Chapter One #2
She scanned his face, trying her best not to make it obvious she was staring.
His expression hadn’t changed since he’d walked in.
The man had a permanent scowl with his thick, dark eyebrows severely dipping, forming two prominent wrinkles separating his eyes.
And yet somehow, it was still inviting. At least to me.
His shaved head and beard only amplified his intimidation.
Then there were his eyes. Was it even possible to have black eyes?
She hadn’t thought so until she’d met him.
Met is a stretch. Keely sighed, taking in his profile.
All his features were strong, brutish, and masculine.
It matched his vibe. Professional with an element of “fuck around and find out.” That thought had her lips twitching, and she fought against a smile.
Keely didn’t necessarily have a type, but she’d never been with a man like Caine.
Always serious, unfriendly, and a dangerous air with an angry aura surrounding him.
Most of her exes were down with lying in bed, binge watching trashy TV while eating pizza straight from the box and sharing a half gallon of ice cream.
And they were all assholes. Maybe her type was overrated.
Keely should’ve been looking outside of her comfort zone. And here he is.
“They’re expecting me,” Nash said, and Jared nodded, stepping to the side, making way for both men to pass.
“Trey is on the balcony. Rogue is expected shortly.”
As they started toward the stairs, Keely lifted on her toes and waved.
“Hey Nash!”
All the men stopped, and Nash glanced over his shoulder. His face softened slightly, and he dipped his chin, though he didn’t offer her a smile.
“Keely.” It wasn’t overly friendly but semi-sweet.
She ignored the glare penetrating her soul.
It was coming from Jared, who she refused to look at.
There were specific rules about speaking with anyone other than Bowery staff.
She didn’t quite understand, but as her brother, Killian, pointed out many times, it wasn’t her business to question the rules. She just had to follow them.
Keely was already in the doghouse with Jared and would receive a reprimand once the room cleared. Why not get the best bang for her punishment. Go big or go home. And honestly, how could she resist? It was too tempting. She raked her teeth over her bottom lip, building up the courage.
“Hi Caine.”
His back stiffened, and his step faltered slightly.
There was a brief hesitation, but he kept walking with zero acknowledgement.
If not for his reaction, she could’ve chalked it up to him not hearing her.
He heard me. And he chose to ignore her.
Dammit! Her shoulders sagged, and she watched Caine walk up the stairs behind Nash.
Maybe he would look over once he wasn’t on the spot with an audience.
She watched until he disappeared upstairs. He didn’t look back.
So disappointing.
“Keely!” Jared’s tone had her jumping back as he appeared in front of her, blocking her view. He doesn’t look happy.
“Yes?” She was fully committed to feigning innocent.
“You work at the club. Nash isn’t affiliated with the Bowery. Therefore, there’s no interaction when you’re working.”
Are you serious, Jay?
Keely scoffed, which rolled into a chuckle. Neither was appreciated by Jared. His brows dipped tightly, deepening his scowl.
“He’s my best friend’s boyfriend. I’m gonna say hi no matter where I am.” She spread out her arms and widened her eyes. “And in case you missed it, Nash greeted me back.”
Jared’s nostrils flared, and his jaw squared. He inhaled a deep breath, sharing a look with Killian, who surprisingly remained silent. Jared stalked to the edge of the bar, setting them only a foot apart.
“Would you say hi to Rogue?”
Absolutely not. Keely made a point of never crossing paths with that boss whenever possible. The few times she’d had that misfortune were still ingrained in her mind. Keely avoided the man at all costs. Most people did. But, I get what you’re saying. She clamped her lips.
“Don’t do it with Nash.” Jared narrowed his gaze. “Or anyone else for that matter. Are we clear?”
He was obviously referencing Caine. At least Jared was kind enough not to point out Caine’s lack of response.
“Crystal.” She sighed.
Jared scanned her face before walking away. She was a notorious rulebreaker, but even she could recognize and bow down to the direct order.
“Hey Keels, Kill!”
Keely spun around and watched as Gavin, another barback, rushed through the room. He purposely slowed his steps while passing Jared then practically ran toward them.
He slapped his palms on the bar top. “Congratulate me!”
Keely chuckled, sharing a look with her brother. “Did Lilah finally agree to go out with you?”
Gavin had been working hard to snag a date with the Bowery’s newest server.
“Better.”
Keely hiked her brows. Better than a date with one of the most beautiful waitresses at the club?
Keely had been listening to Gavin talk for weeks about the woman and served as a sounding board when she turned him down, each and every time.
Keely’s social life was officially in the shitter, but she was more than happy to bask in her coworker’s excitement. And so was her brother.
“Let’s hear it, man.” Killian rounded the bar, moving next to her and resting his hip on the counter.
“Got promoted to bartender!”
Keely flinched and felt the blow as if she’d been slapped in the face. Gavin was promoted to bartender? How was that possible? She’d been at the Bowery longer than him by five months. She had seniority. Hell, she’d shown him the ropes and given him his first tour when he’d started.
As if he’d sensed her rising anger, Killian rested his hand on her back.
She was tempted to shrug him off. She didn’t.
For as much as he teased and taunted her, Killian recognized this was a hard pill to swallow for her and a major disappointment.
Where’s my promotion? Killian circled his hand over her back, and she leaned into his side.
“Congratulations,” Killian said.
“Yeah, thanks. I’m so stoked for this. Especially the pay raise.”
Keely caught herself from whimpering. And cursing!
She was barely making her bills due to her outlandish and irresponsible spending habits.
It was her own fault, but with her mounting credit card bills and everyday living expenses, she could’ve used the money.
Killian patted her back, and it served as a much-needed reminder.
It wasn’t Gavin’s fault she’d been overlooked by management and had a toxic relationship with her budget.
Keely mustered up a smile and hoped it appeared genuine. “That’s awesome, Gav.”
“Yeah, and” —he hooked his thumb over his shoulder— “it looks like it’s a promotion day for everyone. Samantha just got moved up to bar one.” He paused, raising his brows. “Indefinitely.”
What the fuck? She whipped her head, widened her eyes, and stared up at her brother in horror. Killian subtly held up his hand. It was the universal sign for calm down . Keely steadied her breathing and flattened her lips, but her internal energy was on the brink of imploding.
“Gav, man that’s great.” Killian lifted his chin, gesturing across the room. “You should probably start setting up your bar.”
“Yeah.” Gavin grinned and walked away.
Keely ground her teeth so hard, pain shot through her molars. Even without a mirror, she knew her face was lighting up like fire, which was a recipe for disaster. The fiery heat coursing through her veins was like a firecracker waiting to go off.
“Calm down, Keels.”
Oh fuck, no!
“Calm down? I fucking trained Gavin!” she snapped.
“And not only did I not get a bartending promotion, but now Samantha gets bar one? I never get this bar! And I’ve been here longer than both of them.
” She drew in a breath. “I’m basically the only person on staff who hasn’t gotten anything from the incentive program. ”
This was all too much!
He grasped her shoulder. “Maybe they’re doing something different. Moving people around and testing it out.”
She pulled away from Killian and blurted, “ You didn’t get moved.”
He straightened and drew in a breath. “Talk to Sloane.”
Oh, I will! This was unfair, unethical, and downright bullshit .
Keely may not have been the best barback the Bowery had ever seen, but being passed over for promotions and motivational perks, time and time again?
No! She charged around the bar and made a beeline for the hallway where Sloane and Dahlia’s office was located.
If she was getting passed over, she deserved a reason why.
She was halfway down the hall when she saw Rogue heading her way.
Fuck!
All her adrenaline and confidence seemed to dissipate in mere seconds. Keely immediately turned and rushed back to the floor to bar two. She’d get her opportunity to talk to Sloane, but she’d wait for the right time without any interference from the devil himself.
That was one run-in she’d avoid at any cost.
Always!
****
Caine was two paces behind Nash as they walked up the ingress of the Bowery.
It wasn’t often he’d been invited to join a meeting between the kings of the Underground.
As security and reporting directly to Nash, he was accustomed to receiving his orders secondhand.
As security team lead for all those working under Oz, Caine was privy to more than most. Still, this was new territory for him.
Nash stopped at the door, grasped the handle, and rolled his shoulders. He’d been part of the Underground long enough to know a meeting with Rogue carried a certain weight.
“Are you expecting resistance?” Caine asked.
Nash sighed. “It’s Rogue.”