Page 5 of Before We Were Us

I’m tucking my card in my wallet when he hollers out for the waitress, holding up the whiskey I’d ordered.

“Who’s this going to?” the woman in the skimpy, barely there top asks looking over to offer me a seductive smile.

“Don’t bother, Jade, he’s got eyes for Brynn.” She pouts and takes the drink while still looking at me. “Should I offer her a name?”

“Nah, just tell her it's from an admirer.”

four

. . .

Brynnlee

“I didn’t order this,” I tell Jade trying to give her back the whiskey she’s placed before me.

“Nope,” she smiles knowingly, “but some really hot guy at the bar did and told me to bring it to you.”

“Um, what guy?” Marco stretches up looking over the mass of people as if trying to get a clear view of the bar.

“He’s gone now but he was tall and had dark eyes, dark hair, and a killer smile. Not to mention his body was very taken care of too,” Jade offers in explanation with a waggle of her brows. I try not to react as I think back to the man that I’d had a very brief interaction with when ordering drinks. He fits her description to a T.

“Apparently you managed to knock him on his ass without even trying and from what Drew says, he didn’t flinch when he gave him the lecture.”

“What lecture?” I ask curiously.

“The she is untouchable, has a brother and daddy that will not hesitate to ward off all the villains. Plus he even tossed in the idea of the crazy BFF that would cut a guy if he ever hurt you. You know, the normal stuff.” She walks off and I glance over at Taylor. Immediately we both burst out laughing. Because come on, that shit is hilarious.

“That poor guy probably bought this as a pity drink because after that speech he’s got to feel sorry for you.”

“I’ll take it,” I say, lifting it to my lips, still ignoring the fact that I kind of wish he would have brought it over himself before disappearing.

We ended up closing the place down, taking a cab back to our little corner, before going our separate ways.

But as I climb into bed and close my eyes, my thoughts float back to the stranger with the alluring smile.

“So my job is basically to go around to different clubs, hotels and restaurants, ensuring that the staff is doing as they should, the guests are happy and handling any issues that may arise.”

“Pretty much,” I tell her. “It’s our job to make sure everything is operating smoothly. To keep any issues hidden and handled without word getting out. Dad likes to remain hidden, not deal with the public. If a problem gets too big then yes either he or Sebastian will make an appearance but you and I, my friend, are the peacekeepers.”

“I love this job already.” She smiles happily, leaning back in the passenger seat of my Audi, sipping her latte like she doesn’t have a care in the world.

“Sooo.” She stretches out the word and my stomach immediately tenses. I know the tone well, she was fishing and she can be relentless. “Any idea who the hottie was at the club the other night?”

“Not a clue.” I focus on the traffic but I can feel her staring at me from the side.

“I bet we can find out.” And there it is. “He had a charge account, I’m sure and he paid with a credit card.”

“Yeah,” I say, not really sure I even want to know.

Thankfully the phone rings, filtering through my speakers and interrupting her thought process. Reaching out eagerly I tap the screen and accept my father’s call.

“Where are you at?” His voice is clipped, and I know without asking that he is in full business mode.

“On our way to Forge to approve the new menu layout and join the staff meeting.”

I glance at Taylor realizing that this will be the first time she witnesses this side of my father.

“Change of plans.” His voice is short. “I need you at Terrace Suites.”

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