Page 76 of Dust to Dust

Quinn’s jaw clenched. “Not that I know of,” he gritted out.

“Apparently you are if you think I would agree to you paying me like I’m a hooker.”

“Oh shit,” Brooke muttered under her breath.

Quinn’s eyes bulged. “I would never think of you like that.”

“What else would I be?”

“Last time I checked, we weren’t fucking, and you have to be paid for sex to be a hooker!” Quinn roared.

My cheeks warmed. “I just said it would be like I was a prostitute. Who else would I be for money to come between us?”

He threw his hands up in frustration. “The woman I want to take care of.”

With a roll of my eyes, I replied, “I’m sure that’s what the other girls will think when they get wind that you’re paying me not to do lap dances.”

“I don’t give a fuck what they think.”

“Well I do.”

“Why are you being so stubborn? This is the best solution for you and your family.”

“I’m sorry. But if we’re to have any future, I can’t feel like I’m indebted to you financially.”

Quinn furrowed his brows. “You really don’t want me to do this?”

I shook my head furiously back and forth. “No. I don’t.”

He threw a glance at Brooke before looking intently at me. “You don’t want my money?”

“I really don’t.”

After exhaling a ragged sigh, Quinn dragged his hand through his dark hair. “Then we’ll have to find a compromise because I will not allow you into a private room alone again.”

“You could always stay in the room with her,” Brooke suggested, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

He gritted his teeth at her. “Not happening.”

“Then what’s your solution, Big Man?” she countered.

As he leaned back against the counter, Quinn appeared to be deep in thought. “No one but you and I would have to know about the money.” When I started to protest, he held a hand up. “You could waitress instead of doing lap dances. You’re still working for me that way, and it wouldn’t be like I was just completely giving you the money.”

“But what are the odds you’re going to pay me obscenely more than the other waitresses?”

“Pretty fair.”

“Quinn,” I groaned.

“Oh let him do it,” Brooke urged.

“You’re seriously taking his side?”

Brooke gave Quinn a contemptuous look. “Only if he can assure me of your safety as a waitress.”

“I will personally oversee Isla’s shifts.”

“You’re going to be my stalker?” I demanded.

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