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“See that chick with the white thing on her head? She’s getting married soon.”

“To the male dancing?”

“No,” she giggled.

Ash’s eyes swung toward her. “No warrior would let his bonded be seduced like this.”

“Well, I guess some women are turned on by this, but mostly it’s just a funny way to embarrass the bride.”

Abby didn’t need a translation for Ash’s sanctimonious grunt. She had to agree, this wasn’t her idea of a good time either, but as she looked around, the strip club started to look better and better. She quickly maneuvered Ash to the nearby dimly lit booth and tucked her shopping bag between them.

“Why are we staying here?” Ash scowled, glancing from her to the stripper on stage, then back again.

She shook her head at the implication she wanted to watch the show.

“No one’s going to pay attention to us here. And I never got a chance to use the phone at the gas station, so I’m hoping someone here will let me.”

Abruptly, Ash leaned back in the seat, obscuring himself in the shadow. All she could really make out was the reflection of the stage lights in his dark eyes.

“My name’s Natalie. Can I get you two something?” a waitress asked.

She turned to see a short brunette in a skimpy outfit carrying a tray. Her breasts were pushed up high in a bustier, and her make-up was layered on thick, but she had a genuine smile.

“Two waters, and two jack and Cokes,” Abby spoke over the music. “Do you have any food here?”

“Mostly appetizers, like loaded fries. You want a menu?”

“Yes, I’m starving, but go ahead and bring us two orders of those fries.” Abby smiled when Ash’s stomach rumbled. She had a feeling she could order the entire menu and he’d still be hungry.

“You got it.” Natalie took off, then quickly returned with a menu and the drinks.

Ash sucked down half the glass of water in one gulp then reached for the cocktail. She put her hand on his thick wrist, halting him.

“It has alcohol in it. Do you know what that is?”

Ash nodded, lifted the glass and took a hesitant sip. She saw a brief flash of his fangy smile before he took a larger drink. Apparently, it passed inspection. Abby took a big swig of her drink and sighed as she slumped into the seat. It was strong and good. She really needed a drink, or several, after all the crap they’d been through. She leaned into Ash.

“Can you eat most anything?” She flipped open her menu, and his too for appearances.

Ash nodded again.

The waitress came back around with two plates of fries, and she could barely concentrate to order. The plate of cheesy goodness was calling her name.

“We’ll take two orders of wings, sliders, nachos, and two more of these.” She tapped her glass.

Natalie’s eyes widened.

“He can eat a lot,” she quickly supplied, nodding toward Ash.

The waitress looked at how Ash filled the booth and gave her an exaggerated nod. “Were you planning on opening a tab?”

“Sure.” Abby fished the credit card she usually saved for emergencies from her purse and handed it to Natalie.

“Coming right up.” The brunette smiled, mollified she wasn’t going get stiffed on the bill.

“Oh, hey, Natalie,” she said before the waitress walked off. “Is there a phone I can use? Mine got wet and he forgot his.”

“Not really.”