Chapter 1 #2
It shouldn’t have been a surprise. He’d had it out for me since the assistant manager hired me before she quit.
As my brain registered what he said, my mouth fell open as my chin hit my chest. “What? Why?” My eyes darted around the room, then back to Richard.
Just like every rich asshole on a power trip, he was lording it over me for everyone in the bar to see.
“You’re no longer employed here. Get your shit and go.”
My brows rose as I stared at him. I wasn’t beyond begging. “Richard, please. You know I need this job. Please don’t do this.” I’d given up caring that everyone could hear me. “I didn’t have a choice. It’s my job.”
Shaking his head, he was unaffected by my plea. “Your old people are not my problem. But you create one for me every time you’re late. I need someone who will make this job a priority, and that’s not you. So get the fuck out.”
Stunned into silence, my ears buzzed as my blood pressure rose. The scrape of a chair across the wood floor echoed across the bar. The chair fell back, the sound echoing off the walls. I looked up to find Axel Hughes closing in, wearing a murderous expression.
Rising to his full height, he stepped between us, cutting off my view of my boss.
Heat radiated off his body, sending toffee and bourbon into the air.
His hands were fisted, and I imagined he was scary as hell.
Richard shuffled backward in surprise as Axel stepped closer. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
His demanding, icy tone sent a shiver up my spine as Jonas approached. Looking around Axel’s huge form, Richard stared up at him. “There’s no problem anymore. Just taking care of something I should have done a long time ago, Axel. You know how it goes when a teammate doesn’t carry their weight.”
“I do my job,” I added from around his side.
God, I hated him.
Axel reached back and swept me behind his body. I didn’t need him to protect me from anyone. “Apologize to him. Now.”
I grasped his left shoulder and pulled him back.
Stepping back in front of him, I looked into those angry eyes that were focused on Richard.
“Thank you, but it’s really okay. I’ve got this.
” Placing my hands on his hard chest, I gently nudged him backward.
His hands went to my arms, and his breathing changed when he looked down at me.
I saw the minute his glare softened. “I appreciate your concern, but please go sit down. It’s okay. They’ll bring the beer over.”
Without taking my hands or eyes off him, Axel’s glare bounced from Richard to me. “I don’t care about the beer. I won’t allow him to treat you like that.”
No one has ever defended me, but me. And why he thought he could stop me from being fired was unfathomable. It was another example in a long list of rich, powerful men who ruled the world. Everything came at a price, and I wasn’t willing to pay it here.
Decker stepped in as I tried to figure out what to say to his friend. “Luca’s the best server you got in here,” Decker added. “No offense to the others. They’re great too.”
Axel’s hands spun me around out of the way again.
Turning, he stepped in with Becker to form a human shield between us as they berated Richard.
If I hadn’t seen the writing on the wall, I might have enjoyed watching them give him the verbal beatdown he deserved.
I’m sure it would be on the internet before I left, and I couldn’t afford to be involved in something that could cost me my other job.
Even if they talked him into keeping me, he’d make my life a living hell.
It was clear I could never work here again.
Their debate about my character went on longer than I expected. As I listened, my fight slowly drained away. Axel Hughes knew nothing about me, yet here he stood, unnecessarily defending me after a single brief conversation.
I glanced at Mitch. His amused expression changed to one of empathy. “Sorry,” he mouthed.
Nodding, I stepped back, resigned to get out of here. “I’m going to go.” I motioned to the chaos in front of me. “Good luck, man.”
His lip lifted. “You too, Luca. I’d say don’t be a stranger, but…”
I knew what he meant. With one last look at them, I walked to my locker and took out my keys.
Untying my apron, I placed it in the open locker so Richard wouldn’t think I stole it.
Asshole. Heading to the back door, I looked around at the place I’d actually enjoyed working at.
Melancholy set in, because I’d miss the customers and my coworkers. Richard could eat shit and die.
Unlocking the back door, I flung open the screen and stepped out into the humid, early evening heat.
Sweat immediately broke out on my forehead as I pulled the stray hair from around my face.
What the fuck was I going to do now? Rent was due in three weeks, and just the thought of being short sent my heart racing.
As much as I hated Richard, I hated losing my job more.
As I strode down the alley, the last thing I expected was to hear Axel Hughes’ deep baritone calling my name. And that sent a whole different set of shivers down my spine.