Once Sebastian and Jack were out of sight, everyone went back to their drinks and watching the girls like nothing had happened. I delivered my orders and did another round to make sure everyone had a drink.
Table twelve always needed more drinks, and I reluctantly walked over.
“You guys need a refill?” I asked, trying hard to keep the reluctance out of my voice. When nobody answered, even though I saw at least two beers that were almost empty, I said, “Another round?”
They all nodded in unison, and I left to fill their order. Not once had they simply placed an order. There was always a suggestive comment, a leer, a gesture. What was happening? I must have hit my head harder than I thought, because everyone was acting strange tonight.
After delivering their order, I took a quick break and made my way to the back alley, hoping it was clear. I needed fresh air and a minute to sit down. My muscles were sore, and despite taking painkillers, my head was throbbing.
I pushed the door open but stopped when I heard angry voices coming from outside.
“Stop fucking scaring away the customers. Especially if they’re regulars.”
That was Smitty, his nasally voice easy to recognize.
“I don’t appreciate your tone,” Sebastian’s deep timbre replied.
I strained to hear more, at the same time mourning my lost opportunity for a moment of peace.
“Maybe I don’t appreciate your attitude,” Smitty sneered. “You can’t beat up anyone who touches the girls. It happens. Get over it.”
“I think you forget who works for whom here. We own your ass, you stupid little fuck. If I want someone out of Pepper’s, they’re out of Pepper’s.”
“You hired me to take care of business. And you’re bad for business.”
“Get out of my face before I decide I don’t want you taking care of business anymore.”
Smitty didn’t reply, but footsteps came closer. I eased the door shut and sprinted to the bathrooms just down the hall. I stumbled inside as the door to the alley opened.
Deciding to stay in the employee bathroom for the few minutes I had left of my break, I leaned against the wall, my back against the cold tiles. Did Sebastian beat someone up tonight? And why wasn’t I more worried at what he’d done?
I went back out and finished my shift. I was glad the rest of the night was business as usual and groaned in relief when it was time to go home. My body ached, and I was dragging my feet.
Sebastian met me at the bar, where I was stacking clean glasses. “You ready to head home?”
I put the dish towel down and nodded. “God, yes.”
I changed back into my own clothes, the dressing room empty. It had been a busy night, and the girls were all out on the floor. I was still nervous being in here by myself, but I didn’t really have a choice.
The door opened, and I looked up with a smile on my face, hoping it was Elle. I really wanted to find out more about that Pilates routine she talked about earlier.
Instead of one of the girls, Clive came through the door. The smile froze on my face, and I fumbled for my jacket. I always felt exposed when he was close, and the more clothes I had on the better.
“Clive. What are you doing in the girls’ dressing room?” I asked, picking up my bag.
If I played this smart, I could get past him and outside before he could stop me. I just had to move him farther into the room while at the same time inching my way to the door.
“I wanted to see you,” he said, walking closer. I evaded him by stepping to the side.
“Well, here I am. But I need to go home and relieve the babysitter.”
He came closer again. “She won’t mind if you stay a little longer.”
I swallowed, hoping today wasn’t the day he snapped. His actions were starting to scare me. I always thought he was harmless, but cornering me all the time and pushing for another date was not exactly giving me the warm and fuzzies. And not to forget the flowers he kept sending me that didn’t exactly make it look like he’d take no for an answer.
“Sebastian is waiting for me,” I said, glad at least that part was true. “I should really go back out there.”
Clive watched me with hungry eyes, and I suppressed the gag that worked its way up my throat.
