Page 89 of Undertow

I nod and force my limbs to move through a thick coating of dread. Ricardo’s brown eyes bore into me as I pass, daring me to start something. What, I’m not sure, but he’ll never know how helpful he’s been.

Then again, very soon he probably will.

18

AUTHENTIC SEDUCTRESS

The vapor of cigarettes and cannabis entwine with the raucous din of conversation throughout the packed bar.

The electric energy of The Raw Oyster is nothing like I’ve experienced in my time as a bartender at the McArthur properties. Their pricey establishments are about exclusivity and discreet indulgence.

There’s nothing cautious about the decadent revelry spilling throughout the open-air carnival atmosphere of this place.

I slide another cocktail to the guy who’s been checking me out all night and barely contain a smile when he whispers something to his date. The other man does an obvious scan that lands on my eyes. He raises a brow, and I shake my head with an apologetic smile. Their synchronizing pouts fit perfectly with The Raw Oyster’s authentic vibe. Tonight’s seductress is a stark lack of pretense as music blasts and laughter echoes from one group to the next.

Hands slide around my waist from behind, and I nearly drop the pint glass I’m filling.

“Almost ready for a break?” Julia says at my ear.

My body immediately responds, hardening from the promise of pleasure only she can bring. It’s been torture watchingher float around in her tiny shorts and bikini top all night. “Beachwear” seems to be the uniform of choice for all employees of The Raw Oyster, including the men.

Julia runs her palms up my bare chest from behind and loops them around my shoulders. I feel the warmth of her lips on my shoulder. My neck.

Fuck.

This busy bar can’t afford for either of us to take a break, but there’s no arguing with the boss.

“Let me finish this pour and I’m all yours,” I say, leaning my head back toward her.

She grips my hair and shoves her mouth to mine for a hungry kiss. I feel the amusement of the crowd and smirk when she pulls away with a frustrated groan.

“Two minutes,” she warns in a stern tone.

I return a grin. “Give me one and we’ll be good.”

Her teeth sink into her lip as she backs away with a seductive gait. Eyes locked on me, she’s the picture of temptation with her smoldering glint and coy smile.

Damn. What was I doing again?

Cold liquid flows over my hand, and I curse at the overflowing beer glass. I quickly shut off the tap while Julia laughs in the background.

“Sorry,” I call to the waiting patron whose drink I just ruined.

He huffs a laugh. “No problem. Nothing you can do when a woman like that attacks you from behind.”

I chuckle and wipe down the glass. “She’s lucky I’m getting any work done tonight.”

I pass him the pint, and he hands me a twenty. “Keep it,” he says. “Looks like you’re gonna need it.”

We exchange a grin, and I nod my thanks.

Once he’s gone, I slide the money into the drawer under the bar. Theo, the youngest Hartford, comes by every hour to collectthe cash and take it somewhere for safekeeping. It’s on my list to find out if it’s the same place they store La Quinta Muerte’s stash. “Theft” isn’t on the agenda for this mission, but it would be good information to have.

Julia’s sizzling stare catches mine from a few yards away. She motions with her finger to follow, and the fact that there’s nowhere in this crowded space to go only intrigues me more. My blood is already pounding, my body heating up from more than the sticky ocean air as I rinse my hands and tell the other bartender I’m taking ten.

As soon as I clear the bar, Julia grabs my wrist and drags me through the swinging door to the kitchen and out the back.

Her smile tells me everything I need to know once we’re outside.