Page 5 of Day Shift

“Hey, how’s it going?” I asked a group of regulars as I climbed a flight of stairs on the opposite side. Midway up, I turned and surveyed the club. The dance floor pulsed with energy, while the balconies above provided a more intimate setting for conversation and drinks. The club’s design never failed to impress me. Each of the four levels catered to different types of pleasures. From intimate lounges to private party spaces, Xyst offered a unique experience to meet our patrons’ every taste and desire. The top floor was reserved for our most exclusive members, who also had access to the underground gaming area.

Just as I topped the stairs, someone shouted my name. Damian Jasper, from the band Toxic Romance, called out, raising his glass in salute. I responded with a wave and a warm smile, continuing on my way. I laughed as I thought of a few years back, when he and his band had played gigs here for free on live band nights. Since then, he’d become super famous.

At the elevator on the second floor, a quick scan of my phone prompted the doors to open. I stepped in, pressed the button for the top floor, and was whisked away. The elevator’s quiet hum was a familiar comfort after the club’s loud buzz.

The doors opened to reveal our private office space. The calm, elegant ambiance here contrasted distinctly with the club’s frenzied atmosphere. It was an oasis compared to the chaos below. Aria, our stunning, blonde personal assistant, glanced up from her reception desk and offered me a welcoming smile.

“Hey, Anastasia! What brings you up here?”

“Lucian,” I replied. “I heard about the SLA issue.”

Aria’s smile wilted into a look of concern. “He’s in the office, but be forewarned… He’s not in the best mood.”

“Thanks, Aria.” I nodded before moving toward the office door.

I braced myself for what lay behind it. Lucian’s Irish temper was not to be taken lightly. But as his friend and business partner, it was my job to help him work through this crisis. And that was exactly what I intended to do.

I knocked lightly, steeling myself for the confrontation ahead. “Lucian?” No response. I hesitated for a moment before turning the handle and stepping inside.

When I entered, I found him brooding by the window, his large frame silhouetted against the one-way glass. The dance floor and bar were visible below, but no one could see us. Lucian had discarded his jacket and rolled his sleeves up like he was preparing for a fight. He clutched his whiskey glass tightly, the amber liquid sloshing around with every strained movement he made. Anger radiated from him like heat from a flame.

“Hey,” I said softly, closing the door behind me. “Lach told me what happened.”

“Of course he did.” Lucian’s voice was low and gruff. “Can’t keep anything to ourselves in this place.”

“Lucian, we’re all worried about the club. This isn’t just your problem to deal with.” I crossed the room and placed my hand on his shoulder, letting out a sigh as my fingers brushed over his tense muscles. “We’ll figure it out together.”

I leaned in, biting his earlobe playfully, but he stood resolute, with his arms crossed over his chest. I needed to rid him of this menacing attitude and knew just how to do it.

“Let’s forget about all that SLA garbage for the moment,” I whispered into his ear and slipped my arms around him from behind. Finally, his body relaxed slightly under my touch.

“Anastasia,” he exhaled, turning to face me and wrapping his arms around my waist as my hands glided up his chest and around his neck. He let his hands rest on the curves of my hips. The coolness of his glass pressed against my lower back. His dark eyes were filled with a fire that sent shivers down my spine. “You always know how to distract me.”

“Is that a bad thing?” I grinned, tracing a finger along the curve of his jaw. The scent of his cologne, mingling with the faint aroma of whiskey, made my head spin.

“Depends on the situation,” he replied, smirking. “But right now, I’m in no mood for a distraction.”

“Then I’ll just have to change your mood,” I whispered, pressing my lips to his. After giving me a throaty snarl, he opened for me. My body melted, the heat of his mouth and the taste of the whiskey chasing away thoughts of anything else. I let myself be consumed by it for a moment, but then the muscles of his shoulders stiffened again.

Ignoring his dark mood and taut shoulders, I pulled away a little and bit his lip hard. He jerked back, glancing at me with a mix of surprise and annoyance.

“Not now,” he barked. “I have no patience for your antics at the moment.”

“Relax, Lucian,” I purred, brushing my fingertips along his unyielding shoulders. “My family has connections in the NYPD’s sixth precinct—you know, the ones responsible for things here in the Meatpacking District.”

I let my words sink in, watching his eyes narrow. His brow furrowed deeper as he considered what I was saying.

“Why else do you think we haven’t been given a hard time for our underground gambling operation?” I asked. “They’re well paid off, so don’t worry. I’ll handle it. Someone must not have gotten the memo about leaving us alone. Who knows?”

Lucian stared at me, suspicion clouding his eyes. “What kind of family has that kind of influence? How does a librarian by day know how to pay off cops?”

“Ah, well, my dear Lucian,” I said with a playful smile, hoping I looked more confident than I felt, “everyone has their secrets.” My mind raced as I tried to come up with a plausible story.

I hadn’t told any of the guys about my true background. I certainly hadn’t mentioned the arranged marriage contract looming over my head, and I wasn’t about to get into that right now.

“Let’s just say I have a rich uncle who’s a politician,” I lied smoothly. “He taught me a thing or two about making deals and keeping secrets.” I leaned in closer until our breaths mingled in the air between us, whispering, “It’s amazing what you can learn when you’re quietly sitting at dinner and people forget you’re there.”

Lucian studied me for a moment, his gaze intense enough to set my skin on fire. Then he sighed, loosened his grip from around my hips, and took a sip of his drink.

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