He truly wants me to stay here. I have no idea how long that will last, but if I can save money, I’ll be ready for when he doesn’t want me here anymore. I’m anything if not savvy. Sophisticated security and two men at the elevators when he’s in residence also scream that Rome wasn’t lying about being an important man.
It’s daunting.
Exciting.
But can he really keep me safe from my father?
“The lounge is on the second floor, as you know,” he says, pushing the correct button. “As are several of the offices, like for Loveland, Rita, and Luke.”
Luke’s in the elevator with us, not saying a word.
I glance back at him.
“My office is one floor above, on the third floor. You now have access to that as well.”
“You’re just allowing me to waltz all over your property?”
“Is there any reason I shouldn’t trust you, firefly?”
“Of course not, I guess I’m just not used to … it doesn’t matter. I won’t snoop around or anything.”
He smirks, and the doors open to the second level. I step out, but Rome doesn’t release my hand. He doesn’t leave the elevator, so I turn back and raise an eyebrow.
“Have a good night, Eloise.” He kisses the back of my hand.
“You too, Rome.”
He releases me then, and the doors close on him. I walk over to the bar area where Rita and Max are already working.
The lounge seems to fill up quickly early at night, as people come in to socialize before moving on to other areas.
And when I check the time, I see I’m five minutes late.
“Sorry, Rita,” I say with a wince. “It won’t happenagain.”
“All good, Lulu. Rome mentioned you might be late.” She shrugs. “No big deal.”
I don’t have time to talk to her, to ask questions, or tell her I’m living with him now. Which is still crazy to me.
I’m living with the hottest man I’ve ever seen in my life.
How did that happen?
“There are a couple of members on that end of the bar who I haven’t gotten to yet,” Rita says with a friendly smile. “Jump on in, honey. Also, you lookscorchingin that dress.”
“Thanks,” I say with a grin as I tie the apron around my waist, then walk down the bar to my first customer.
“Hey there, handsome,” I say with a grin as I approach the member. “What can I get for you?”
His eyes skim over the black tank dress I’m wearing, pausing at my exposed cleavage. Sure, I’m showing off more of myself than I normally would, but this is a freaking sex club, and I’m completely covered.
“One hour in a privacy room.” His response makes me grin but also feel on edge. There’s something about this guy that I don’t like.
“Sorry, I’m working,” I reply, deciding to forgo any more flirtation with him. “Pick your poison.”
“Whiskey, neat,” he replies and leans on the bar, still watching me closely. “Rita, give—I’m sorry, what’s your name, gorgeous?”
“Lulu,” I reply, starting to feel uncomfortable.
