I swallow, my throat burning, and for a few moments all I want to do is hide from the truth and pretend it doesn’t exist, the way I used to when Mom’s lifestyle over spilled into mine.
It has nothing to do with me where she worked or what she did.Except she was working for Ty.And he didn’t think to let me know.
Why not? Because it doesn’t matter? Deep down, I know it doesn’t, but that doesn’t stop the pain gnawing through my heart. He’s a Viking Bastard, he was her boss, and even years ago when we dated she used to tell me how hot and sexy he was. Not that she ever tried anything on with him back then.
But I’ve been gone a long time. No matter how much I try not to let the image surface, I can’t help it.
Did she put out for Ty, too?
Chapter Ten
Ty
I’m in my office, going through the house rules with a new girl I’ve hired, when my office manager, Bella, texts me. She has a tiny office next to this, and screens the video entry phone system.
Jasmine O’Brien’s here to see you. You in?
I grin, stupidly pleased that Jas has dropped by.
Sure. Be right there
I glance up at the girl, who’s still looking vaguely confused by my number one rule.No fucking the staff.Sometimes chicks interview to work here because they think it means they get me as a side perk, but I don’t need that shit. The Hammer is the one place I can hang out, surrounded by sexy girls, and not have to live up to my rep as a rabid man-whore.
“Okay, that’s it. Any questions, ask Bella.” I stand up, ending the interview, and she follows me into the foyer just as the front door clicks open and Jas walks in.
Instead of returning my smile, she glances at the girl, and without any warning, the blonde grabs my arm, presses herself against me, and breathes in my ear. “Catch you later, Ty.”
Jas doesn’t say anything, and it’s none of her business anyway, but fuck that. If this silly bitch can’t follow one simple rule, she’s going to be more trouble than she’s worth. I peel her off me. “Nah, you won’t. You’re fired. Get out of here.”
I ignore the shock on her face and stroll over to Jas, who hasn’t moved from the door. “Hey, babe.” I kiss her, aware Bella and the blonde are watching, and that’s fine by me. “You need something?”
“Just a quick word.” Her voice is like ice. Is she pissed because of the blonde? It’s crazy, but I like that thought.
We go into my office, and I kick the door shut. Before I can grab her hand and pull her close, she folds her arms. Fuck, has she been crying? Who’s messed with her? All my old protective instincts break free of their cage and roar to the surface.No one upsets my girl.“You all right, Jas?”
“I’m fine.” She gives a frosty smile and then tugs something from her purse. “This arrived after you left.”
I frown at the slip of paper she waves in my face. I didn’t expect her to be full of gratitude for sending her the check, but I don’t get the hostility. “Yeah? What about it?”
She shoves it back in her purse. “Why didn’t you tell me my mother worked for you?”
What the hell? “I thought you knew.”
“No.” She folds her arms again. “Why would I?”
Because we met right outside the Hammer on Friday.Guess I got that one wrong. “Okay. So, she worked here. What’s the problem?”
“Why?” The word bursts from her, as though she can’t stop herself and I stare at her blankly. Why’s she so upset? “How could you, Ty? Have you really forgotten so much?”
If anyone other than Jas hurled this shit at me, I’d cut them down right now. “She needed a job. I couldn’t tell her to fuck off, could I?”
“Yes, you could.”
Now she’s starting to piss me off. “She’d lost her last job. And since her only kid had fucked off to Florida, where else could she turn before they tossed her out on the street?”
The blood drains from Jas’s face, and I feel a total asshole for throwing that at her. I know Jas would’ve helped her mom if she’d had any idea how desperate Kelly was.
“That…” Jas clears her throat and blinks a few times, like she’s trying not to cry, which really screws me up. Try and do a good deed and it comes back to bite me on the ass. “I didn’t know. We didn’t…she never told me.” She sucks in a ragged breath. “I know it’s what she did. It’s just…the thought of her doing it here, in your club. I’m just…” She turns away and hunches her shoulders, and I suddenly get it.
