“And? You can’t control what we do outside of work.” He must’ve forgotten his secretary is an employee. Seems the rules don’t apply to him. I try to back away again, but he doesn’t loosen his grip.
I take some deep breaths, trying to settle the panic rising in my body. I can’t stand feeling trapped. It reminds me of when my dad used to hold me down and punish me.
“The answer is no, and he better keep his fucking hands to himself during training if he wants them to remain attached to his body.” Tension oozes from every inch of Nick.
I shudder at his words. There’s no trace of humor in his voice, only cold-hearted threats. The crowd continues dancing around us, while we stand stationary, making me feel foolish. I want to beg for him to let me go but I also don’t want to show weakness.
“How is he supposed to teach me self-defense if he doesn’t touch me? And, for that matter, what business is it of yours if someone touches me or not? Didn’t you tell Ethan the same thing? I might be your employee, Nick, but I am not your personal property.” My temper flares and my insides start to tremble. I am on the verge of pissed-off tears.
“I’m aware of that,” he growls.
“Then what’s your fucking problem?” It’s my turn to get angry with him.
“I’m not having this argument with you here. We are leaving before you get your panties in an even bigger wad.” Of course he doesn’t want to face the heat when it’s turned on him.
“I’m not leaving until I tell Marcus bye.” I cross my arms in a show of defiance.
“You have one minute to tell him you won’t be joining him on Friday. If you’re not ready to go by then, I will personally carry you out.”
I lean into him before we part. “Fine, and for your information, I’m not wearing panties.” I wink at him.
Something flashes in his eyes, and his jaw tightens, but not with anger. The tension between us shifts, and it might be the tequila, but I swear I see, no, feel…desire.
The makeup has been washed from my face, and I slipped into shorts and a tank top while replaying tonight’s events in my head. I’m going to have to go undercover in a strip club.
At first, the thought had me wanting to refuse, but not now. After all, I have plenty of experience dealing with slimy men. I know how to push them out of my head. I also know what it takes to get what I want from one.
Sex sells. Period. I’ve done it before when I was working towards my GED, I can do it now. It’s just another stepping stone. Once I finish working for Nick and eventually finish school, it will be a thing of the past I never have to look back on. And this time, I won’t be alone. I’ll have a team behind me, looking out for my safety.
It'll be similar but much different than what I’m used to. I’ll be in a controlled environment and Nick promised to pull me out of there if he ever thinks my safety is jeopardized.
The tequila I drank tonight has given me a slight headache and my feet and legs ache from the heels. I take a meddling Squeak out of my purse and put her on my bed. She’s at the stage where kittens go from cute and cuddly to a mini velociraptor, attacking me every chance she gets. I give uptrying to wrestle my scrunchie away from her and let her play with it while I dig for some Advil, but I can’t find it.
Emma probably keeps some stocked in one of the kitchen cabinets. When I reach my bedroom door, I hear a woman’s voice. Sasha. Ugh. Nick must’ve told her to meet him here because she was nowhere to be seen when we left.
I have a good mind to go out there and give him a piece of my mind, but I won’t. Instead, I retreat back to my room and pull out my phone and send a text to Marcus.
11:34 p.m. -Hey, I had a great time tonight. I’m looking forward to training with you, and even more so to our date on Friday night.
I didn’t waste the one minute I had before we left to tell him I couldn’t go out with him, instead we exchanged numbers. I don’t care what Nick says, he can’t control who I date.
A few minutes later, I get a text back.
11:36 p.m. -Something’s come up and I won’t be able to give you lessons. My brother Lucas will be there instead. Also, I won’t be able to make it Friday. I’m very sorry.
Tears fall from my eyes and I set the phone down. I can’t be sure if he decided it was a mistake or if Nick had a hand in this. I’m pretty sure it was more than likely Nick, but my self-esteem screams that I will never be good enough to go out with someone that attractive. He must’ve just had beer goggles on while looking at me.
I bury my face in my pillow and cry until I no longer have the urge to waltz into the kitchen and throw knives at Nick Ryker. I’m surprised Ethan didn’t come in here after we got home. He usually always checks on me before bed.
My head hurts evenworse now. The kitchen is quiet, and the lights are dim, so I risk creeping down the hall. I hear the faint moan of a woman coming from the other end of the hall. Sasha must be getting railed by Nick. I want to leave, but I swore I wouldn’t run away again.
I find the Advil in the cabinet next to the sink, and as I swallow the pills down, I glance out the window to the back deck. The pool and jacuzzi are both lit up. It’s a cool night and that jacuzzi looks tempting.
I wouldn’t have to worry about not being able to swim, as it’s pretty shallow. I still don’t have a swimsuit. With everyone either asleep—or occupied—nobody would notice if I crept out there and took a quick dip in my birthday suit.
Quickly creeping back to my room, I strip off my clothes, wrap myself in a towel, and tiptoe to the back door. Fake, porn star-style moans now echo loudly down the hall. They’re not coming out any time soon.
I slide the door open and walk to the edge of the hot tub. My heart races with the thrill of possibly getting caught naked. I dip my toe in the hot water, it feels divine. I take another look towards the door; all the lights are still off. Shit, I’m starting to chicken out.
