Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Whatever it was, I needed to fight it. If I kept indulging my urge to help Liam and my father learned about it, I’d lose everything, maybe even my life.
The Marchesis didn’t have any use for a guy who was going to let debtors off easy. That was hardly a good business model. Still, knowing Liam was hungry and desperate to help his sister ate at me. I knew how that felt.
Turning this assignment over to someone else would be wise, but my father would want to know why. When he told you to do something, he expected it done without question and without passing the buck.
I should’ve just taken Liam to Pound and left Trevor to handle everything, but then no one would know how hungry he was. I would take him to get some food, then I would drop him off at his apartment and keep my distance. He could leave his payments with Trevor for me to pick up at my leisure. I wouldn’t have to see him again.
Maybe I just needed to get laid. It had been longer than usual for me. I’d gotten tired of the most recent in a string of fuck buddies, and I hadn’t bothered finding anyone else. I would go out tonight. It was never hard to find someone to bury my dick in, but tonight I’d take the time to find someone good enough to make me forget about Liam.
I was too busy to go looking for a hookup that night. The next evening I told myself I would, but when I started driving, I headed to Pound and let myself in the back door.
It was Liam’s first night on the schedule. I told myself I was just there to make sure he showed up. It was my responsibility to see that he followed through on our agreement since had no other way to pay back my family.
“Did you think he wouldn’t show?” Trevor asked as I walked by his office.
“I wanted to see his routine for myself.”
“Uh huh. He was here before we opened so he could practice. He’s determined to make sure he earns top dollar.”
“Has he been on stage yet?” I tried to sound casual, but I was sure I failed.
“No. I waited to send him out until you got here.”
“What if I hadn’t shown?”
Trevor shrugged. “Then he would’ve gone on last.”
I started to say something else to make an excuse for my presence, but since when did I explain myself to my employees? Liam had me messed up. I’d should turn around and walk out of the club, but my feet carried me to the bar. I definitely needed a drink if I was going to watch Liam dance.
It was busier than usual for a weeknight. Trevor might be annoying as hell, but he was good at his job. I had no doubt he’d spread the word to the regulars that a new guy was dancing tonight.
Tyler gave me a sly grin and spoke loudly over a Rhianna song and the whoops of the audience as one of the dancers tore away his pants. “Trevor told me to expect you. Are you here to see your new man?”
That wasn’t good. If they started mouthing off and shit got back to my father about my obsession with Liam, I’d be fucked. “He’s not my man. He’s someone who owes me a hell of a lot of money. I’m here to make sure he’s earning it.”
“I saw him practicing earlier. Trust me, he’s going to be earning more than anyone else.”
“Maybe you should keep your eyes off him and on your job.”
“You do know this is a strip club, right?”
I grabbed his T-shirt by the neck and yanked him halfway over the bar. “Keep talking back to me and I’ll make you regret it.”
He rubbed his neck when I let go. “I was just joking.”
“Be careful. You joke too much.”
“Yes, sir. Would you like your usual?”
I gave him a nod, and he poured me a whiskey and soda. I took it and moved toward the stage.
I didn’t regret putting Tyler in his place, but I wasn’t actually worried about him. Some of the other employees were a different story. I needed to remind Liam that I expected him to keep his hands to himself. I had a feeling he didn’t want to be involved with anyone who worked here or who was connected to my family, but several of the dancers were casually fucking each other, sometimes while customers watched.
That didn’t bother me, but Liam wouldn’t be participating. He wouldn’t touch anyone here except for me. What if I could just have a taste? If I asked, I was sure he’d do whatever I wanted.
I shook my head. The things I wanted to do to Liam would have to remain a fantasy. There were more important things to worry about than getting off. Like keeping my father happy.