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Her eyelids flutter, and her mouth falls open, but she quickly composes herself. “Um, you can work here behind the desk with me. It’s not difficult. You sign people in, sign them out, and sometimes you process payments. I can show you how to do that.”
Because I want to spend another minute with her. “I think the guys mentioned something about cleaning the equipment? I can do that. Where do I find the supplies?”
Her face falls a little, and I’m glad. It’s nothing compared to the way she’s made me feel, but it’s a start. She points at a small closet across from the desk, where paper towels and bottles of cleaner sit. “I think I can figure this out. Thanks.” And with that, I head deeper into the gym, where dozens of people sweat while music thumps from speakers set up in the corners of the room.
At least I don’t have to be close to Colt or Nix while I’m doing this. They’re both working out with pretty complicated-looking equipment, loading extra weight before sitting on the benches and pushing themselves through their routines.
It’s not bad enough I have to be here with my two biggest enemies, but the third on the list is here as well? The worst part is, if she hadn’t gone and messed everything up, I could really use her friendship about now. I have no one to confide in, and Piper would have been the first person I went to if she hadn’t chosen to turn against me. My heart is sore as I walk through the gym, hustling over to machines once people leave them so I can spray the handles and seats before somebody else uses them. Not exactly the most thrilling job, but it’s easy enough. And at least it means I don’t have to be alone with these two idiots—there are plenty of people around all the time, all through the first ninety minutes of work.
“Hey. You’re new around here.”
I didn’t notice a man, who looks to be in his mid-thirties, approaching me. He’s handsome enough, I guess, though I’ve had my fill of handsome men. Colt and Nix are gorgeous, but they’re evil. Looks don’t mean much when you don’t have a soul.
So I’m understandably wary as I offer a brief smile. “I just started working here today.”
“Oh? Then I guess I’ll have more of a reason to show up, won’t I?” From the looks of him, he’s here a lot, and I can’t pretend not to appreciate his muscular build and broad, brilliant smile.
His dark eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles again, running a hand through his short, sandy hair. And what would your name be?”
“Her name is none of your fucking business.” Colt wedges himself between us, popping out his earbuds. “So why don’t you just get back to your workout and let her do her job?”
The older man quickly sizes Colt up and either decides it’s not worth the effort or he doesn’t feel like getting his ass kicked. He backs off, hands raised. “Sorry. Just making conversation.”
“Yeah, well, it’s a gym. This is where we work out.” Colt waits for the guy to step onto a treadmill before turning to me, his eyes narrowed.
I don’t give him a chance to start his shit with me. “What is your problem?” I whisper. My cheeks are burning with embarrassment, and I know there are people paying attention even if they’re pretending not to. “I’m supposed to work here, you know? How am I going to keep my job if you do things like that?”
“He’s a piece of shit. And you were lapping it up, weren’t you?”
“You don’t have the first idea what you’re talking about. That much is obvious. He was only trying to be nice.”
“Would you grow up?” he sneers. “He wasn’t trying to be nice. He was trying to get into your pants.”
“Oh, and I forgot, didn’t I? I have no say in who goes there, either, do I?”
We’re still glaring at each other when Nix joins us, covered in a sheen of sweat, though he doesn’t seem winded. “Come on. Time to go.”
At first, I figure he must be talking to his brother, but then I realize they’re both looking at me. “You’re kidding.”
“Does it look like I’m kidding?” Nix grunts. “We finished our workout, so we’re going home. And you’re coming with us.”
This is all too bizarre. “But I’m working. I can’t just walk out.”
“Yeah, you can. Since that’s the arrangement we came up with. We know the guy who owns the place. We can pretty much do whatever we want.”
That’s their entire problem in a nutshell. They’ve spent their entire lives believing they can do whatever they want with no consequences or thoughts for anyone but themselves. “How am I supposed to earn any money if I’m hardly ever here?”
“Do you ever stop complaining? We’re going. That’s the deal. Don’t worry. You’ll get your money.” Nix rolls his eyes and turns away, followed by Colt. I guess I don’t have a choice but to believe them and follow. If this is all a joke, it’s a pretty complicated one, but even Piper looks surprised to see me leave. I can’t bring myself to acknowledge her, even to show my own confusion.
Every day, I lose a little more control over my life. How long will it be before I have no say over anything at all?
CHAPTER11
“Leni! Come on, we have to go.” My mother’s voice doubles and triples on itself as it echoes up the stairs and through the second floor. She’s trying hard to sound happy and lighthearted, but I’m not fooled. I’m holding her up, and she wishes she could chew me out for it.
“Be right there!” I call out while taking one last look at myself in the mirror. This is my nicest dress, far nicer than anything else in my closet except the dress I’m wearing tomorrow at the wedding. A light yellow color with a black floral print, it swings around my thighs when I walk and even has pockets. For the first time in days, I feel like myself. Nobody is telling me what to wear or how to be. And that gives me a little bit of courage to face whatever tonight will bring.
I hate that I have to dread what should be a nice, memorable evening with family. The rehearsal dinner is a big event. But I’ll be too busy worrying about staying away from the pair who will be my stepbrothers as of tomorrow.
