14. A Favor
14
A FAVOR
GIOVANNA
Shit . My chest tightened as today replayed in my mind. I never expected things to go down like they did. The only men who ever showed any concern for me were either hired by my father or by Ekaterina. I had no idea what it felt like to have a man truly care about my well-being.
The memories pounded through my brain, causing me to snap and lose control. Now, I was too far gone and too stubborn to calm down. I needed to get away and cool off before I said or did something I regretted.
As I hurried out of Luxe in search of Jade, I ran into Luke in the lobby. “Hey,” he said, his voice concerned. He lowered his gaze on mine, his hand to his chin. “You good? You look flustered.”
“Yeah,” I nodded. “Is there anything you need from me tonight that isn’t in Luxe… please?”
He glanced back over my shoulder with a slight squint, then brought his attention back to me. “Actually, yes. Someone requested you for a bachelor party in Blue tonight, and I was just coming to tell you, but I know that’s where—” his voice trailed off.
“It’s fine,” I replied, knowing exactly what he was avoiding saying. “I need to get over it. I need to get over a lot tonight, and what better way than to strip in the very place my father lost his life at the hands of the men I work for, right?”
“Damn,” he snorted, “are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m amazing,” I laughed agitatedly. “I just need to focus on my job and do whatever you say.” I needed a distraction from my thoughts. “When do you need me in Blue?”
“They should be in there around 11:00.”
“Okay, cool.” I tried to sound nonchalant, but my heart was racing about Tyler. “Am I dancing alone?”
“No,” he said, lifting his chin at Luxe. “Victoria’s joining you.”
My eyes widened. “You’re fucking kidding me.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, I am. Don’t worry.” His playfulness didn’t quite ease my nerves. “I can tell something’s bugging you, so you need to chill. Are you bothered by Ekaterina?”
I shook my head, grateful for the change in subject. “No, I’m good there.” But even as I said it, images of her betrayal flashed through my mind, and the anger bubbled up again. No, I couldn’t let it bother me now. Tonight was about putting on a show and earning money for the club and myself. And maybe, just maybe, I could use the opportunity to plot my revenge against the men who had taken everything from me.
“Come with me,” he said, laying his palm protectively on my lower back and guiding me across the lobby, down the private hallway to Ian’s VIP room. Standing to the side, he allowed me to enter first before he closed and locked the door. Sliding his hands into his pockets, he nibbled his bottom lip for a second before he spoke. “Tyler’s comment at the warehouse upset you, and you’re still mad because you’re independent and don’t need a man to protect you. Am I close?”
“Ugh,” I rolled my eyes, “yeahhh.”
A small laugh escaped him as he paced slowly in front of me. “You and Jade are so similar, it’s almost scary.” He stopped in front of me, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “I know what it’s like to be married to someone like that. You women don’t make it easy. Ever since I’ve known her, I’ve wanted to protect her. Not because I think she’s helpless, but because of what she means to me.” He raised his hand to his chin, studying my face with narrowed eyes. “Is there anyone in this world you would kill for?”
I nodded once.
“Who?”
“Any of you guys,” I said, my voice wavering slightly, “because that’s where my loyalty is, but you know that.”
“And are we helpless?” he replied, knowing he had me right where he wanted me.
I let out a resigned sigh. “Okay,” I relented. “Okayyy, I get it. But saying he’s not allowing me to do something is really... gross. That’s his fault for wording it that way.”
“He didn’t want you to be put in a position where you could be hurt.” He folded his arms high on his chest. “Ty’s lost people too, and we all know the guy’s crazy about you. He just doesn’t want to lose you too.”
“Yeah,” I spat, “which is why he only wants me as his fuck buddy!” Realizing what I had just blurted out, I clapped a hand over my mouth. “I’m so sorry,” I mumbled through my fingers.
“It’s okay.” He laughed quietly before becoming serious again, pressing a finger to his ear. Yeah, in Ian’s room with Gia . I’ll be right there. He lowered his hand to his side. “I have to go handle some things. Go work in VIP with Amber and Trina, and I’ll see you at the table.”
He exited through the hidden door behind the curtain, and I took a deep breath, puffing out the air with big cheeks. I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on my job. VIP with Amber and Trina was always a good time, and hopefully it would help distract me from any drama with Tyler. We could talk later, when we had some privacy away from prying eyes and ears. For now, all I wanted to do was enjoy the night and avoid all else.
As I entered the showroom, Amber flew by in a blur, but she screeched to a halt when she saw me. Her ample breasts were barely contained by a skimpy red lace top, and her eyes widened in surprise at seeing me there. “What are you doing in here?” she asked, her words slightly breathless.
“Luke wants me working VIP tonight.”
She scanned the crowd before she lifted her chin across the room. “Trina’s got the new VIP section tonight, so you’re with me.”
“Will she be mad?”
Amber shook her head, her long brown hair swaying. “No, and someone’s already requested your presence, so Jade was going to get you anyway.”
“Who?” I asked.
“Table two,” she replied with a mischievous grin. “I don’t know who he is, but that man is fine as hell.”
As she rushed off to grab orders from the bar, I made my way through the crowd of eager patrons. The lively club was already packed and full of the energy I craved so much. The thumping bass of music filled the air, and the lights swirled and flashed across the room with the beat of the music, enhancing the dancers’ routines.
A few men stopped me, slipping a couple of dollars into my garter and see-through green top. I gave my breasts a little shake for each of them as a thank you before continuing on toward VIP. My heart raced, wondering who’d requested me.
The bouncer, dressed in all black with a stern expression, pulled back the plush velvet rope as I approached. Passing table three, I offered a quick greeting to Ian, Jenna, and Declan before Chance reached out, his hand slapping mine in a playful high five as I passed.
I came to a stop at the table after theirs. Everyone greeted me with smiles before my eyes fell on Dario, seated on the end closest to me. Swallowing the awkwardness and knowing his presence was going to drive Tyler insane, I feigned a grin.
“Hi!” Pressing my palms to the table, I leaned forward, giving the five men and two women a good view of my cleavage and pierced nipples through my top. “What can I get you all to drink?”
Feeling a presence of someone approaching me from the right, I stood straight, thinking they’d pass right by me, but it was Tyler, glaring in my direction as he slipped into the booth with his family. Blinking slowly, I returned my attention to the men in front of me. My job was focusing on them, and I had to distract myself or I’d end up causing a scene.
“Dario, she’s even more gorgeous than you told us,” the one at the back center of the booth commented loudly.
The other men laughed as Dario ran his fingers up the side of my leg. “I wanted to see you again.”
“I’m glad you came,” I yelled over the music, taking a small step back to coax his hand away.
“Oh, he hasn’t come yet!” Another one of his friends shouted, causing the table to erupt in laughter. “I’m not even sure I wanna still get married after seeing you, baby girl!” he continued. “Damn, Dario did good.”
“Wait,” I gasped, my gaze lowering to Dario, “you’re the bachelor party I’m dancing for in the Blue Lounge later?”
He nodded once with a sneer. “Yeah, and we’ve been pregaming down the road at Woody’s.”
Fuck fuck fuck fuck . I had no choice but to do it. Whether Tyler and I were together or not, or I was mad or not, I didn’t want to disrespect him. However, dancing was my job, and paying customers always came first at work.
With a confident grin, Dario extended his hand toward me, revealing a small wad of cash between his fingers. “But for now, I want a private dance and will make it very much worth your while.” He stood, and I took a step back. Gone was the charming man I met. While it was clear that he had been attracted to me, his demeanor now was completely different. The dim lights of the club cast shadows on his face, making him appear even more mysterious.
I stole a glance at Tyler, who looked pissed. My stomach twisted uncomfortably as I remembered the comment he’d made at the warehouse and our heated argument earlier. Despite my best efforts to remain calm, my inner-brat was starting to surface, fueled by the embarrassment he’d caused me.
Leaning toward Dario’s ear, I whispered literally nothing before turning to Tyler with a smile. I knew it would spark jealousy in him, and I felt a small sense of satisfaction. With a sly smile, I took Dario’s hand in mine and guided him toward the owner’s table.
Unable to resist, I paused and lightly ran my fingernail under Tyler’s chin, forcing him to make eye contact with me. I could see the confusion and frustration in his gaze, but it only added to my wicked pleasure. In that moment, I wanted to prove that I was anything but helpless, and I was determined to make him see that too.
Driven by naughtiness, I clenched my fists, ready to deliver a blow so low that he would never dare disrespect me again. But as I looked down at him, something inside my heart flipped a switch. His gaze was filled with only the purest intentions for me, and it softened my own demeanor. Pain was etched in his dark eyes from our earlier exchange, and I felt his fingers on the same spot where Dario’s touch had lingered only moments before.
I didn’t want to hurt him. My heart, soul, and mind, only wanted to protect him. I was vaguely aware that everyone at the table was staring at us, waiting for whatever was about to transpire between us.
Dario gave my hand a small squeeze. “Are you going to dance for me?” he asked behind me.
Ignoring him, I leaned in closer to Tyler, my mouth just barely grazing his ear, “Your enormously perfect dick was and is the only one that ever had a hold on me.” Pressing my lips just under his earlobe, I didn’t care who saw, as I left him with a lingering kiss, then stood up straight.
I could still feel everyone’s eyes on us without even looking at them. I sensed their stares through my peripheral vision as I turned to Dario, ignoring the shocked expression on Tyler’s face. “Ready?”
I took his hand in mine, leading him to Room 3, and gave him a lap dance that I knew he’d forget tomorrow. Despite the cloud of alcohol surrounding him, I tried to maintain a professional demeanor, but he passed out twice while I performed. It was a first for me, but it ended up being for the best. I didn’t want to deal with any potential drama between Tyler and myself.
After my dance, I looked for him, but he was nowhere to be found. I hesitated to ask anyone about him, unsure if my actions had caused issues with him and his family. There was a strict rule against any public displays of affection in front of customers, and while everyone usually followed it, I was still the new girl and didn’t want to risk getting in trouble. However, I would accept whatever consequences came my way because it was worth it to let Tyler know we were okay.
The rest of the night went by uneventfully. Dario and his friends were respectful, and Luke and Jade kept an eye on me during my performance in the Blue Lounge. But when I danced on the main stage, there was still no sign of Tyler. Part of me wanted to text him, but I didn’t want to potentially upset him if I was the reason he’d left. We’d already played enough mind games.
The sound of my phone vibrating across the nightstand jolted me awake.
Hello?
Hey, buzz me up , Kirsten chirped like an annoying bird as the sun rises.
What? I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, looking around my room in confusion.
Buzz me up. I need to talk to you , she repeated in that same chirpy tone.
Um , I slid to the side of the bed and stood, one sec.
I hung up and found a pair of short, rose gold satin shorts and a white, crop tank top. I pushed the button on the wall to buzz her into the building, then made my way downstairs to wait for her. A few minutes later, I heard the elevator ding, and opened the front door.
She breezed past me without even a hello, turning back toward me with an unwavering expression on her face.
I lifted a finger. “Don’t speak until I’ve have my coffee.”
Playfully huffing, she followed me into the kitchen, plopping down on a barstool and groaning, “Make me one too.”
I grabbed two matching white mugs from the cabinet.
“Can I talk, yet?”
I held up a finger. “No talking until I’ve had my coffee.”
I shook my head and placed her mug under the coffee maker. As it began to brew, I inhaled the inviting aroma and listened to the calming gurgle of the coffee pot. Shuffling over to the refrigerator, I grabbed the cream and set it in front of her, along with a bowl of sugar and a small spoon.
“Gia—”
“Shhh.” I glared at her, picking up her cup and replacing it with mine, starting a new pod of coffee. She grumbled as I placed her drink in front of her.
After my own cup was finished, I took a much-needed sip of the black coffee, savoring the taste. Letting out a contented sigh, I declared, “Okay.”
“No cream or sugar?” she asked.
“Not today,” I replied.
She wrinkled her nose. “Ew, savage.”
“Whatever, go on,” I urged.
“Right,” she said, shifting on her stool. “Declan asked me to be his girlfriend.” She brought the coffee to her lips and smiled behind the rim.
“Shut up!”
“Dead serious.” She grinned wide. “That’s why I looked weird last night the few times we crossed paths. But we were both so busy, I didn’t have time to pull you aside to tell you.”
“It wasn’t just you being weird,” I admitted, finally voicing my thoughts out loud. “I was avoiding Tyler all night.”
“Wait,” she paused mid-drink, “what happened between you two?”
“Ohhh no,” I teased, anything to avoid the topic, “we’re talking about you and Declan right now. What did you say to him?”
“I think he’s hiding something,” she said with a serious expression on her face.
My snort was involuntary. “Girl, everyone in that family is hiding something.”
She let out a tinkling laugh. “I know, but this is different. Something seems off with him. Like there’s someone else involved.”
“You guys weren’t even official.”
“Yeah, but we have this understanding, and we stopped seeing other people… Well, I thought we did.”
Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, reminding me of my own doubts and insecurities about where things were going with Tyler. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind.
Suddenly, my phone lit up and vibrated across the kitchen island, displaying Tyler’s face on the screen. Kirsten watched with interest as I scrambled to grab it. Swiping to answer, I held it to my ear.
Hello?
Thank God you answered . He never sounded panicked.
What’s wrong? I furrowed my brow at Kirsten as she watched on with wide eyes.
I’m so fucking sorry to do this, but can you please watch my kids for about two hours? Ian needs me to go with him somewhere. My sister is with Jade away for the day at something with their kids, and Amber and Chance flew to New York for the day. I trust the nannies, but with everything going on right now, I just — his voice trailed off, he sounded defeated.
Yes, of course I’ll help out . I darted my eyes around the room, unsure how it was going to go.
Thank you! I’ll bring them over in a ? —
My house?!
Yeah, is that okay?
They’re going to hate my house . I let out a laugh. It’s not got a kid-friendly thing in it.
Okay, do you want to come to my house then?
Is that okay? I didn’t want to invite myself over to his home without him wanting me there, but his kids would be miserable at my apartment.
Yeah, that’s better I just didn’t want you to feel weird.
It’s fine. I’ll be there soon. Kirsten was just leaving.
Her eyes bulged out at me, and I flickered my gaze.
She can come with you if you’d rather.
I’ll ask.
Okay, thanks again and see you soon.
You’re welcome. Bye.
Bye.
Laughter erupted from her throat, a wild cackling sound that echoed through the room. “What the hell was that?!”
“Sooo, do you wanna go watch Tyler’s kids with me?” I asked, trying to contain my own laughter.
“Uh,” she wrinkled her nose in distaste, “no, ma’am. Kids are... weird. I mean, I’m fine with nieces and nephews and I love all the kids at work, but I don’t babysit. So,” she stood and carried her coffee cup over to the sink, “you go have the best day of your life.”
“I know nothing about kids either,” I snickered in agreement. “We’ll have to finish this conversation soon.”
“Hey,” he greeted me with a tired sigh, stepping to the side so I could enter.
“Hi, where’s my dog?” I joked.
“He’s outside with the kids.” He shook his head with a half-amused expression.
I took a step into the house before turning to face him as he shut the door behind us. His normally put-together appearance was slightly disheveled, his hair tousled, and his shirt untucked.
“Is everything okay?” I asked, noticing his flustered demeanor.
“Yeah, it’s fine,” he replied quickly, leading me through the foyer and down a hallway into the family room.
My eyes landed on the couch, memories flooding back of our passionate encounter not too long ago. I wanted to ask him about last night and where he had disappeared to, but now didn’t seem like the right time. He seemed in a rush... or maybe something was bothering him.
I turned to speak to him, but he surprised me by grabbing my hips and pulling me close against him. “Thank you for doing this. I know it’s probably awkward for you.”
“It’s okay, I promise. I’m?—”
“Dad, is she here?” A young voice interrupted us as Naya came bounding around the corner with a wide grin. Tyler took a step back from me, his hands resting on his hips as he watched her approach.
Before he could reply, she reached us and stood in front of me with an eager smile. “Hi!”
“Hi!” I matched her tone.
Without warning, she threw her arms around my hips, hugging me tightly. Stifling a huge grin, I pressed my hands to her back, holding her. It melted me instantly, and I didn’t want to appear too happy as not to scare anyone.
“I’ve been wanting you to come over!” she exclaimed, tilting her head back to look up at me.
“You have?” I laughed, genuinely surprised, but also touched by her words. “I’m happy to be here.”
She took a small step back, still looking up at me with those brown, hopeful eyes. As much as I wanted to be here with her and her family, I felt a bit nervous about potentially overstepping or making anyone uncomfortable. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Tyler watching us, his expression unreadable.
Maybe he was wondering if he’d made a mistake in asking me to watch another woman’s children. However, when he looked down at her, love and adoration appeared in his eyes. Naya wasn’t just a part of him; she was everything to him.
Offering him a warm smile, I leaned down closer to her, getting on her level even though she had grown so much since I last saw her. “What would you like to do today?”
She tapped a finger on her chin. “Do you know how to make cookies?”
A playful grin tugged at my lips as I replied, “Why yes, it just so happens that cookies are my specialty. What kind were you thinking of?”
She tilted her head back, gazing up at the ceiling in deep thought, before returning her eyes to mine. Her long ponytail swayed behind her with each movement. With a happy glint in her eye, she wiggled a finger toward her father, and he leaned down closer. She cupped her hand over her mouth to whisper loudly, “Dad, can we make chocolate cookies with chocolate chips?”
He let out a chuckle, standing up straight. “That sounds perfect, as long as she knows how to make them.”
Nodding once, I beamed, “Those are my favorite!”
“Me too!” She exclaimed, spinning around and skipping off. “I’m gonna go tell my brothers and I’ll be right back.”
As soon as the back door closed behind her, Tyler took a step closer to me, his hands finding their way back to my hips. “When I get back, we need to talk, if that’s okay?”
A thousand words swirled in my mind, waiting for the perfect moment to spill out and change everything between us. I knew that once he heard them, there was no going back. The weight of my secrets hung heavy on my shoulders as I nodded.
He looked into my eyes, searching for something, before speaking again. “I have to go. If things get too crazy, text me and I’ll try to leave the meeting.”
“Is there anything I should know? Just in case I need to protect them?”
He lifted his hand and traced my bottom lip with his thumb. “Everything is fine, and I know if they’re safe with anyone, it’s you.”
A wave of warmth washed over me, that he’d trust me with the three most precious people in his life. And I trusted him not to lie to me about everything being fine, especially when it came to the safety of his children.
He leaned in slightly, placing a kiss on my cheek, then took a step away. “I won’t be gone for too long,” he murmured.
“Be careful.”
He blinked at me a few times before giving me a small smile, then left through the mud room toward the garage.