Page 7 of Claimed By the Boss

My gaze sweeps over the club as I tie on my apron, and my stomach sinks at all the bare tables. I need tips tonight if I have any hope of buying more suppressants. I don’t even want to think of what I’ll do for rent.

Straightening my spine, I kick my mind into customer service mode and head for the first table, ready to chat up our clients for all I’m worth.

The club fills as the evening wears on, customers packing into the tables near the stage.

My feet ache from running orders all night, and the lack of food leaves me lightheaded. The headache that started this morning now pounds at my temples, making it harder to focus.

Then the door opens, and my heart stutters as Nolan steps inside.

His piercing green eyes take in the floor, and concern pushes back the misery of my day for the moment.

While his suit looks impeccable as always, his steps drag as he strides for the table reserved for him off to the right of the stage. When I first started here, he hadn’t come into Velvet Oasis every night, but lately, he’s always here, watching the floor or meeting with Tony.

That much constant work has to be exhausting even for a strong Alpha like him.

I head for the bar. “Double whiskey on the rocks. The good stuff. And a cup of coffee from the fresh pot.”

The bartender nods and turns toward the back wall, where the liquor bottles sit on a display shelf.

As I wait, Rich swaggers through the entrance, scanning the room until his gaze lands on me.

I will the bartender to hurry, but he doesn’t move fast enough for me to make an escape.

A predatory grin spreads across Rich’s face as he swaggers up to me. “There’s my favorite little Omega.”

“Good evening, Rich.” I force politeness into my tone. “If you want to find a seat, I’ll be right over to take your order.”

He wraps an arm around my waist. “Why so formal?”

I stiffen at his touch, bile rising in my throat. “Please take your hands off me.”

“Don’t be like that, sugar.” His fingers dig into my sides. “I’m going to buy you one of these days. A pretty little thing like you belongs on my arm.”

If I cause a scene, Tony will be furious, but I can’t stand Rich’s hands on me for another second.

I wrench out of his grasp. “As I’ve said, I’m not for sale.”

Anger flashes in Rich’s eyes. “You’ll change your tune soon enough. An Omega like you can’t survive without an Alpha.”

“I don’t need your protection,” I say, but his words hit too close to home. I’m barely surviving as it is, with no one else offering to help.

“You think you’re too good for me, bitch?” Rich snarls.

“Here’s your order, Leo.” The bartender slides a double whiskey and mug of coffee onto the bar in front of me, and I move them to my tray before making my escape.

My heart pounds as I put distance between us while narrowing the gap between me and Nolan.

God, I’m stupid, but I just can’t help the draw of attraction toward the Alpha. If he were the one offering to buy me, I’m not sure I’d be strong enough to say no.

I slide the drinks onto Nolan’s table and clutch the empty tray to my chest. “Would you like any snacks, sir?”

Heat rises in my cheeks, and I wonder if he knows the effect his presence has on me. If my Omega pheromones give me away. We’ve barely spoken a dozen words to each other, but I crave his attention. Need it more than my pride.

“Not right now.” He reaches for the whiskey, then pauses when he sees the steaming cup of coffee beside it. “What’s this?”

“You looked like you needed a little something extra tonight.”

He hesitates before reaching for the mug. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

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