Page 26 of Claimed By the Boss

“Nolan, please.” I cast a furtive look around. “Mr. Bugrov was just reminding me that rent was due yesterday.”

The muscle in Nolan’s jaw ticks before he shoves his gun into his waistband.

“It was a misunderstanding. I’m Leo’s boss.” Nolan takes out his wallet and hands Mr. Bugrov a sleek black card with Velvet Oasis written in hot pink on the back. “Come down sometime, on the house.”

Mr. Bugrov’s hand shakes slightly as he reads the name. “No shit?”

“No shit.” Nolan pulls out a stack of bills and holds it out. “This should cover Leo’s rent and any fines.”

Eyes wide, I snatch the cash before Mr. Bugrov can take it. “That’s way too much. Aren’t you supposed to be a businessman?”

I quickly count out the right amount, add fifty for the fine, and slap it against Mr. Bugrov’s chest. “Please enjoy your evening at Velvet Oasis.”

Grabbing the leather billfold from Nolan, I shove the rest of the money back inside and push him into the apartment, slamming the door.

“Dammit.” I thrust the wallet back at Nolan. “I’ll pay you back.”

He tucks it back into his pocket. “Velvet Oasis owes you a final paycheck.”

“That was more than what was owed to me.” Tears burn my eyes. “I’ll figure out a way to make up the difference.”

I look around at what remains in my apartment. Nothing in here is worth selling, but it’s everything I have in life.

Instead of telling me not to bother, Nolan nods in acceptance. “I’ll help you find another job.”

Surprised, I rub the sleeve of my jacket over my eyes. “At one of your other clubs?”

“No.” The sharp word comes with a sense of finality.

My eyes drop to the gun in his waistband. “Where were you hiding that?”

He lifts his sweater to reveal a holster between his shoulder blades. In one smooth, practiced move, he sheathes the gun and drops his sweater.

A slight bump under the soft material gives away its location, but if I didn’t know it was there, I never would have suspected. “Do you always carry that?”

“Not specifically this one, but yes.” He cups my cheek. “Are you afraid?”

“A little.” I shift and adjust myself in my pants. “But not in a bad way.”

Nostrils flaring, he shoves me against the door, his mouth claiming mine in an all-consuming kiss that leaves my knees shaky and my dick hard.

Pulling back, he kisses my forehead. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Yeah, sure, get me worked up then tell me to walk.” Chest heaving, I adjust myself again and grab my stuffed pillowcase.

With a self-satisfied smirk, he opens the door and gestures me back out onto the landing. “Do you want to pick up something to eat on the way home?”

I accept the change of topic for now and follow him outside, locking up my apartment. “We just ate a big breakfast. Are you hungry already?”

His gaze sweeps over me. “It can’t hurt to grab a snack.”

Suspicious, I struggle to walk with my heavy pillowcase off to one side so my legs don’t smack into it with every step. “Only stop if you want something. I’m still full and will only have tea.”

In a deft move, he trades sides of the walkway with me, putting me closer to the building, and takes my belongings, swinging them over one shoulder with ease. “I’ll have Milton swing through Smooth Grooves before we take you home.”

Warmth rushes through me as I think about the strawberry smoothie from last night. It makes me want to order one on the off-chance that Nolan will want to kiss me afterward.

Then the rest of what he said registers. “You’re not staying with me?”

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