For the most part, women made me feel like I was a teen again, hoping for attention and approval from those around me and not getting it. For the last few years, dating hadn’t been worth the trouble. Hence why I had sex with Taya when it was convenient for both of us.
Shit. Taya. She was waiting for me.
Autumn narrowed her eyes but walked out of the elevator. I followed, like a moth to the flame of her hair.
She stepped to the side and faced me. “There’s nothing you can show me that’ll redeem how utterly worthless your club made me feel. But thank you for the offer. I might just wander for a bit.”
How utterly worthless.There was a matching emotion inside me that rose up, hearing those words. That knew how she felt.
I stuffed that feeling away. The land sale was unearthing all sorts of thoughts I hadn’t had in a while. Anger was nicer. Resentment was more useful.
But thank you for the offer.
No, her flippant attitude would not do. I couldn’t have her returning to Bourbon Canyon and sharing what a poor experience she’d had.
“One moment, please.” I withdrew my phone and shot off a quick message to Taya.
Can’t meet. I have a VIP to show around. We’re starting at the club.
That was her cue to leave me the fuck alone. She didn’t like catering to VIPs. It’s why she worked with numbers and left the schmoozing to me. I disliked the task; I wasn’t good at it, but talking business was what I was paid for.
I tucked my phone back into my jacket pocket and held an arm out. “Allow me.”
Autumn gauged me warily. Finally, she wrapped her small hand through my arm. Her warmth seeped through the fabric and the sweetness of her scent increased.
Was that perfume, or was she naturally sweet?
I led her toward the entrance to the club. The line was longer than earlier.
Her grip on me stiffened a moment before it loosened. I put my hand over hers.
“It’s all right, Autumn.”
I kept my hand on hers as I walked past the bouncer. I didn’t know which guy had turned Autumn away, but I gave each one a stern glare.
The first bouncer blanched, and the second mouthed “fuck” when he thought I couldn’t see him.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was likely Taya, but I was with my VIP.
Autumn remained stiff as we strode by the mass waiting to gain entrance.
Someone muttered, “Why the hell does she get in?”
A group of women snickered. The guys with them wore smug expressions. All of them looked like they were ready for a professional photo shoot.
They were exactly the crowd Glitter & Gold wanted to attract.
Fuck.
My heartbeat hammered between my ears. Autumn was correct. This was tasteless. I’d have to figure out a way to deal with that. Exclusivity and luxury did not need to be insulting.
I maneuvered Autumn toward the dark wall. “Give me a moment.”
She glanced around. A caged little bunny. If someone said boo, she’d take off. This wasn’t the woman who’d spoken her mind in the elevator.
I approached the bouncer. “That group that insulted my guest?” I said softly enough for only him to hear.
He inclined his head. “Yes, sir.” He barely moved his mouth.
