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“No.”
“No,” Trey mocked. “It isn’t.” Trey could feel Dahlia’s eyes on him, but she remained silent. If she was surprised by his act of chivalry, he was about to shock her.
“Get her things,” Trey said to Manny. “She’s done for the night.”
Dahlia jerked around, knocked into his arm, and faced Manny.
“No, I’m fine. I can totally finish my shift. I’ll fix the shirt, and I handled the customer. It’s really not that big of a deal.”
Trey slowly turned his glare on Dahlia. Not a big fucking deal? She’d been attacked.
She leaned in, lowering her voice. “If I don’t finish my shift, I won’t get paid. I can’t afford that, Trey.”
Desperation carried a certain and undeniable tone. Trey hated hearing it in her voice. He’d made the decision before walking through the door, but now he’d make it known.
Trey turned back to Manny. “She’s leaving now, but you will pay her for her entire shift. Is that going to be an issue, Manny?”
“What?” Dahlia whispered.
“No, Trey, not a problem at all,” Manny said.
It should have been enough, but Trey was doubling down.
“You’re also giving her severance as this is her last day.”
Manny furrowed his brows. “She hasn’t even worked here two weeks, Trey.”
Trey narrowed his gaze. “I don’t give a fuck. Two weeks’ severance based on all the hours she’s worked.”
Manny slowly nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Good. Now get her things.”
Dahlia shot forward, bumping his chest with her gaze locked on Manny. “No-no, I’m not quitting.”
Manny stilled, shifting his gaze between Dahlia and Trey. Clearly, the man was confused. Trey folded his arms and drew in a deep breath. He’d allow Dahlia to have her say. He wouldn’t take away her voice, but he wasn’t going to allow her to continue to work here. His intention was the same as when he’d walked in before the altercation. It had only solidified his decision.
“It was fucked-up, but I can handle assholes. It wasn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last.” Dahlia nodded as if saying her piece would matter in the decision. She inched closer, and Trey tensed. Not many people got close. Most knew to keep their distance. He glanced over at his security lining the walls. They’d taken notice and moved forward, closing in on his table. Trey held up his hand, and they all immediately halted.
“I need this job,” she whispered.
Her confession did nothing to sway his next move. He glanced over at Manny, sending a clear message. Trey didn’t have to say a word.
“You’re fired,” Manny blurted.
Dahlia jerked back and spun around, knocking into Trey’s chest without warning.
“What? He attacked me, and I’m fired?” Dahlia stepped forward, and Trey immediately blocked her path. Manny rushed out the door. When Trey turned back to Dahlia, she was gripping tightly onto the edge of the jacket and staring at him wildly. “Why did you do that?”
Trey had no regrets, but as her eyes welled, he found himself in an unfamiliar position. He’d seen people cry, beg, and plead for more than a job and hadn’t been affected in the least. Compassion rarely played a part in his emotions or his life. But there was something about the brightness dimming in her eyes that struck Trey.
Dahlia turned, attempting to walk away, but Trey reached out, grasping her forearm, leaving her no room to flee. He couldn’t be sure if it had been intentional, but she leaned back, pressing into his chest. He glanced down, and her head was bowed, but she wasn’t struggling.
Manny rushed back with a large multi-colored bag that could only be described as cheap and gaudy. He barely had time to offer it to her before she ripped it from his hands, holding it against her chest. Trey wrapped his arm around her waist, pressing his palm against her back and ushering her toward the front door. All the while, Dahlia remained silent.
Trey led her outside, and one by one, his men fell in line. He gestured them to the opposite side of the street where the SUV was parked and took a set of keys from Jared. He’d made arrangements to have his car brought to the bar earlier.
Dahlia didn’t say a word as they stood on the sidewalk. When he unlocked his doors, the lights and beep caught her attention. She jerked but squinted, eyeing his car a few feet away.
