Page 13 of Claimed By the Boss

“Hey, wait a second.” Phoenix pulls out his phone. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

Afraid he’ll stop me, I hurry to push through the door to the main floor. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting, the haze of cigarette smoke stinging my eyes. The scent of pheromones that cling to the club pricks at my senses, still raw from my Heat. I take shallow breaths as I search the floor for Tony and spot him at the bar.

Tony turns to me, his expression unreadable. “Well, look what the cat dragged in. You have some nerve showing up here after the scene you caused.”

So it’s not about no-showing. Rich must have reported what happened.

“Please, Tony.” I force the words past the lump in my throat. “You know I need this job.”

“Even if I wanted to, I can’t have you on the floor after what you did to Rich.” Tony shakes his head in disbelief. “What were you thinking, kid? He practically bankrolls this place.”

“What I did?” Disbelief fills me.

He can’t possibly think I’m strong enough to beat Rich up. Unless the Alpha spun a different story to save his pride.

“See that kid?” Tony points one thick finger toward the floor, and I peer over my shoulder, spotting an unfamiliar Omega carrying a serving tray. “That’s your replacement.”

Feeling like I’m drowning, I turn back to Tony. “Please, I need this job. I’ll do anything.”

“Anything, huh?” His eyes narrow as he studies me, a hard glint in his eyes. “Your server position has already been filled. But there’s still another position available. One that pays better. A lot better.”

Tears sting my eyes. “You’re talking about the back rooms.”

“It’s all I’ve got for you, kid, and better than you deserve. The only reason I’m willing to offer it is because Rich isn’t pressing charges for what happened.” Tony watches my reaction. “This will be a good move for you, Leo. With the kind of money you’ll make, you can pay off your debts, eat well, and maybe even find a nicer place to live.”

He reaches out to grip my shoulder. “I’ll even make sure your first client’s a good one. Nice and gentle.”

His words echo in my head, and I take a deep breath, steeling myself against the fear that threatens to consume me. This is my chance to escape the crushing weight of my brother’s debt, to claw myself out of the hole of misery I live in.

Clammy sweat coats my palms, and cotton fills my mouth. The thought of becoming a back-room boy terrifies me, but what other choice do I have? Rent is due, and Gino will be pounding on my door on the fifteenth. If I don’t have his payment…

My mind balks at what he’ll do. It will be worse than what Tony’s offering.

“Alright.” My voice cracks on the word. “I’ll do it.”

Tony smirks, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “That’s what I like to hear, Leo. But let me make one thing clear. You belong to me now, so I expect nothing less than total obedience, understand?”

I nod slowly, swallowing hard as I force myself to meet his gaze. “Yes, sir.”

“Good.” He nods toward the back hall. “Go get yourself ready.”

I jerk back a step. “Tonight?”

His brow arches. “Are you disobeying me?”

I drop my head. “No, sir.”

“Good.” He makes a shooing motion. “Get going before I change my mind.”

Steps heavy, I turn and head for the hall that leads to the back rooms.

6

The bright lights cast the changing area in stark relief, leaving no way to hide what this part of the club is used for.

I clutch the delicate, white lace lingerie that had been thrust at me by the madam who oversees the boys who work in this part of the club. The material feels foreign against my skin. I’ve never worn anything like this before, and my heart races at the thought of what’s to come.

Anxiety churns in my stomach, while deep down, I know I shouldn’t be doing this. But I need the money. Even if I could find a new job right away, my first paycheck wouldn’t come in time.

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