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'You want the ones with the dresses, see?' Alain forced the other man's hand back, smiling affiably. 'The staff, they ain't for rent.'

'Mind your own business,' the man snarled. The bartender slid away, rubbing her jaw.

'Not nothin' but friendly advice, frere.' Alain's smile never slipped. 'I were you, I'd move along afore somebody less friendly,' he nodded towards the bouncer standing across the room, 'gets to takin' notice.'

He let go. Glowering, the man rubbed his wrist, looking from Alain to the bartender to the watching bouncer, whos had had slipped casually under her jacket.

'Fine,' he bit out, backing away with a last hard look at the bartender.

Jade: That was... sweet. Unnecessary, but sweet.
Alain: Just helpin' a lady out.
'But if you're looking for payment in trade --'

Alain laughed. 'The girl would have your ass for poaching. 'sides, I'm a married man.' He slid onto the barstool. 'But I won't say no to a drink.'

Her shoulders relaxed as she turned to the shelf full of bottles. 'That's a fair price.'

Alain propped his chin on his fists, watching her. 'I'm Alain. Don't remember seein' you here before.'

'Jade.' She poured generously. 'I started last week.'

'Like it?'

'I've done worse.' Jade shrugged. 'It'll let me pay off a few debts.'

'Like you friend back there?'

She stiffened. 'What do you mean?'

'Didn't act much like a mark lookin' for a staff freebie,' Alain said mildly. 'Acted like he knowed you. I got a sense for these things.'

Alain: Aussi (also), he still by the door watchin' you.
Jade: Of course he is.