from out here. The last thing I need is a bouncer at the door, so come in and pretend you’re an alcoholic or something. You got a gun?”

He tapped his hip, which was covered by his hoodie.

I smiled. “Good, then it looks like we’re square. I know he’s a service pup, but I’m going to pet him.”

“Have at it.”

Crouching, I scratched Loki’s ears and got a face-full of hot dog breath. “You’re a magnificent little trickster, aren’t you? Yes, you are.”

Chapter 31

Amir

Marcus laughed when Jeffrey showed him the picture Remi had sent earlier. I’d barely been able to stop smiling. Tommy had been working at the bar for only three nights, but Remi had already gotten a hoodie for Loki that said ‘Security Pawficer’ across the back. He’d taken a picture with all three of them, and he had a giant smile on his face while he gave a thumbs up. Loki seemed just as happy about the whole thing, and Tommy was tolerating it.

Clearly, this man was a nurturer. Avery had even mentioned how much Mal talked about him. I knew that she video called him too, and I doubted he ever let it go to voicemail.

He was remarkable.

I was glad this was my last game in Texas. I’d be on a plane tonight, and I couldn’t wait.

“You’re next on the lineup when we’re at bat,” Shawn told me.