Page 15 of The Bratva's Christmas Bump

“Okay, honey. Let’s get you some ice for your knuckles, though.” Xena winces as she takes my hand and turns my palm face down to study the rapid swelling and bruising across my knuckles. “Did you teach him a lesson?”

“He won’t be back. Tell me what happened?”

“Sure!” She pops her gum between her teeth and leads me toward the bar, teetering on eye-wateringly high heels. “Nancy was giving that first guy a dance, the usual. He wanted a private session so after forking out the cash, she took him through the back, but the other guy, the one with the squint?” She motions to her own thickly lined eyes as she hops over the bar. “He left Candy’s room and followed them into Nancy’s. Started going at her and they tried to double team, which is when Leo threw himself into the mix. I think that’s about when I called ya. The fight spilled out here, and we did everything we could to stop them from leaving until you or the cops turned up.”

“You called the cops?” Perching on a barstool, I flex my knuckles with a wince while Xena scoops a handful of ice into a towel and wraps it up.

“Nah, but I was worried one of the guests would, y’know? Luckily, I think we’re fine. Here, honey. Put that on your knuckles.”

“Thanks.”

“Course. Leo alright?”

“Mhm. I’m sending him home.”

“And the customers?”

“After what you described, I’ll take care of them properly.” It only takes a few seconds to fish my phone out my pocket and text a few words to Toto. “They’ll be dealt with before sunup.”

“Thanks, honey.”

“I told you. You need me and I’m here.”

“You can’t spend all your days running after little old me and my girls. You do enough for us already.”

“I don’t care.” My eyes meet hers. “After what happened to?—”

“Ah.” She raises one long, perfectly manicured hand. “Say no more. I understand. You gotta do what you gotta do.”

“Thanks, Xena.”

“Course, honey.”

“Speaking of, actually. I need a favor.”

She leans both hands on the bar and smiles. “Sure. Whatcha need?”

“Witnesses for a wedding.”

“Oh?” She tilts her head, yet somehow, the miniature top hat doesn’t move. “What for?”

“I’m getting married.”

“Married?” Her mouth falls open and she lunges for me, pinching my cheeks like I’m a child. “No way! Who is she? What’s the deal? When do I get to meet her?”

“Maybe in an hour, if you and some of the other girls can be my witnesses?”

She leans back with her hand on her cocked hip. “A shotgun wedding? Honey, I am all over that!”

“Help me!” A yell suddenly rises from the crowd, but her voice is so familiar that nothing other than dread fills my stomach. “Please, somebody help me!”

Concern floods Xena’s eyes and she darts past me with impressive speed in her heels, colliding with Hollie a few feet away.

“Chick! Calm down, I’m here. What do you need?”

“Please!” Hollie grips Xena’s bare arms and gasps. “He killed someone right in front of me and now he won’t let me leave! He’s keeping me prisoner, please, you’ve gotta help me!”

“Who, chick?” Xena’s eyes widen in alarm. “You’re safe here, honey. You’re safe. Ain’t no one gonna hurt ya, I promise.”