Page 29 of Property of Prowler


Font Size:

“Your eyes. I was right, you are a shifter.” Before theoh shitregistered in his thoughts, she had launched herself at him.

SIX

TAYLOR

Taylor’s shift was dragging. It was only four hours long, but it felt like ten. Not that the casino wasn’t insanely busy, but because she had a date tonight that she couldn’t stop thinking about.

She’d traded her night shift for Theresa’s day. When her coworker had jumped at the chance, it raised Taylor’s suspicion. She’d thought for sure she’d have to add some sort of incentive, but nope.

Now four ass grabs, two threats ofstop looking at my man, you whore, and no less than seven interactions with security, Taylor realized the early shift was fucking bedlam.

Changing into running shoes from heels after her shift was one of the little things in life that was underappreciated, she thought as she laced hers up.

“So, Taylor, are you thinking of making the permanent change to days … coming over to the dark in the light side?”

Claire, the fifty-four-year-old who didn’t look a day over forty, asked. Claire had been the one to train her on nights when she’d first got hired. “We have cookies, and better tips.”

Taylor couldn’t deny the truth of it. She’d made nearly double what she did for a two-hour longer shift at night. However, she’d take the too drunkVegas can’t handle usdude bro types over thesobering six a.m. crowd who had a flight to catch so they were shooting their last shot, any day.

“Not a chance in hell, Claire. You can keep your cookies and bruised ass cheeks,” she quipped as she closed her locker.

“Your loss,” Claire retorted and followed her from the locker room. “I’m set to retire in three months. So, my ass cheeks can recover just fine while I’m floating around in my pool, sipping margaritas all day, and making questionable content in my old age.” Claire laughed.

“You ladies ready?” Will asked. Taylor was grateful that it was the casino’s policy to walk the ladies to their car after shift.

Taylor waited with Will for Claire to get into her car and lock the doors before they started toward hers. “I got it from here, Will. Thanks.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. I can see it from here.” She pointed proudly at her pride and joy. Just the back quarter panel was visible on the other side of a huge SUV parked beside her. She hoped like hell they hadn’t dinged her car with their monster doors.

“That’s one sweet ride,” Will remarked. Even without much to go on, there was no mistaking the marvel of a classic American muscle car.

“I know.” She beamed as she strode toward her car.

“I’ll tap the brakes after I’m locked in, and you can head back,” she shouted behind her.

“Okay.”

Once she was close, she hit the key fob, starting and unlocking the car.

Rounding the SUV, she reached for her door only to realize it was partially open. Her brother sat in the driver’s seat.

“Hello, sis,” Travis said as he stood from the seat, opening the door all the way. The action herded her toward the front ofthe car, away from where she could pop out to see Will waiting for the signal.

Travis must’ve followed her line of thinking because he reached over the top of the open door and loosely grabbed her arm. “I tapped the brakes for you, so your shadow is gone. Besides.” His tone turned artificially sweet. “You’re safe with me; I’m your brother after all.”

“You’re no brother to me, Travis. And I told you I was done. Not to come around anymore.”

“Technically, you told me not to come to your house, so …” He trailed off as he shifted his body so he could close the door.

He walked them back in an attempt to trap her, but she stopped her backward retreat.

“Anyway, I need your help.”

Taylor was so over it with Travis and men like him in her life.

She.