Chapter 10
Ten
LULU
“You’re doing great,” Max says with a wink as he stands next to me to pour a beer. “How are you feeling?”
“Good.” And it’s the truth. Today is so much better than yesterday. I bought a few outfits to wear to work and had a real meal of spaghetti and meatballs. I’m planning to switch to a nicer motel now that I know how much money I’ll make.
I’ve never had to worry about money in my life, but even I know that a six-figure salary is pretty damn good, and that doesn’t even include tips.
“If you need anything, I’m right here. Rita’s coming on in an hour, too.”
“Are we the only three bartenders on staff?” I ask him.
“No, we have Brandy as well, but she only works two nights a week because she’s a single mom. You’ll meet her Sunday night.”
I nod, then deliver the Guinness I just poured to a member before I make my way to the next customer.
“A filthy martini,” the redhead says. She’s in a slip dress that looks made of diamonds, and I have to say, it’s freaking gorgeous. “With extra olives, please.”
“You got it.”
“The dirtier, the better,” she adds.
“Is there any other way?” I ask, earning a grin.
“I like you,” she decides, and with my confidence buoyed, I turn to make her drink.
I’ve been here for a couple of hours, and so far, there has been no sign of Rome. Maybe he’s not coming in tonight. Or perhaps he arrives later in the evening. It hadn’t even occurred to me that he never left the bar to go into the playroom last night.
But he’s a member of this sex club, and that means he probably usually goes into the playroom and the private rooms to have sex. Right? For all I know, he could be married, but he comes here to get his rocks off.
And I’m not judging. Maybe the wife knows. Perhaps they have an open relationship, and this works for them.
After sliding over the martini, movement at the end of the bar catches my eye. It’s not Rome, but it’s a handsome man.
He also has a ton of tattoos and dark hair that’s cut super short to the scalp.
He’s dressed in a white button-down with the top two buttons unfastened.
No tie. No jacket. And the sleeves are rolled almost to the elbows.
He’s a giant of a man, with muscles that flex under his inked-up skin. His hands look rough.
And when I look in his face, I almost stumble back because he’s … scary.
This man hurts people.
I’ve seen enough of them through my father’s line of work to recognize them.
But his lips curl up into a half smile as I approach him.
“Hi there,” I say, proud that my voice doesn’t shake. “What can I get for you?”
“Just a shot of Macallan will do it,” he replies. His voice is like gravel. And his dark eyes are pinned to me. “You’re new.”
“Yeah, I just started last night.” I set the glass on the bar, then reach for the bottle and pour. “I’m Lulu. And you are?”
“Intrigued,” he replies.
“That’s smooth.” I wink at him. “Does it work with all the girls?”
He barks out a laugh and shoots the whiskey back. “I’m Carson.”
“Nice to meet you, Carson. Would you like another?”
“Better not. I’m working tonight.”
I blink at him. “Oh, do you work here?”
That smile returns to his handsome face, but it looks foreign on him, like he’s too mean to smile so much.
“Would it disappoint you if I said no?”
“Why would it disappoint me, Carson?”
He leans in. “Because then I wouldn’t be here on the regular to rock your world in one of the private rooms. Or are you more of an exhibitionist? Would you rather I bent you over one of the couches in the playroom?”
I tip my head to the side, watching him, not backing down an inch. I’m not at all attracted to him sexually. Definitely not like I am Rome. And he makes me … uneasy.
“I don’t think I’d take you up on any of the above, if I’m being honest.”
I hear a chuckle behind me and turn to find Rita tugging on her apron.
“Leave my girl alone, Carson,” she says with a good-natured smirk. “She’s not your type.”
“Why not? She’s fucking hot.”
“Rome saw her first,” she says, and Carson leans back in his chair as if he’s putting space between us.
What the hell does that mean?
“Pity.” He shakes his head. “Well, it’s time to get to work. Have a good evening, pretty Lulu.”
He raps his knuckles on the bar, and then he’s gone. I turn to Rita with a frown.
“What do you mean Rome saw me first?”
“Just that.” She winks at me but doesn’t elaborate, which is not helpful. “Now, get back to work. Looks like Blondie over there needs her second martini.”
“Why do we have a two-drink max?” I ask.
“Because the things that go on in the playroom would be dangerous if people were sloppy drunk. This way, they can lower their inhibitions without getting out of control.”
I nod as it all makes sense. “I like that.”
“Good. Always remember the number one rule.”
“Never serve anyone more than their allotted two drinks.”
Rita smiles like I’m her favorite student. “You’ve got this, girl.”