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“Ask him.” I nudge my chin towards Cain, and I catch sight of Amberley cautiously making her way over.
“She has a concussion,” Cain states simply.
“Yeah, and she’s back at work in less than forty hours. I think she’s fine,” Perry mutters. “Cain, what did I fucking tell you? You can’t hack it.” Perry grabs his friend’s shoulder, speaking directly into his ear. My boss mutters something about not being able to have a moment's peace from work.
“Hello,” Amberley says, giving me a tense smile. I roll my eyes and take the drink she has in her hand.
“Don’t you fucking dare!” Cain snaps at me. His eyes are blazing, and both Amberley and Perry look around, astonished at his attitude towards me. I lift the drink slowly, and Cain takes a step towards me. The glass touches my lip. “Lauren,” he warns. I take a decent-sized sip, and his face twists in anger. He moves, gripping my cheeks gently, my lips pursing, and the cold liquid seeps free, dribbling down his fingers. He towers over me and leans in. His eyes go dark, blazing fire back at me before they drop to his fist, soaked in alcohol. When they slowly raise back to me, my gut clenches nervously. Perry places a calming hand on his shoulder.
“Stop it,” I choke.
“The drink, Lauren. Give it to me,” he punctuates slowly.
I shove the glass into his hand, my eyes pricking with embarrassment, then stride away. Arsehole. My chest heaves, my gut heats, and I blink away the image of him staring hotly at me.
“What the hell was that about?” Amberley chases after me. “I can’t believe he made you spit the drink out!”
“I can’t stand him. I’m definitely going to look for another job,” I admit with a soft shrug. Eyeing me with sympathy, she gives me a quick hug as Perry comes over. Can she really blame me?
“I hate to say it, but he really doesn’t seem to like you.” she muses, sipping through a straw.
“Hey, ladies,” Perry pecks my cheek but keeps formality with Amberley.
“Hi,” I mutter.
“Lauren, sorry that happened. He’s had a bad day.” I want to declare that I don’t care, but Amberley speaks up first.
“What brings you here?” Amberley flutters her lashes at Perry, who laughs at how brazen she is.
“Well, I own the place, for starters.” He laughs, frowning.
“Oh, we didn’t know that.” Amberley grins. I chance a look over Perry’s shoulder to find Cain standing watching from afar, my drink at his mouth. He lifts the glass in a show of thanks. God, I truly hate him.
“Let’s go,” I say quickly.
Perry stares at my friend. “Are you sure you girls don’t want to stay for a drink? Amberley, right?” Perry smirks at my friend.
“Would love to, but we need our jobs more.” Amberley snorts.
“Another time, maybe,” I answer sullenly.
“Ignore him, stay,” Perry offers.
“Thanks, but I’m ready to call it a night,” I croak, pulling her along.
“See you around, alien.” Perry grins. I don’t know why, but I look back at Cain, only to find he is standing with a group of people. Sensing he has an audience, his eyes lift to mine, and his gaze narrows—even from across the room, I can taste his dislike. It lances my stomach and leaves me feeling inferior. Scoffing, I look away and feel my shoulder droop with sadness. Why the hell does he loathe me so much, and why did he have to speak to me like that just now? I’m mortified. I can’t wait to leave and rush from the club, hailing a taxi to take me home.
* * *
“Morning!” Beryl smiles. “Is everything okay?” Her narrow brows pull together when she turns to me in concern.
“I’m fine,” I assure her. “I became unwell and had to go home,” I lie.
“Someone said you slept here?” She laughs, shooting a look between Amberley and me.
“I wish!” I laugh.
“Me too. Beats my apartment any day!” Amberley murmurs.
