Page 14 of Salacious Desires

Instead of answering me, Drake drags the chair on the opposite side over so it’s next to mine. When he sits, the smell of his cologne drifts over me. It’s potent, and I press my legs together harder.

“Lily, why haven’t you been taking your allotted breaks?”

Huh?

I press my lips together, unsure what to say. That wasn’t what I was expecting. Shouldn’t he be happy I’m not taking my breaks?

“Lily.” His voice is low, warning lacing his tone.

Sitting a bit straighter, I try to ignore his piercing gaze. “I don’t need breaks. I’m fine. It’s not a big deal.”

A waiter approaches from behind, and I nearly levitate out of my seat. Drake immediately reaches out and covers one of my hands with his. The heat of his skin on mine is scorching yet soothing.

“Good evening. Can I get you two something to drink?”

I open my mouth to decline, but Drake speaks first.

“Can we get two glasses of water, please? And a menu.”

The waiter gives a sharp nod before he disappears as quickly as he came. I glance around the restaurant, my nerves frayed. I need to get back to work.

Drake’s hand is still covering mine. Crap. I was probably supposed to pull it away. When I try to tug it free, he tightens his grip.

“It is a big deal, Lily. If you’re not taking breaks, that means you’re eating your meals on the go, and that’s not healthy.”

My cheeks turn pink, and my tummy does a little flip as I look away from him.

“You haven’t been eating meals, have you?” His voice is even lower now. Bright red caution flags go wild in my head.

“I’ve brought packages of crackers. I grab one if I get hungry.”

His jaw clenches, and the corner of his right eye twitches. I don’t think he’s very happy with that answer. Drake is an intimidating man when he’s smiling, but right now, he’s terrifying.

“You’ve been working eight-hour shifts with no breaks and no food? Lily, that’s unacceptable. Not only do you get paid breaks, but we also provide free meals to all our employees. It’s not good to be on your feet so long, especially in heels. I expect every single one of our employees to take their two fifteen-minute breaks and thirty-minute lunch.”

Using my free hand, I pick at invisible lint on my dress. “I’m fine. It’s been busy, and the club is only open four days a week, so I have three days to rest.”

“Are you arguing with me, Lily?”

My head snaps up, and I stare at him, wide-eyed. “No. I mean, I’m not trying to argue, Sir.”

His pupils dilate. “I like you calling me that.”

Huh?

Oh, God. I called him Sir. Shoot. I’ve been hearing so many people use that honorific here that it slipped out.

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” he says in that same low tone. “You’re going to start taking every single one of your breaks. On time. I don’t care how busy it is out there. Your health and well-being are more important than any customer. You’re also going to order at least one full meal and one snack from the kitchen on each shift. If you don’t, I’ll know. And you’re going to drink three full glasses of water throughout your shift each night. Are we clear?”

I swallow heavily, my heart pounding. My ex used to scold me, but it was never like this. He was always putting me down and yelling. Never speaking quietly and firmly. And never over something that had to do with my well-being.

“Yes,” I whisper.

There’s no point giving him any other answer. Drake isn’t budging on this. I may not know the man very well, but I do know he means exactly what he says. I’m also pretty sure he always gets his way.

“‘Yes, Sir’ is better.”

My breath catches in my throat. Is it hot in here? I can’t tell if it is or if the man beside me is causing the temperature to rise.

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