Page 35 of Underground Prince

Rather than continue gaping at Theo’s back, I crafted my expression when passing Georgie, pretending like Theo’s condescension didn’t cut, and went to the bedroom in the back to grab my things. I ripped the stupid horns off my head, stuffing them in my jacket pocket. I checked my phone, and sure enough, there was Verily.

Vare: Ok we could be in big trouble. You should probably depart.

Vare: I mean someone complained? What’s that about?

Vare: Jake. Know this guy.

Vare: Crappity. Sax is on his way and he’s pissed.

Vare: Say nothing to Sax except maybe good-bye. Love you don’t hate me!

Blacking out the screen, I kept mumbling to myself about Georgie and Theo and which one needed a brick to the head more, when I realized I wasn’t alone.

“Listen,” Jake said as he stepped into the room. And kept stepping. This close, I could see the salt and pepper flecks of his scruff. “This is my fault and I’m sorry. I complained to management before you and I were able to figure things out and I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay,” I said. I tried to sidestep around him.

“Did I get you fired?”

“No,” I assured him, “just a short shift. We’re all good, I promise.”

“You sure? ‘Cause in the end I really like you and wanna see you around.”

“That could probably be arranged.” I tried to move around him again, but he blocked my path. “Just ask Th—I mean, Sax. He’s in charge, obviously.” I drew the last word out. Even in a somewhat stressful situation, I couldn’t take the sarcasm out of my voice.

“You got cheese plates.”

“I did,” I lied.

“And cold vodka.” He pressed closer, his cloying heat suffocating the space around me.

“Yep.” My body was growing tight, my fingers gripping my clutch so hard there would be nail marks, but I kept my voice calm.

“And—”

Jake was ripped away.

Theo hooked him by the shoulder, leaving nothing but a draft of air in front of me.

“I was only talking!” Jake cried, holding his hands up.

Theo didn’t have to say a word. His glower was enough.

“We was only talkin’,” Jake said, making sure to give me a wide berth. “I wanted to thank her and give her a bigger tip.” He dug in his pocket for proof, but Theo took it another way and blocked him with a hand. “Out, Jake.”

Theo’s moves were viper-quick and I skipped back a step, though his maneuvers weren’t close enough to touch me. One of his hands was on Jake’s arm, but the other swung behind him, hovering near his lower back.

“Sax, man, I’m only—”

“Drop it on the counter, then, but otherwise leave this room.” Gradually, Theo loosened his hold on Jake’s forearm.

“Sorry, man. I didn’t mean no harm.” Jake backed away and ever so slowly headed out the bedroom door.

I clenched and unclenched my hands to stop the shaking. “I do think he was only—”

“No.”

Theo was still watching the door.

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