“Make sure Emilio delivers the message to Mateo that I have something he wants.” Duke’s raspy voice carried in the hall.
“You think Mateo will bite and meet with you?” Gustavo asked.
“I’m beginning to think Tito and Mateo are trying to get my attention as a ploy for revenge. Plus, the Alvarezes are money and power hungry. At the very least, Mateo’s curiosity will get the best of him.”
“I just want this over with it,” Gustavo said.
“Me, too, man.”
“I need to clear out,” Gustavo said. “Call me when you have something.”
Voices and footsteps faded.
Hallelujah.It sounded as though Emilio was safe for now. I texted my dad to give him an update and tell him to call off the men in blue.
We were making progress, and while that excited me, the adrenaline was rushing out of me, making me feel jittery because I’d almost blown my cover.
18
FALLYN
ALIAS: JOY
Later that night, I was counting the cash tips we’d hauled in while Matt ran a sales report from the computer, a routine he and I were responsible for before we clocked out.
Two waitresses were cleaning up tables on the second floor, and Amber was tidying up the bar tables scattered along both sides of the main floor.
While the printer was spitting out the report, Matt sidled up to me. “You seemed distracted and quiet tonight. Anything wrong?”
The young hottie with a man bun was the sweetest person. I could see why customers fawned all over him, including the men who swung that way.
“Stomach has been acting up,” I responded truthfully.
Since I’d returned from the factory, I’d almost hauled up the protein shake I had that morning. Not to mention, I was on edge. I’d barely made it to work on time. I’d stayed in that factory closet for two hours after everyone had left to be sure Gustavo didn’t have his men hang around.
“Are you sure everything is okay in your personal life?” He stole a glance at Duke’s window. “The boss has been watching you intently since you started but more so after Thanksgiving. Care to share?”
I gave him a warm smile, placing a twenty-dollar bill in one pile and a ten in another. “Is it that obvious?”
My other issue was Duke himself and the way he was affecting me. Oh, I’d seen him up on his perch all night, watching me.
“Sickening,” he teased. “Remember my warning, though. Hearts have been broken by him.”
With the club empty, voices carried through the room, causing Amber to sashay up to the bar. “Sorry, but I am eavesdropping.” She pursed her red lips. “I am beginning to like you, Joy. You’re still a bit slow for my liking, but you and Duke should just fuck and get it out of your system. I keep telling Vince to nudge Duke too.”
My throat closed as my eyes popped wide. “One of you says protect my heart, and the other says go balls to the wall. Not helping.”
Amber chortled, curling errant strands of her strawberry-blond hair behind her ear. “Why not just have a good time? He likes you. Totally obvious. I’ve been working here long enough to know that. Matt, you have too. Joy, it’s clear you’re all hot and bothered, always sneaking in a look upward while you’re working.”
I stopped counting the tips. “But didn’t you tell me, Amber, that Duke only sleeps with someone twice then kicks them out? As in fires them? I need this job.”
“He won’t fire you if you’re good at your job,” she said. “But he does have that rule. So what? Sleep with him twice. Have fun. I think that’s your problem. You’re wound too tight.”
Matt rolled his eyes, darting over to the printer. “You know my advice, Joy.”
I had all the bills separated by numbers then counted each pile and jotted down the total. “Thank you both for the love advice.”
“I hear you’re going to Dillon’s charity gala,” Amber said. “I am too.”
