I groaned and dropped my head back. So much for that. And to know this was Occum’s doing? Best to leave before he found me again. This night had been a total waste. Though, I did get to see her again. Not that I cared. Not that I continued to search the room for her. I was going to leave now.
After just one more minute.
Chapter 5
Suzie
It was an ambush. That man, Clifford Rutledge, had no idea he was being thrown into a viper pit when he came here tonight. I tried to get his attention the second I spotted him. I wanted to warn him that Occum was gonna throw whatever he could at him, namely me. But he was stuck talking to Titty Teddy—a regular at the G-Spot, not-so-affectionately called so for his taste in the largest-chested women in the club. I wanted to avoid those grabby hands if I could.
Occum had me dancing and working the room so I couldn’t warn him directly. I warred with myself. I had a job to do tonight. But I also knew I couldn’t let this man be played. I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to warn him, except that he struck me as a good and honest man—even if he didn’t know how to dress.
I walked around getting drinks and making small talk with the men until finally, the Professor was free. I just needed to pass by and talk to him. No big deal. I talked to men all the time.
“Hey, Short Fuse,” a regular called out, distracting me. “Get me a whiskey.”
I would not hit the customers. I would not hit the customers.
“Sure, doll.” I flashed a quick smile.
After delivering the drink for no tip, I headed back toward the Professor. If I could just get a moment with him, maybe I could find a way to convince him. My stomach churned at what he might ask for in exchange.
Occum was talking to Titty Teddy himself when he spotted me headed toward Clifford. He abruptly ended their conversation and cut me off before I could get to him. I exchanged a glance with Clifford before focusing on Occum.
“What are you doing?” Occum blocked my path with his arm, keeping his face friendly.
“I was going to talk to the Professor, like you asked.”
“I didn’t saytalkto him.” As he spoke, he stepped forward, forcing me to walk backward until the bar hit my back.
“I just meant, I was gonna go get ‘em.” My nerves were getting the best of me. I could hardly focus on my performance all night. As soon as I saw him, my knees just about gave out. I could hardly speak.
“Wait a minute. I got other plans for you.”
“But you promised—”
“I know what I promised.” Occum grabbed my upper arm and squeezed. “Don’t forget who you’re talking to.”
I swallowed and bit my tongue to keep from making things worse.
“There’s a room over there.” He pointed to a door off the main hall. “Go in there and wait. Don’t speak, Short Fuse, or so help me.”
I sucked my lips back in.
“I’ll send in your man. If he doesn’t want you, I’ll send in another girl hedoeswant. He isn’t leaving here until he agrees to sign off. Do you understand?” His fingers dug deeper into my arm.
I nodded.
“Whatever he wants. Whatever his tastes. You give it to him.”
Tears burned the back of my eyes. I lifted my chin and swallowed back my fear. I refused to let Occum see any of that.
“I don’t give a shit if he wants to tie you up and wear your panties. You do it, whatever he asks. You get me that goddamn signature.”
“Okay,” I managed to croak out. I wanted to fight back. I wanted to tell him no, but my fear muted my anger.
“Don’t disappoint me. You won’t get a second chance.”
My legs were about to give out. I wanted to curl up in a ball. I wanted someone to hug me and tell me it would be okay. I used to be able to rely on Occum for at least a little support. He’d been so angry and mean lately. I rested my head on his chest. He sighed and it ruffled my hair. He wrapped his arms around me and I felt so much relief I thought I might start sobbing.
