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I’m about to head back to the mansion when Brinley finds me, her shirt wet and her expression screwed into a tight scowl.
A question is on the tip of my tongue about her shirt, but she rage-drags me back into the mansion before I can ask it.
As she leads me through the mansion, I ramble on about all the men I’ve seen, the couple getting it on so loud everybody could hear it, and she finally explains to me that some jackass spilled his drink on her.
Unsure what her hurry is, or why she’s so pissed off, I drop the subject as we leave, run by her dorm to change then race to Myth so I can get to work … late as usual.
Granger is going to lose his shit … also as usual … but I’ll get away with it because I’m his favorite dancer.
I’m also a piece of ass he’s been dying to tap, but I’m not the type of idiot to have sex with my boss.
Normally, I would never let him think he has a chance. But the fringe benefits were too good to ignore in my current situation, so I allow him to believe he has a shot.
Hear me out on this and try not to be a judgmental prick.
I can’t afford my life.
Never could.
Starting from age twelve, I had to side hustle and make what little I could to help my mom and brother with the bills.
Mom did what she can. Don’t judge her, either. But she could never stay in one place. Establish roots. Or just settle down. It seemed like every time I thought we might stay somewhere longer than a few months, mom got scared and said we had to go.
My older brother, Kane, and I could never figure it out. Not as kids anyway. And every question we asked went unanswered.
Kane hustled too. He just turned out to be better at it than me. But then, he’s a genius when it comes to computers.
I know nothing about them, or what he does on them. All I know is that he’s able to accomplish tasks that bring in enough money for him to continue supporting mom while also paying for my school.
We made a deal … or rather I should say he made a demand. I go to school and he pays for it, but I have to float the cost of a place to stay, food and everything else.
As far as Kane knows, I work at Myth. I just haven’t told him about the cages. More than likely, he’d lose his shit and make a new demand that I find a more acceptable way of supporting myself.
But this is what I’m good at.
So I do it.
Once we’re inside the club, I spot Granger immediately.
Standing at the bar in his typical black on black outfit, he checks his watch before locking his eyes on mine. A chill races down my spine, my eyes closing for just a second because I know what his tight scowl means.
Brinley must notice it as well.
“I told you he’d be mad.”
There’s nothing I can do but play it off. It’s what I do best.
“He loves me. Give him five minutes tops before he’s chasing me. And then one dance and he’ll get over it. But you’re right. I should get going. Meet me upstairs for a drink later.”
Flashing her a practiced smile, I run forward to talk to Granger. His scowl doesn’t soften, not until I pout out a bottom lip like I know he enjoys.
Anything to make me feel sad or upset, and this man is all over it.
But that’s the problem with men like him. They need to feel superior or in charge, and they can’t do that unless their approval alters your behavior.
I know the type well and have been up against them many times. It’s easy enough to play the part and get what I need out of them, but it does nothing to soothe my shame for allowing it.
When struggling to survive, even intangible things like a woman’s pride is a valuable commodity. Especially when dealing with narcissists. I learned that when I was fourteen. A little young, in my opinion, but you do what you have to.
