I let out a low laugh, my fingers trailing over the counter as I edge closer to the bag. “Maybe.”
The plan forms quick, dangerous and reckless. If I can distract him for just a few seconds, keep his eyes on me instead of what I’m doing, I could slip enough out to make a difference. Not all of it. Just enough to start chipping away at the debt.
My stomach knots, guilt and fear tangling, but the thought of that man’s voice in my ear again, demanding, threatening, makes me steady my hands.
I lean in, lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “So, what’s your job here?”
He straightens like he’s about to deliver the most important answer of his life. “Cloakroom manager,” he says proudly.
I nod, feigning wide-eyed admiration. “Wow.”
“It’s an important role,” he assures me quickly.
I glance towards the commotion on the other side of the club, where security has already jumped in.Perfect. “Do you have your own office?” I ask casually. “All important roles should have one.”
His grin spreads. “I do. Wanna see it?”
I widen my eyes, delighted. “Damn right I do.”
“Let me come round to let you in,” he says, disappearing out of sight.
It’s my chance. My only chance. My hand plunges into the bag, grabbing a fat handful of rolled notes. My pulse spikes as I shovethem down the front of my jeans, tucking them into the comfy knickers Lexi bought me. The door to the side opens just as I straighten up, my heart hammering against my ribs.
“Right this way,” he says, beaming.
I nod like nothing’s wrong and follow him through.
His ‘office’ is no more than a broom cupboard with a battered wooden chair. He drags it out proudly, offering it to me.
I lower myself slowly, wincing at the muffled crunch of paper against my skin. “Nice,” I murmur, forcing a smile. “Bet you’ve taken loads of women back here.”
He blushes furiously. “Not really. You’re the first.”
“Lucky me.”
“Remi?”
The sound of Shadow’s voice makes me jolt upright. Panic licks my spine as I head straight for the door. “I have to go,” I say quickly. At the last second, I glance back. “Thanks . . . what was your name?”
“Lee,” he says eagerly, following me out. “If you ever need anything, just ask for me.”
I paste on a grin, nodding as I step back into the reception. Shadow is pacing, his eyes sharp and stormy. Relief flashes in his face when he sees me, until he notices Lee trailing behind. His frown deepens instantly.
“What the fuck were you doing?”
I grin wider, breezing past him. “Relax. Lee was taking care of me.”
“I told you to watch the money, not my old lady,” Shadow snaps, snatching the bag up and glaring at Lee before stalking after me.
The sunlight outside feels harsher than it should, beating down on the tarmac as Shadow shoulders the bag and stalks ahead. I hurry after him, forcing myself not to touch my stomach, where the cash sits stiff and uncomfortable against myskin. Every step makes the notes shift, reminding me of the risk I’ve just taken.
When he reaches the bike, he swings the bag into the side box with more force than necessary and turns on me, jaw tight.
“What the fuck were you doing in there?” His voice is low, dangerous, but it cuts sharper than if he’d shouted.
I shrug, trying to look nonchalant even though my pulse is skittering. “Talking.”
“Withhim?” His eyes narrow. “You vanish with some guy I don’t know, in a strip club full of sharks, when I told you to stay put?”
