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It’d been about an hour since Amber’s shift started, and my mind was racing. Tapping a straw on the table, I peered around the room, looking for any sign of her or something suspicious. Several people waved at me, trying their best to get my attention. Pleasantly smiling to remain as normal as possible, I returned their greeting.
The moment she appeared in front of the table, it took everything in me to restrain myself from jumping up. I comprised my feelings with a simple sigh of relief. She didn’t look visibly shaken or bruised, so I couldn’t make a scene.
Casually setting my favorite drink down in front of me, she leaned close to my ear. “Room two in ten, sexy man.” Without another word, she glided away, delivering other orders to the neighboring tables.
Lifting my glass to my lips, I sipped as I stared at her, making her rounds to the other guests. My mind shifted to Ian’s meeting. While I was concerned for Amber, I also wished I was in Ian’s meeting with Alejandro. I still didn’t want to join his shady ass business, but I was beginning to realize I might have been deeper in that shit than I wanted to admit. However, right now, I knew I’d only provoke Alejandro to violence. As much as I wanted to disregard orders I remained put until I saw Tyler and three others speed toward the main entrance.
Springing to my feet, I watched them disappear through the doors. Glancing back at Amber, who also witnessed it, I shook my head.Stay, I mouthed, flashing a palm as subtly as I could.
She nodded with worry in her eyes.
I marched toward the side door, but before I could exit the VIP area, the bouncer grabbed my arm. “Mr. Hardwin, you ne—”
“Get the fuck off me!” Jerking away, I sped through the crowd, disregarding everyone who spoke to me.
Throwing the door open, I raced down the hall toward the elevator.
“Stop!” Dragon shouted.
Ignoring him, I pressed the elevator button as rapidly as my finger would allow, knowing it would not get to me faster. Huffing, I threw my arms out to the side before darting up the nearby staircase. Just as I stepped onto the landing, Dragon grabbed my arm.
“I need you to not take another step.” His tone had never been so harsh. “Mr. Knight wasveryspecific. I know you want to help him, but you don’t know what you’re about to walk into.”
Before I could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps approached. Two men appeared. The taller one crossed his arms, glaring. “Mr. Hardwin, you need to remain downstairs.”
Heaving my arm away from Dragon, I scowled at the men descending the stairs, back to the showroom. The moment I stepped through the side door, Amber pulled me to the side.
“What the hell happened?”
Glancing around, I took her hand in mine. “Come on.” Pulling her back through the exit into the corridor, we were met with Dragon and the two men. “I’m taking her in there to talk.” I pointed over my shoulder to the private rooms. “You can stand outside. I don’t fucking care anymore.”
Nodding, Dragon followed, waiting outside in the hall as we stepped in. I reached back, locking the door. Kirsten strode in from behind the curtain to greet us.
“Nothing,” I said before she could offer.
“No problem.” She beamed, bouncing her bare breasts. “Just let me know if you need anything, Mr. Hardwin.”
Amber rolled her eyes. “Please don't come back in here!”
Kirsten’s eyes widened before she obeyed.
“You’re a mean supervisor,” I teased when she was no longer in sight.
She huffed. “I get she’s trying to do her job, but I’m a bit distracted right now. I’ll apologize later. What’s going on?”
Hands on my hips, I lifted a shoulder. “I have no idea.”
“When I was in the Blue Lounge, Alejandro was trying to convince them he didn’t do anything except steal the warehouse paperwork.”
“What?” I creased my brow. “Why?”
“I have no idea. Something about a surprise.”
Clenching my jaw, I took her hands in mine. “Did he touch you?”
“Only because I put his hands on me.” She averted her gaze. “Please, don’t be mad. I was just doing my job.”
I placed my fingers under her chin, forcing her eyes to mine. “If you are the one in control, and you’re okay, then I’m fine. This is your job. I have to simulate sex on screen.” Gnawing at the inside of my cheek, I stared in silence for a moment.
