Three Hours (Seven Series Book 5) Read Online Free Page A

around.”
    “Don’t you mean boners?” Lexi said with a half smile. “No offense, but you work with some crazy women.”
    “It’s much worse now,” I added, tasting my wine. “One of our girls went missing, so everyone is clamoring to get the attention of her regulars—especially the men who request private lap dances.”
    “No one knows where she is?”
    I shrugged and swallowed another bite. “It could be nothing. Maybe she just took off and decided she’d had enough of this life. I hate to bring down dinner with such a morose topic.”
    “Naya, you’re always upbeat, which is great, but I want to hear what else is going on in your life. Don’t keep secrets from me just because it’s not polite dinner conversation. Did anyone call the authorities? What Breed was she?”
    I poked at my meal, annoyed with the Italian music blaring from the speakers. “Most of the girls are Shifters, and I think her animal was a cougar. Well, that was the rumor anyhow. Lacy didn’t have any family, and I doubt our boss called the Council to investigate. Most clubs don’t want to attract negative attention for fear it might drive away the customers.” I set my fork down and wiped my mouth with the cloth napkin.
    “What’s wrong?”
    Within the past year, work had been so different after the place switched hands. The rumor floating around was that the new owner was a human, but I’d never personally met him. Humans weren’t allowed to own Breed businesses, so no one believed it. On the few occasions I’d caught a glimpse of him, he would walk briskly to his office in the back and close the door. The only person allowed in there was Dean, our manager. Dean had recently put his foot down and stopped letting things like tardiness slide. We liked Dean, but lately he looked more like a man who was afraid of losing his job.
    “Nothing to worry yourself over,” I said, waving my hand. “All the drama that goes with work should stay at work. I’m sure you don’t want me to bore you with the details.”
    Her fork clicked against the plate. “ Bore me. I’m all ears. I’ll tell you some personal stuff if you tell me.”
    My brow quirked. “ Do tell, because that’s a juicy bone you’re waving in front of my curious nose.”
    She nibbled on her lip and leaned forward. “I want to have a baby.”
    My eyes widened and I quietly squealed. “ When? ”
    Her lips made a funny sound as she blew out a breath. “Jesus, don’t get your panties in a riot. I’m not pregnant.”
    “What’s this about then?”
    “You know how humans have a biological clock that ticks near menopause? Well, mine ticks every time I go into heat. Not to mention Izzy found out last week that she’s pregnant again. All of a sudden, my wolf wants babies. That bitch . Here I am about to start up a bakery, and I can’t stop thinking about having babies with Austin.”
    “I bet lots of women think about having babies with Austin.”
    She grinned in agreement. “He said we should wait. He said it’s too soon, and he wants to make sure the pack will stay together and strengthen before we bring kids into the equation. I didn’t think kids were a math problem. The last time I was in heat, I was all over him and he nearly buckled. After that, he built that damn heat house out back. So the next time I hit my cycle, I have to stay locked up in there. Do you know how embarrassing that is? It would be one thing if I were single, but I feel like I’m in the doghouse with my own mate.”
    I circled my finger around the rim of my glass. “So this is what goes on in packs.”
    “Austin is the best lover I’ve ever had, and I really want to feel that with him while I’m in heat. Izzy said it’s intense—like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I’m getting the tingles just sitting here thinking about it.”
    “Me too,” I said with a wicked laugh.
    We resumed eating and I poked at my salad.
    “Anyhow,” Lexi continued, “it’s been on my mind.