No, these men aren’t like that.
Yet.
The thought doesn’t feel right, but I can’t let my guard down completely, no matter how nice they’ve been to me today. Going up to their apartment? Isolating myself with them?
It would be the most stupid thing that I could do. Unfortunately, it also feels like the only thing Iwantto do, which is mildly inconvenient. My hormones are going haywire being this close to alphas, my own body working against me.
Although it’s not just me. A number of the girls, and even some of the guys, are shooting flirty looks at the three of them from beneath their lashes, tittering amongst themselves.
I stare down at my feet. I really don’t like that.
But I’ll get over it. This is the downside to working with alphas. And as things go, it’s definitely bearable.
One blonde-haired girl titters at Nate as she sways past him, and he gives her a friendly smile.
Okay. Maybe bearable. Mildly bearable?
Sliding down from my seat, I carry my plate back to my station, determined to ignore the delicious mini pack gathering happening in the corner. More dishes have piled up since I took my break, and I get to work, even though my legs are starting to protest.
The food I’ve had settles in my stomach, giving me some much needed energy that I’ve been lacking in the last week or so. Hell, the last five years. I’ve had the best food of my life today.
Nobody disturbs me, and I lose myself in the reassuring rhythm of washing, rinsing, stacking, until there’s nothing left when my hands reach out, grasping at empty air.
Blinking, I turn around, taking in the lack of activity. A few people are still at work, wiping down counters, putting dishes away. My eyes move to the clock on the wall, shocked at the late hour.
Thankfully, the gathering has now dispersed, Nate and Axel nowhere to be seen. The door pushes open and Hudson reappears, a stack of plates in his hands. He moves over to me slowly, setting them down.
“That’s the last,” he tells me, lips curling up into a smile. “You worked hard today, Gabrielle.”
Veronica nods in agreement as she sets down another pot. “You did good.”
The praise warms my cheeks. “Thank you.”
Veronica nods at me as she undoes her apron, hanging it on a hook. “Same again tomorrow?”
My eyes slide to Hudson. He stares back at me, eyebrows raised in question.
“I’d like that,” I say.
As I finish the final few dishes, the kitchen clears out as people head home for the night. Veronica leaves with a wave, the others drifting out in groups as I set the last pot down and grab a cloth to wipe it dry.
A large hand closes over mine softly. “I’ll do that.”
My mouth seems to have glued itself shut, so I nod like an idiot as Hudson carefully takes the heavy pan from me, wiping it dry before he sets it back in its spot, ready for tomorrow.
“What did you think?” he asks me when he turns around. “I know we kind of put you on the spot earlier, but the job’s yours if you want it.”
“I want it.” The words tumble out of me, and Hudson smiles briefly.
“I’m glad,” he says softly. He moves to a till in the corner, pulling out some cash and counting it out. My mouth dries when he slides it into an envelope and holds it out.
“Your wages,” he says carefully. His hazel eyes tighten as my shaking fingers close over the paper. “Where are you sleeping tonight, Gabrielle?”
The words make me jolt as I stare up at him. My mouth dries to something resembling a desert, and I try not to choke.
“I… um…,”
“I just want to make sure you’re safe,” he says gently, but his eyes don’t leave my face. “That’s all.”
