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“Coffee,” she croaked. “I need more coffee before we talk about last night.”
I stepped to the side, blocking her path. “Talk first, coffee second.”
She crossed her arms and sank into her hip. If I were to have Faith paint this image, I’d dub itUnamused.
“You shared a lot last night,” I prodded gently. “I’m glad we cleared some things up, even if I will be kicking myself for the rest of my life for not getting your phone number right. And for how I’ve treated you these past few months.”
Luna peered at her fingernails like they were the most fascinating thing in the world. “I wasn’t exactly a peach, either.”
My lips twitched. That was one way of putting it.
Still, I loved all the poking and jabbing and fighting.
I took another step toward her, closing the gap again, her hands once again finding their place on my chest, her eyes focused there.
Gently, I lifted her chin. “Thank you for sharing that with me. I fucking want to tear the world apart to find the asshole that hurt you.” She shuddered underneath my palm. “And I’m so proud of you for everything you’re doing to make sure something like that never happens at Club Deux. You’reincredible.”
She gulped, eyes shining. “Thank you for saying that.”
I pulled her in tight, and at first wasn’t sure what to do; she just kind of froze there. Then, eventually, her arms tightened around my waist as I enveloped her in a hug. Luna sighed and a wave of content flooded my veins.
Eventually, Luna tilted back, smirking. “I could really use that coffee now.”
“You’re released,” I said, reluctantly dropping my hands.
She hummed and made her way to the coffee pot. “Monroe called. Sounds like I might have to fire one of our bartenders for being snippy at some customers.”
I clicked my tongue. “The customer is always right. Don’t they know that?”
Luna blew on her piping hot coffee, before saying, “That’s a common misconception. The customer is often wrong, but it’s not for us to judge that unless they’re being an asshole. Then my staff have every right to call security and kick people out. I have a no assholes rule at Club Deux, and I stick by it religiously.”
I stayed put, keeping the distance between us. “And was the customer an asshole?”
She shrugged, the movement shifting her top until it slid down her shoulder revealing her creamy pale skin. Luna quickly adjusted the material but not before she caught me staring. “It sounds like something activated the bartender and they responded inappropriately. I plan to give them a call once I’m caffeinated. I don’t tolerate rudeness from them, but I want to hear them out. If they were having a bad day, maybe they just need some time off to cool down. If they aren’t amicable…” She shook her head. “Then good riddance.”
“You’d give them another chance?”
Luna cocked her head to the side. “We’re human. We have bad days. I certainly wouldn’t want to be judged by how I acted on my worst days.”
“It’s generous, is all.”
“I wouldn’t have a business if I didn’t have great people around me. Do I make terrible hires? Sometimes. But most of the time I can tell if someone has the same principles as me.”
That reminded me of something I saw the last time I’d visited Club Deux. “You have posters up in the bathrooms.”
“You mean the warning signs about what behaviors to look out for that might indicate human trafficking?”
“It’s related, isn’t it?”
She blinked. “Yes. It’s related.”
Alice dashed back into the house, and our conversation ceased. “Faith’s coming!”
Sure enough, I saw Faith yawning as she traversed the pathway to the main house.
Luna got up. “I guess I should go get dressed.”
“We should too.” I pointed between me and Alice.