Page 59 of Scarred Hearts

Running my fingers through my hair, I checked my appearance in the wall mirror before answering. “Yeah? Come in.”

The door pushed open, and Roxy stuck her head in. “Leo needs you in the… bar.” She took a step in. “Are you okay? You look like someone just?—”

“I’m great,” I rumbled as I marched by her toward the bar.

14

A FAVOR

GIOVANNA

Shit. My chest tightened as today replayed in my mind. I never expected things to go down like they did. The only men who ever showed any concern for me were either hired by my father or by Ekaterina. I had no idea what it felt like to have a man truly care about my well-being.

The memories pounded through my brain, causing me to snap and lose control. Now, I was too far gone and too stubborn to calm down. I needed to get away and cool off before I said or did something I regretted.

As I hurried out of Luxe in search of Jade, I ran into Luke in the lobby. “Hey,” he said, his voice concerned. He lowered his gaze on mine, his hand to his chin. “You good? You look flustered.”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “Is there anything you need from me tonight that isn’t in Luxe… please?”

He glanced back over my shoulder with a slight squint, then brought his attention back to me. “Actually, yes. Someone requested you for a bachelor party in Blue tonight, and I was just coming to tell you, but I know that’s where—” his voice trailed off.

“It’s fine,” I replied, knowing exactly what he was avoiding saying. “I need to get over it. I need to get over a lot tonight, and what better way than to strip in the very place my father lost his life at the hands of the men I work for, right?”

“Damn,” he snorted, “are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m amazing,” I laughed agitatedly. “I just need to focus on my job and do whatever you say.” I needed a distraction from my thoughts. “When do you need me in Blue?”

“They should be in there around 11:00.”

“Okay, cool.” I tried to sound nonchalant, but my heart was racing about Tyler. “Am I dancing alone?”

“No,” he said, lifting his chin at Luxe. “Victoria’s joining you.”

My eyes widened. “You’re fucking kidding me.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, I am. Don’t worry.” His playfulness didn’t quite ease my nerves. “I can tell something’s bugging you, so you need to chill. Are you bothered by Ekaterina?”

I shook my head, grateful for the change in subject. “No, I’m good there.” But even as I said it, images of her betrayal flashed through my mind, and the anger bubbled up again. No, I couldn’t let it bother me now. Tonight was about putting on a show and earning money for the club and myself. And maybe, just maybe, I could use the opportunity to plot my revenge against the men who had taken everything from me.

“Come with me,” he said, laying his palm protectively on my lower back and guiding me across the lobby, down the private hallway to Ian’s VIP room. Standing to the side, he allowed me to enter first before he closed and locked the door. Sliding his hands into his pockets, he nibbled his bottom lip for a second before he spoke. “Tyler’s comment at the warehouse upset you, and you’re still mad because you’re independent and don’t need a man to protect you. Am I close?”

“Ugh,” I rolled my eyes, “yeahhh.”

A small laugh escaped him as he paced slowly in front of me. “You and Jade are so similar, it’s almost scary.” He stopped in front of me, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “I know what it’s like to be married to someone like that. You women don’t make it easy. Ever since I’ve known her, I’ve wanted to protect her. Not because I think she’s helpless, but because of what she means to me.” He raised his hand to his chin, studying my face with narrowed eyes. “Is there anyone in this world you would kill for?”

I nodded once.

“Who?”

“Any of you guys,” I said, my voice wavering slightly, “because that’s where my loyalty is, but you know that.”

“And are we helpless?” he replied, knowing he had me right where he wanted me.

I let out a resigned sigh. “Okay,” I relented. “Okayyy, I get it. But saying he’s not allowing me to do something is really... gross. That’s his fault for wording it that way.”

“He didn’t want you to be put in a position where you could be hurt.” He folded his arms high on his chest. “Ty’s lost people too, and we all know the guy’s crazy about you. He just doesn’t want to lose you too.”

“Yeah,” I spat, “which is why he only wants me as his fuck buddy!” Realizing what I had just blurted out, I clapped a hand over my mouth. “I’m so sorry,” I mumbled through my fingers.

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