Anger bubbled to the surface, and Tyler allowed himself to vent.
“I didn’t do anything. And for the record, I’m not here to wind up on this sofa, fucking your brains out.”
Marcus angled a dark brow. “If it ever came to that, you think you’d be fucking me?”
“Why am I here, Marcus?” Tired of this cat-and-mouse game, Tyler wanted to get something to eat and call home before he started his shift tonight. “I have things to do.”
Shooting him a hard glance, Marcus sat on the edge of his desk. “I wanted you to know that I stand behind you after what happened last night, and if you wanted to press charges against the guy, I’m happy to help you and offer you the benefit of my lawyer.”
Stunned for a moment, Tyler couldn’t speak. To have someone believe in him, no questions asked—a virtual stranger no less—gave him a foothold on the slippery slope his life had taken for the past few days. He was so weary of proving himself day in, day out. Grateful yet hesitant to accept, Tyler struggled for clarification. He didn’t want to be beholden to Marcus, knowing the man would probably expect him to repay the favor with his body.
“Why are you being so helpful?”
Marcus’s leg swung back and forth from his position on the desk, and Tyler sensed his untapped nervous energy.
“I’m a nice guy.”
“You? Nice?” Tyler blurted out, the laughter dying on his lips when he realized Marcus wasn’t joining him.
Instead, Marcus looked hurt. And extremely pissed off.
“Yeah. I am. I’m really fucking nice. You don’t know me from shit. Here I am, trying to help, and you laugh in my face?”
Defensive, Tyler struck back. “Oh come on, man. You know your reputation. I’m not saying anything everyone isn’t already saying.”
“You know what, Tyler? That’s fucked up, and so are you. Ask anyone who knows me, and they’ll tell you I’m no fucking saint and don’t claim to be one. But I can look at myself in the mirror ever morning and know I’ve never fucked anyone over who didn’t hurt someone I loved or cared about. So yeah.” Marcus got up from the desk and walked over to the door and opened it. “We’re done here, so you can get on with your busy life. I offered the help of my lawyer if you’re interested. If not, I’ll see you on the dance floor when your shift starts.”
Ashamed but unable to think of a way to make it better, Tyler hustled out of Marcus’s office, wincing when the door slammed shut with a loud bang reverberating down the hallway.
“Damn.” Shane blocked his path, his brow furrowed in confusion. “What’s wrong? I’ve never known him to slam doors.”
Miserable and confused, Tyler couldn’t answer. Why did he feel like he was the bad guy here? He’d done nothing wrong.
“Aww, honey, don’t look so sad. Lemme give you a hug.” Shane put his arms around Tyler, and it was good to be held by someone who sought only to give him comfort, wanting nothing in return.
From his first day, he and Shane had been friendly, with little sexual tension or chemistry between them. Tyler hadn’t had a real friend in forever, and Shane’s sweet personality and giving heart drew him in and broke through the barrier of silence he normally submerged himself under at work.
With a grateful smile, Tyler sank into Shane’s arms, laying his head on Shane’s narrow shoulders. Tyler had heard numerous stories of the sad state of Shane’s love life, and he’d even given Shane advice on how not to get kicked around by men who took advantage of his kindness. For once Tyler needed holding up against the winds.
“Well, this is sweet, but I wasn’t aware I paid you two to hug. Or whatever else you planned to do to while away the hours until Sparks opens.”
Marcus stood in the doorway to his office, his face dark, eyes devoid of emotion. The man was like a damn jungle cat—quiet, elusive, and dangerous as hell.
“Just giving Tyler a little pick-me-up friendly hug,” said Shane, his arm remaining around Tyler, who squirmed under Marcus’s stone-cold glare.
“Hug time is over. Shane, you need to get back downstairs and count the stock for tonight, please. We need to make sure we’re full up.” He hesitated. “If you need the night off, Tyler, you can have it.”
“I’m fine,” he said. “And I appreciate your offer from before, but I can handle things on my own.”
Marcus’s empty expression flickered over him. “Sure; whatever you say.” He went back inside his office and closed the door behind him, this time with a quiet snick of the lock.
“Wow. Whatever you said really upset him. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him this angry.” Shane kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you later, honey.”
Tyler barely noticed Shane’s departure. His own anger grew exponentially as the minutes flew by. He’d done nothing wrong. If Marcus wanted to be an ass, let him. Tyler Reiss was going to be the biggest moneymaker Sparks had ever seen, starting tonight.
Chapter Five
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