Page 3 of The Hideout

Paige dragged a hand through her hair, no longer feeling that happiness she’d felt downstairs in the bar with Juliet. James’ voice, the anger in it, always left her wondering what he’d do when they came face to face again. “Yeah, about that. I’ve just been hired for a new job.”

“No. This stops now.”

Paige cleared her throat. “I enjoy working the bars. Why can’t you be happy for me? Isn’t that how marriage is supposed to be? Supporting one another. I’ve always supported you, James.”

“Because it means you’re not here with me! You’re my fucking wife, Paige. You’re meant to be at home with me. Why can’t you understand that?” When James said that, Paige knew what he meant. He didn’t want her to work. He wanted to be the one bringing in the income. He wanted Paige to stay at home and do nothing. She hadn’t been raised that way, and she wouldn’t change for anyone.

“Because that place sucks the life out of me every time I come back. I don’t want to be there. I told you I needed something more than that town, to be my own person with my own job, but you laughed in my face and told me my job didn’t mean shit. That it wasn’t important.”

“Because it doesn’t mean shit. It’s just a bar job. Or are you out there trying to get someone to pick you up with that supposed singing talent of yours?”

Paige slumped, lowering herself to the floor. She brought her knees to her chest, tears in her eyes. “No. You’ve made it quite clear that I’d be wasting my time trying to sing in clubs.”

“Then I’m glad you’ve seen sense with that stupid idea. Fucking pub singer.”

“B-but I’d be doing what I love.”

“Yeah, well, doing what you love doesn’t pay the bills, sweetheart.” Why was James so concerned about Paige paying the bills? He never allowed her to pay. Just another way to take that control from me. “Stop with this nonsense and come home. I’ll expect you back tonight at some point. Call me if you need picking up from the station.”

“I’m…not coming home. I have my first shift tonight.”

“Where?”

Oh, Paige wouldn’t make the mistake of telling James where she was working. She’d done that before and he’d turned up, caused a scene…which resulted in Paige being asked to leave the job she’d just secured.

“Just a bar up north.”

“Up north? You’ve got to be fucking joking!”

“No, I’m not. And now I have to go so I can get ready for my shift. Bye, James.”

With her head pressed back against the wall and her eyes closed, Paige calmed every emotion and thought she possessed. James didn’t know where she was, and she prayed he wouldn’t find out any time soon. Paige had a real chance here to enjoy her job. The pay wasn’t half bad…and the owner? Well, she was just the icing on the cake.

Chapter 2

NOT ME, NOT I

“I’m impressed.” Rachel dragged her fingertip along the bar counter, stopping in front of Juliet. Her platinum blonde hair shone against the lights, those crystal blue eyes drawing Juliet in as they usually did. Rachel was one of those women who didn’t need to try hard to catch anyone’s attention. She simply had to show up, and she turned heads. “Very impressed.”

“Did you think I’d invite you to somewhere that was less than good enough?”

Rachel took her bottom lip between her teeth, and then she quirked a brow. “Why have you invited me here? We’re usually at your apartment.”

“Because this place”—Juliet held her arms out either side of her, proud that she had done what she’d set out to do—“belongs to me.”

“No way!” Rachel’s eyes widened, one arm now wrapped around Juliet’s waist. “I have to say, I could get used to ‘being yours’ in here. It’s beautiful. Just like the owner.”

Juliet drew Rachel into a kiss, smiling against her lips. “If only I wasn’t paying you to say those things to me.”

“Oh no. Payment or not, I’d still say the same thing. This is great, Juliet. It’s so different. But I have to ask…what’s the catch?”

“The catch?”

“A place like this has to be doing some dodgy dealings. How the hell does it stay open? You can just about swing a cat in here!”

“Excuse me!” Juliet feigned shock, pressing a hand to Rachel’s chest. “Are you implying that I’m doing illegal things down here?”

“I’d like to do illegal things to you down here.” Rachel grinned, dropping light kisses along Juliet’s jaw until she reached her ear. “I’d certainly love to fuck you against that piano.”

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