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Even though Euphoria wasn’t Ian’s only company, it was still a business, and he ran his others from the office here as well. It couldn’t close because of a dangerous mobster roaming the streets. He demanded the club remain open against Luke and Jenna’s wishes.
The club continued its routine, but Ian didn’t want me dancing, yet. He was too nervous about my safety after last time. Standing in front of his desk, I fastened my hands, waiting for the reason he called me up.
“I know I said I didn’t want you dancing, but I need you to.” He lifted his hand to his chin, glancing at Chance.
My gaze followed. Chance bowed his head subtly, giving me the okay. I wasn’t about to question Ian at work, and definitely not about his reasons.
“Amber,” a deep voice announced its presence behind me.
I spun on my heels, mouth agape.
“I believe you met my son in California.” Narrowing his gaze, he cocked his head, lifting his hand to his jaw, studying me. “I’m Vito Aggio,” he enunciated his English in a prominent Italian accent.
I nodded. “Yes, sir. I know.” I immediately regretted my words, but everyone knew who he was. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought he was trying to hide a smile. It was clear I was intimidated.
“I’ve just been speaking with your boss,” he put his hand on my shoulder, jerking his head toward Ian, “and we feel you’re capable of dragging anyone out of hiding if they’re in the club and associated with the Mussolini family.”
“May I ask what you mean?”
Surveying the room, I struggled to understand how I’d be able to help. Ian stepped around to the front of his desk. Vito dropped his hand, disbelief replacing his curious expression. Ian overlapped his arms across his chest.
“The guys are going to watch the crowd closely, studying reactions. Anyone who shows too much interest in you, they’ll grab them. His guys are hidden in the crowd with mine, so you don’t need to worry.”
I frowned. “Okay, but the drunk men always show too much interest. Hell, ninety-nine percent of my customers do, men and women.”
“She’s right,” Luke agreed, taking a step forward. “I’ve seen how intoxicated people look at the staff, especially her and Jenna.”
“That’s the point.” Ian interjected. “They’d be watching Amber, not gawking at her. I know the difference in the expressions of our customers. They’re here because they have a job to do, not at their leisure like the others.” Moving toward me, he gnawed the inside of his cheek for a moment. “You will dance.”
Nodding, I took a deep breath. “Yes, Mr. Knight.”
“Let me walk you out.” He gestured to the door.
I glanced over at Chance, who was watching intently, although he seemed more at ease this time. The moment we stepped into the lobby outside Ian’s office, he grabbed my arm, spinning me around to face him. My eyes widened, and I recoiled out of habit. After a brief moment, we both relaxed our posture.
“Amber, youcannotquestion me.” Running his fingers through his hair, he exhaled. “I’m your boss when we’re here. I can’t show you favoritism.”
“Can I ask you a question now, then?” I pursed my lips, crossing my arms.
Rolling his eyes, he bowed his head, sliding his hands into his pockets.
“How many more times are you going to use me as your bait?”
“As long as it takes.”
“Hmm.” I hummed, bobbing my head. “I thought you guys were done using me.”
“I changed my mind out of necessity,” he growled. “Do you have a problem with that?”
Tapping my foot rapidly, I ran my tongue over my teeth, sucking in a sharp breath. “Fine, but I’m changing my song tonight then, and I’m doing thismyway.” Spinning on my platform heels, I marched toward the exit. “It’s the least you can do for me,boss.”
“What do you have up your sleeve, Miss Wilson?!”
Stopping, I pivoted back to him. “Absolutely nothing,Mr. Knight.” I paraded toward the door. “I have no sleeves.” Sarcastically, I held out my bare arms.
“Wait!”
Once again, I stopped, turning to face him, mischief painted on my face.
