“You’re welcome. Are you okay?”
“Yea. I’m fine.” She’s lying. “What time do I need to be ready to leave?”
She’s starting her first night as a server tonight and thankfully, she agreed to ride together. Although, I wouldn’t have pressed her on it if she’d wanted to drive herself. “I’d like to leave by six. Doors open at eight, so that should give you plenty of time to fill out your paperwork and get a rundown of things beforehand.”
She nods and turns for the door. My hand is twitchy at the desire to reach out and grab her. Pull her back to me. Just as she reaches the door, she looks over her shoulder and in a low, sultry voice says, “I’ll be ready, Sir.” And fuck if my cock isn’t all the way hard now.
29
Arabella
It’s been a hell of a day already. I had no idea that my drinking would cause such an intense reaction from Ryker–at least notthatspecific reaction. I was hoping for more horny and feral than worry and fear. I thought I’d seen a sliver of lust in his eyes when he literally hauled my ass out of my best friend’s apartment, but the alcohol was clearly affecting my senses more than I'd originally thought.
I blame Wrinley’s dumb ass for addingmorealcohol to apre-madedrink.
Hearing he was disappointed in me, nearly made me want to hurl and I’ll literally do anything if it means I don’t ever have to hear him utter that word again.
When I noticed I was out of shampoo, I had no choice but to ask to borrow his. I never expected him to pull out a bottle of the same exact product. I'm both delighted and slightly saddened. He had the forethought to think ahead and get more of what I like. No one has ever done something so thoughtful for me. But there was a small part of me that was excited to use the sameshampoo as him, meaning I could literally wear his scent on my skin. Wow, Arabella–creepy much?
I was too lazy to put my clothes back on, so I went in my towel and I don't know why, but I wasn't expecting he would also be in a towel. And lord save me, he's definitely the most delicious man I’ve ever seen. His broad shoulders dripping with the water left from his own shower and that happy trail that disappeared into the towel barely hanging onto him by a thread. I shouldn’t have looked at his crotch, but I’m a woman in my twenties with a high sex drive and the last time I came was when he watched me do it to myself. If I wasn’t sure about his size before, it’s very clear now that Ryker Hart is packing some serious heat. Saliva formed in my mouth at the sight and my imagination ran wild with thoughts of what he could do with that thing.
When I left his room, I was so turned on I couldn’t help but bait him, just a little. I know he won’t act on it, because he’s made it clear what this is, and he obviously has more self-control than anyone I know, myself included. But I wish he would.
We arrived at Gravity a little bit ago and Ryker sent me upstairs to Hayes’ office so I could fill out my new hire paperwork.
“Arabella,” Hayes reaches out for my hand. When I take it, I’m caught off guard at how soft his skin is. “It’s nice to finally meet you. You’re doing us a big solid by taking this job. If there’s ever anything you need, I want you to let me know.”
I smile and sit in the chair he pulls out for me. “The pleasure is all mine, Mr–”
“Hayes is fine. Please,” he stops me. “Fill these out and you’ll be all set. It’s all standard, aside from the NDA.”
“Why is there an NDA?”
“We require all our employees to sign one. The nature of the activities that take place here… we guarantee our clients a certain level of discretion. Although you’ll be mostly outside ofthe club side, it’s still possible you’ll be exposed on some level. It’s to protect you as well as our clients.” His expression is open, like he’s ready for more questions, but I don’t have any. Although, Iwouldlike to pick his brain about his best friend.
“I don’t have an issue signing it.”
“Good.” When his brow furrows, I know there’s more he wants to say.
I start filling out the paperwork, while Hayes continues working, and just like he said, it’s very standard.
“I’m sorry, Arabella,” he blurts out and I turn my gaze in his direction. “I’m sorry about what you went through with that douchebag.”
“Oh. That’s–not your fault.”
“I know, but it shouldn’t have happened. He shouldn’t have drugged you and he shouldn’t have let you drink and then brought you here on a fucking date. There are a lot of idiots out there. I have plans to help educate the community, in an effort to hopefully curbsomeof the misconceptions and help people learn how to do things safely.”
“That’s a fantastic idea,” I smile, handing him the completed papers. “Here, all done.”
“Ryker is a good man.” His tone has changed and it’s apparent he’s about to give methe talkabout his friend and partner. “I’ll support whatever happens between you, but be good to him, yeah?”
I nod and meet his eyes. “Yeah. I will.”
“Excellent. Welcome to the Gravity team.”
I made my way back downstairs so Roxie could give me the lowdown on how things run. It’s all pretty straightforward. Greet clients, take orders, scan wristbands, fetch drink orders, and deliver those orders. The bar is strictly drinks only, so I should be fine. I’ve worked more complicated jobs.
I was hesitant to take the position. I hated the thought of not earning it, but now I’m just grateful. The thought of job searching again was giving me an ulcer.
