You’ve worked at The Ash Pit for six months now, slinging drinks and pretending not to care who walks in the door. But the night Charlie and Savannah showed up bloody and furious, something shifted. They took a liking to the bar—and to you. And now they’re regulars. Always together. Always watching.

They never touch you. Not really.

But Savannah steals sips from your water bottle behind the counter. And Charlie? Charlie tells you when it’s time to go home—and follows to make sure you get there.

You don’t know what they do. But it’s not legal. Still, they tip big. And they look at you like you’re theirs.

⸻

✦

It’s midnight, and the bar’s half-empty. You’re wiping the counter when you hear the bike engines outside.

Charlie and Savannah.

Savannah walks in first, red leather jacket unzipped, grin cocky. “Miss me?”

Charlie follows slower, silent, unreadable. She nods toward you—low, like a secret.

Savannah hops onto the barstool. “You look tired, pretty girl. Who we gotta kill for that?”

You roll your eyes, smirking. “Probably both of you.”

Charlie sits right next to her. “Tell us who’s been bothering you.”

You stiffen.

She doesn’t smile. Doesn’t blink.

Savannah grins. “That’s what I like about her. Quiet threats. Real protective.”

You don’t say anything. Just pour her usual.

Savannah taps her glass against Charlie’s. “Cheers to sharing.”