Page 33 of Love Above Law

"It's going to be a long day," Kai remarks.

"Let's get to work."

16

Leyna

Standing in front of a large brick building, I peer up at a sign that reads Rumors. Two days after Kai mentioned me getting a job here, I received a phone call from the owner himself, Dare Kross. We spoke briefly, and he told me to come in the next morning at 9:00 am for an interview. This morning I could see Lex was still not pleased, but instead of grumbling about Rumors, his main focus was stating his opinion on my choice of clothing. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like the way his eyes drank me in as I stepped out into the living room this morning. Our chemistry is off the charts. Especially since our almost kiss the other day in his office and the moment we had this morning before he left for work. Something tells me he's taking things slow for my benefit. Lex knows all I have been through, so I think he's giving me time. Time to heal physically and more important, time to recover mentally. It's almost as if every look and every touch is a warning—that says he's coming for me, and when he does, I'll be ready.

Pulling open the entrance door to Rumors, I step inside and it takes my eyes a moment to adjust to the dim lighting. The first thing I notice is the colors. Black leather booths along the walls on the left side of the room. To my right is a bar so sleek I can see my reflection in it. In the far-left corner of the club, I see a staircase that leads to the second level where black high-top tables seating four are placed strategically along the railings. The walls are painted a deep purple, illuminated by dim purple lighting hanging above. It's stunning.

"Can I help you with something?" a man standing behind the bar asks.

"Yes, I'm here to see Mr. Kross. He's expecting me."

"Sure thing. Give me your name. I'll call up and let him know you're here."

"That won't be necessary," a man descending the stairs calls out. "You must be Leyna," he says coming to stand in front of me. He offers his hand. "Dare Kross."

"Leyna Martinez," I say formally introducing myself. "Thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me, Mr. Kross."

"Of course." Mr. Kross turns his attention to the man behind the bar. "I'll be in my office, Andrew. Send Courtney up the minute she gets here." His last order comes out with a bit of a bite. Something tells me he is not pleased with whoever Courtney is.

"Yes, sir," Andrew answers his boss with a nod and continues with his task.

I follow Mr. Kross up the stairs and down a hallway to his office. He opens the door and motions me inside. "Please have a seat," he gestures to a chair across from his desk. "Can I offer you a drink—some water?"

"Water would be great, thank you."

Grabbing two bottles of water from the mini bar, he hands one to me before rounding his desk to take a seat in his chair. I take a good look at the man in front of me. Dare Kross has to be at least 6ft 2in tall. He has blond hair and gray eyes. He's dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a button-down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, exposing tattoos on both arms. His tattoos start at his wrist and disappear into his shirt sleeve. Dare Kross is younger than I thought he'd be. If I had to guess I'd say he is older than twenty-five but younger than thirty. When I bring my attention back to his face, he has an accusing brow lifted. Damn. Now he thinks I was checking him out. Not that Mr. Kross isn't attractive because he is. He just doesn't do anything for me, not like Lex. Still, this is not a good way to start an interview.

"So, Leyna, Kai tells me you're looking for a night job since you'll be starting school in the fall."

"Yes, that's correct."

"He also told me you were in the hospital a few months ago," he goes to say, but I'm quick to assure him. "I was, but I'm well enough to work." My words come out a bit harsher than I intended, but I don't appreciate the fact Kai was spilling my business.

"This job requires you to be on your feet for hours. Kai is a close friend of mine and I assure you he was only looking out for you because he felt you might not have told me yourself. I apologize if I overstepped."

"I can handle it," I promise.

"Alright, Ms. Martinez. I'll take your word for it." He takes me at my word, and I feel some of the tension leave my body.

"Kai also mentioned you recently moved to the states from Cuba. I'm going to assume by our current conversation you're fluent in English."

"I am. I've been speaking English for several years now. I taught English in my country. That is why I have decided to go back to school. I want to be a teacher."

"Do you have any experience waitressing?"

"No, But I majored in work hard and minored in fast learner, Mr. Kross, and let's not forget my twenty-three years of experience in I can handle any damn thing thrown my way."

Mr. Kross leans back in his desk chair and studies me for a long second before a smile shows his straight white teeth. "I like you, Ms. Martinez. You start on Friday night. Come in at lunch. I'll have Dana take you under her wing. She'll show you the ropes and get you set up. I'll have your uniform ordered and here by then as well." He stops and rakes his eyes up and down my body. "Size 10?" he questions, and I nod. When Mr. Kross stands from his chair, I do the same.

"Thank you so much for the opportunity."

"You're welcome, Leyna. I'll see you Friday."

Escorting me to the door, Mr. Kross reaches past me, opening it. We step out of his office together and walk downstairs. A woman with bleach blonde hair and a scowl on her face steps through a set of swinging double doors at the other end of the room. "Andrew said you wanted to see me," she huffs and totters in our direction.