I walked through the doors of the Neon Cowboy and glanced around, scanning the crowd for Jeanine. Not because I wanted to see her, but because I didn’t want to deal with her shit tonight.

“Hey, Frisco.” Brandy, the waitress I flirted with often and fucked sometimes, greeted me.

Brandy and I had an agreement. We’d spent some nights together, enjoyed each other’s bodies, and didn’t need anything more. She was easy and didn’t make my head hurt with her bullshit.

I buried my face in her hair. “Hey yourself, beautiful. How you doin’ tonight?” My lips brushed against her ear and she shivered in my arms.

“I’m better now that you’re here,” she whispered.

“Want me to wait around for you tonight? I can give you a ride home?”

“Yeah. I could use a ride,” she replied with a small laugh.

“Let me hang out with the guys and then find me when you’re ready to get off.”

“I plan on it.” She dragged her lips against my cheek before she backed up a step.

Tonight I’d get a piece of ass without hearing shit about it in the morning. That had been the best part of being single. No one expected anything from me.

“Look who finally decided to show his face,” City said when I approached the table. He wrapped his arm tightly around his wife, Sunshine, before he took a sip of his beer.

We’d been friends for as long as I could remember. Unlike the other guys we hung out with at the Neon Cowboy, City and I had an understanding. I’d even say we were cut from the same cloth. We both believed in fidelity and loyalty above all else, and we knew how to treat our women until they needed to be tossed to the curb.

City had the look of a man you didn’t fuck with. He was big, wide, and dark. His piercing blue eyes were haunting against his olive skin and dark hair, and his appearance unsettled many people who crossed his path. Much like me, his skin was covered in tattoos, but his were part of his trade.

“If your brother didn’t work me to death, I’d be here more often.” I pulled out a chair and collapsed. “Hey, Sunshine.”

She gave me a lopsided smile and swirled the drink around in her glass. “Hey, Frisco. I haven’t seen you in so long. How are ya, sweetie?” Her blond hair cascaded down her shoulder, kissing the edge of her cleavage, but I didn’t dare stare.

I watched the way she curled into her husband’s side, always touching him. “Just perfect, babe.”

When I’d first met Sunshine, I didn’t think she had a chance in hell of lasting with City. They were complete opposites—him a badass biker who inked for a living, and her a prissy schoolteacher with more issues and rules than I had back in Catholic school. But here they were, happily married.

“Are you over her?” Her eyes shifted when she referred to Jeanine.

“Yeah, babe. She’s in the past.” I looked around the table and my eyes stopped on Bear, who had a look that screamed bullshit.

He held the beer bottle in front of his face and stared at me down the glass. “Where was your dick last night?”

Motherfucker. Bear always had to throw me under the fucking bus.

I glared at him, grinding my teeth. “There’s a lady at the table.” I leaned forward in my chair, resting my elbows on the table and glaring at him.

He glanced around before looking at me. “Who?”

I shook my head, wondering if he’d had a few too many already. “Sunshine,” I snapped, motioning toward her with my fingers.

He laughed. “She’s one of the guys now. I’ve heard her say some pretty nasty shit. Ain’t that right, Sunshine?” He winked at her, causing her to giggle.

“Yeah.” A straw clung to her bottom lip. “So where was it?”

There it was.

The innocence.

We’d all teased her about her inability to use cuss words, and she hadn’t changed. But every so often, when you got her mad enough, she’d let them fly.

Everyone was fishing. They all wanted me to admit what I tried to hide, wanted to hide. I don’t know if I was ashamed of the night before or just didn’t want to hear their comments. I could see that no matter what I said, they weren’t going to drop it until I fessed up.

“Where was what?” I asked Sunshine, trying to get her to say the word.

“Your thing,” she replied as she set her drink down.

The entire table erupted in laughter. Sunshine had been a good girl—hell, she still was. She may have hung around with a crowd that cursed as if it was our only language, but she still couldn’t use the words herself.

“See.” I pointed at her, unable to contain my smile. “She’s still an innocent.”

I wanted someone like her.

Scratch that.

Although I loved her to pieces, I needed someone with a little more bite.

Scratch that too. I didn’t want anyone. Didn’t need them.

City choked on his beer and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. “She’s far from that, man.”

Bear slapped the table, tears forming in his eyes as he laughed. “Stop stalling. Since you’re over her, why don’t you tell us where your thing was last night?” He raised an eyebrow, challenging me to answer even though he knew I wouldn’t back down.

“Fuck off, Bear.” I waved my hand in front of my face.

“Hey, guys.” Brandy held her tray against her hip and bounced slightly on her heels. “Another round?”

“I’ll take a shot of Jack and a beer, Brandy.”

“You got it, Frisco.” She winked at me.

“Another round for everyone, including Sunshine. Make hers a double.” Bear nudged City with his elbow. “We’ll get you laid tonight.”

City laughed, pushing Bear back. “She isn’t as much of a lightweight as she used to be, Bear, and I don’t need to liquor my girl up. What do you want, sugar?” He stroked her shoulder with his hand.

“I’ll take another, but not a double.” Sunshine pushed her empty glass toward Brandy. “I have a kid to take care of.”

“Coming right up,” Brandy said before sauntering off.

Bear watched her walk away. “I’d love to sink my teeth into that.”

“You’d sink your thing into anything, Bear. Who the fuck are you kidding, you old bastard?”

“You think you have more game than me, buddy?” he challenged, adjusting himself in the chair and leaning forward.

“I think I can get more pussy than you. In a fuckin’ heartbeat.”

“Yo, fuckers!” Tank yelled as he walked up to the table and tossed his cigarettes in front of his open seat.

“Tank,” everyone replied without looking.

“What the fuck did I miss?” His eyes swept around the table.

I laughed and pointed my thumb at Bear. “He thinks he can get more pussy than me.”

Tank slammed his hand down on the table and broke out into laughter. “That old fucker thinks he can beat you in a pussy contest?” Tank looked at Bear, shaking his head. “You senile or some shit?”

“No, asshole,” Bear snapped, his top lip snarling. “I can get any pussy in this room.”

Tank laughed harder, holding his side with one hand. “You should get your ass checked for that dementia. Frisco has a good fifteen years on your ass, and he knows how to treat a woman. Plus, his face doesn’t hurt either.”

Bear recoiled and his expression hardened. “What the fuck is wrong with my face?” He ran his fingers through his beard before smoothing it.

Tank slapped the table again, doubling over in laughter. “I can’t,” he said, trying to catch his breath. “You’ve got to be fucking joking me.”

Bear’s face softened as he looked around the table. “I’m pretty.”

“Scary,” City added, joining in on the laughter.

Bear crossed his arms over his chest, pushing back his shoulders. “Fuck you guys. You’re all assholes.”

Sunshine leaned in front of City, looking Bear straight in the face. “I think you’re pretty.”

City looked down at her. “You can’t be fuckin’ serious?”

She peered up at him, giving him a warm smile. “Everyone is beautiful, babe.”

He dragged his hand across his face. “Jesus. The woman likes everyone.” Glancing toward the ceiling, City let out a loud sigh.

Bear slapped him on the back, laughing. “Lucky for you, man. How else did you get yourself such a wonderful girl?” Bear gave City’s shoulder a tight squeeze.

A grin crept across City’s face. “That was my thing.”

Everyone broke out into laughter.

Sunshine rested her head on his chest as she looked up at him. “That sealed the deal, baby.”

Bear blanched and turned his eyes on me. “You up for the challenge, little man?”

I pushed my chest out, squared my shoulders, and smiled. “You’re on, old fuck,” I said with a gleam in my eye.

“You boys are bad. You shouldn’t treat girls that way,” Sunshine added as she glanced between Bear and me with her mouth agape.

I cleared my throat, leaning back in my chair. “We won’t treat them any other way than they want to be treated, sweetheart. Not every woman is looking for a relationship.”

She nodded slowly, giggles bubbling out of her. “Works for me.”

“What’s our target?” I rubbed my chin and thought about the best way to go about this. Really, no matter how we did it, I’d win. I’d never lost at anything. “Quantity or—”

“Here’s your drinks, guys,” Brandy interrupted, placing her tray on the table before handing them out.

“Thanks, Brandy.” Bear leaned forward and cleared his throat. “Can I ask you something?”

Here we go. I knew what was coming. Bear had been sweet on her, but then again he was sweet on a lot of girls. He didn’t know a thing about Brandy and me. We kept our arrangement on the down low. It wasn’t anyone’s business but our own.

She looked up at him, chewing her lip. “Sure, Bear. What’s up?”

“Well…” His eyes shifted. “Tank here wanted to know if you’re taken.”

Brandy blushed, glancing down at the floor. “No, I’m single,” she whispered as her face turned red.

“Brandy.” Tank’s voice was soft as he reached out and touched her arm. “It wasn’t me asking, but don’t be ashamed, babe. You’re a beautiful woman.”

Her eyes met Tank’s. “Thanks, Tank. You’re really sweet.” She winked at him and turned her attention toward Bear. “Anything else?” she asked as her body straightened.

“We’re good.” City dragged a beer in front of him and barely hid his amusement. “Thanks, Brandy. You can leave before one of these assholes says something else.”

She nodded and hugged her tray before she walked away.

“You’re assholes.” Sunshine shook her head.

The entire table turned to her and gawked.

“Mark this day in the books, men—Sunshine swore,” Bear announced, pretending to write a note on his palm.

“Fuck off. Stop harassing my woman,” City ordered, kissing the top of her head and pulling her closer while glaring at Bear.

“Fine. Back to what we were talking about before. Are we going for quantity or do you want to go head-to-head?”

Tank cleared his throat before he choked on his beer. “That didn’t sound right,” he said in a strangled voice.

“Sick fuck,” Bear snapped. “So what’ll it be, Frisco? Are you man enough?”

I leaned forward, rubbing my hands together, ready for the challenge. “I can beat your ass head-to-head any day. What’s the target?”

Bear leaned forward too, glancing around the table and speaking quietly. “Brandy.”

My eyebrows rose as I caught a glimpse of her across the room. “Brandy?” I asked, keeping my voice low. “Seriously? You think you can land her after that bullshit you just pulled? Her body language when she left didn’t say fuck me.” I laughed, knowing I had this one in the bag.

Bear smirked, toying with the scruff of hair hanging from his chin. “She wants me.”

“Clueless,” Tank mumbled before he brought the beer bottle to his lips.

I studied him and almost felt sorry for what was about to happen, but the feeling quickly passed. “What am I going to win when I crush the hell out of you?” This shit would be way too easy. Some would say it was cheating, but this was Bear and it was like taking candy from a baby.

“Fifty bucks.”

“Cheap fucker,” City muttered.

“One hundred, then,” Bear said.

I grabbed my beer, took a sip, and studied Bear. “You’re on, man. Ready to go down quicker than a hooker lookin’ for a fix?” The corner of my mouth twitched as I tried to hide my amusement.

“In your dreams, prick,” Bear shot back and cracked his neck, readying himself for victory. “Watch how it’s done.” He pushed his chair back and stood, zeroing in on his target. “I’m going to end this before it gets started.”

I motioned toward Brandy, trying not to laugh. Bear looked so damn serious and confident. “Have at it, man. Let’s see what game you got.”

“Watch and learn, little boy.” He straightened, smoothing his shirt and beard before he marched off toward her.

“You’re already meeting her after work, aren’t you?” City asked as we stared at Bear, waiting for the scene to play out.

I nodded, unable to hide my laughter anymore. “Yeah, I talked to her when I walked in.”

Tank turned toward me. “How often you hitting that fine piece of ass?”

I glanced at him and crossed my arms in front of me, feeling a little protective. “As often as she wants.”

Tank patted me on the back, a smile creeping across his face. “That’s my boy.”

“I wish I had fuckin’ popcorn.” City shook his beer, checking how full the bottle was before slamming it back.

“Me too, man. Me too.” I tried to watch, but I kept looking away, guilt gnawing at my insides. The poor guy was about to lose and fall hard. But the one thing I knew about Bear was that he never let it affect him. The man would get knocked down and hop right back up, bigger and better than before.

“I missed you guys.” Sunshine watched Bear intently, barely breathing.

Tank glanced over at her. “Eh, we’re assholes, babe,” he muttered. “You make us better men, though.”

“Clearly that’s a lie,” she mumbled, toying with the pink umbrella resting on the rim of her drink. “You guys are up to the same nonsense as always.”

“That’s why you love us,” I reminded her before I leaned forward, resting my elbow on the table and watching the train wreck unfold before my eyes.

“Yeah, that must be it,” she muttered. “Poor Bear.”

“Oh, please. He’s an asshole,” City said.

Bear tried to wrap an arm around Brandy and sweet-talk her the same way I had when I walked in, but she slipped from his grip.

“It’s not lookin’ so good for him.” Tank laughed. “I should record this shit.”

“Sick fuck. That would just be cruel,” City said, watching as stoically as the rest of us.

Bear tried again, caging Brandy against the bar as she leaned back. If she were mine, I would’ve already been on top of him, teaching him how to treat a woman. But I knew Brandy could handle herself. Working at a country biker bar like the Neon Cowboy, she had to deal with assholes all the time.

Brandy dipped under his arms, sliding out of his hold and squaring her shoulders. She glared at him, her hands waving in front of his face, and she laid into him.

He replied, but I couldn’t read his lips. Suddenly her hand flew through the air, striking him in the face. His body recoiled as he grabbed his cheek, stunned.

I jumped from my seat, moving quickly to her aid and grabbed him by the shoulder.

“Bear,” I warned.

“Dude, what?” he said, still holding his cheek with fire in his eyes as he glared at Brandy.

“Watch it.”

He turned his glare on me. “You think I’d fucking hit her?” His mouth dropped open and he shook my hand off.

I gave him a weak smile. “I don’t know, man.” But I did. The one thing I knew about Bear is that he’d never hit a woman. He had always been the one to step in and stop us from doing something we’d regret later.

“I deserved the slap.”

“I’m sorry, Bear.” Brandy glanced down at the floor, hiding her face behind her brown hair.

“Nah, Brandy. I was a dick. Forgive me?”

She brought her eyes to his but didn’t smile. “I’m still not fucking you, Bear.”

“Can’t blame a guy for trying,” Bear replied before walking away and leaving us behind.

“What the fuck was that about?” she asked, shaking the sting from her palm and peering over my shoulder.

Grabbing her hand, I massaged her tender flesh. “I’ll tell you later.”

“It better be good.” Her shoulders sagged as I continued to rub her fingers. “That feels so good.”

“I’ll make ya feel better, sweetheart,” I promised, giving her a smirk that I could only describe as carnal.

A greedy smile spread across her face. “I know you will, handsome.”

I released her hand and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Get back to work and let me deal with Bear.”

“I’m counting the hours,” she whispered, turning her face to brush her lips against mine.

“Me too.” I pulled away, letting our fingertips touch as I took a step backward before turning and heading for the table.

I couldn’t hide the smile on my face. Bear’s posture said it all. He was pissed.

“I smell defeat,” I teased as I sat down and rubbed my hands together.

His eyes narrowed. “I call bullshit, Frisco. You had her before we made the bet.”

I glanced around the table, glaring at everyone. “Who fuckin’ opened their big mouth?”

The only person at the table smiling was Sunshine. She never could keep a secret, especially after a few drinks. I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck because what was done was done.

“Don’t be mad at me,” she whispered, displaying a sweet, innocent, bullshit smile on her face.

I shook my head and sighed. “I could never be mad at you, babe.”

“He just looked so sad. I couldn’t help myself.” She drew her shoulders up near her ears in an exasperated shrug. “Sorry, Frisco.”

I waved her off. “It’s cool. I’m still the winner in the end. I’ll be going home with Brandy, and Bear will only go home to a handy.” I laughed, but I winced when City grimaced. “Sorry, man. Too much?”

His piercing blue eyes softened. “A little.”

Sunshine just laughed and gave him a quick, playful swat to the chest. “Oh, stop. I’ve heard worse from his brothers.”

“Let’s not forget Izzy,” Bear chimed in.

City turned slowly as he pinned Bear with his glare. “Forget she exists.”

Bear swallowed hard, all color draining from his face. “Forgotten.”

“I better go get a drink at the bar. I don’t think Brandy will be coming back.”

“Grab a round while you’re up.” Tank shook his empty bottle.

“I’ll put it on Bear’s tab,” I called out over my shoulder.

“Fucker,” he mumbled.

“I plan to,” I added, turning around to hide my laughter.

Bear wanted to beat my ass. It was a good thing he’s my best friend or I would’ve been laid out already.

“Hey,” Brandy said from beside me as I leaned against the bar. “I’m getting off early. Bar’s slow. Wanna leave in an hour?”

I licked my lips and raked my eyes over her body, leaning into her space. The heels she had on showed off her calves beautifully and caught my eye. “I’m ready when you are. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into you and taste your sweetness,” I whispered in her ear. The line had been cheesy; I’d admit that. Brandy didn’t need to be wined and dined. We had the same goal—to get off.

“You know all the right things to say to me.”

“Uh-huh,” I mumbled, sucking her earlobe into my mouth and biting it gently. “Now be a doll and bring us another round, and I’ll make all the misery melt away when I eat your sweet pussy later.”

“Yes,” she said, shivering in my arms.

I kissed her on the cheek. “Good girl.”

As I started to walk away, she took the liberty of smacking my ass. The loud music of the bar mixed with the chatter of the crowd drowned out the thwack of her hand. I laughed, shaking my head as I walked back toward the assholes I’d have to kill an hour with.