Page 92 of Duty

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“Last call!”

Haven’s shout echoed over the bar, and throughout the crowd. Hands flew up from those close to the bar to grab their final drinks before the night was over, and Safe Haven officially closed their doors.

Valeria was back behind the bar helping, but things had slowed down quite a bit. The main acts were over, but there was still one girl left to finish her dance before the security would begin helping people out.

And calling cabs for those who clearly needed one.

“Take five,” Haven called down to the other bartender. Even if it was last call … “Me and Val can handle this final rush.”

The girl nodded, and gave a little wave as she left the bar. It was only her second break of the evening, and Haven was sure her feet and hands were tired as hell. She’d more than earned every dollar tonight, though.

Girl needed a bonus.

“Is he still here?” Valeria asked.

Haven looked up from the cups she was wiping out. “Who?”

“You know who.”

Oh, yeah.

Andino.

Haven’s gaze drifted over the crowd to where Andino had settled himself into table fifteen for a good portion of the night. Now, the table was empty—it had been empty for quite a while. She had sent someone else to deliver his whiskey, and according to the girls on the floor, he’d not asked for another drink after that one.

“Gone from the table, anyway,” Haven said.

“Think he’s waiting outside for you?”

“Maybe, and maybe not. It’s hard to say with Andino.”

Valeria slipped down the bar, and grabbed one of the clean glasses from Haven with a soft smile. “Okay, better question.”

“Shoot.”

“Do you want him to be waiting out there for you?”

That made Haven stop.

She hesitated to answer.

Considered …

Her answer should have been the easiest thing she ever said—no, I don’t want him to be waiting out there for me after I left him hanging two months ago while I was still wet between my thighs.

Instead, she found herself saying, “I don’t know, Val.”

Valeria nodded, and started mixing the drink for a waiting patron. “It’s okay to be confused, you know.”

“Weren’t you the one who told me to be careful about him?”

“And I still think you should. I also think if you go into something knowing what you’re doing, then that’s a different story, Haven.”

Fair enough.

“I don’t know what I want,” Haven admitted.