Page 14 of Scarred Hearts

“Seriously, thanks,” I said when I realized he wasn’t going to joke back.

As he lit a cigarette for himself and perched on the wall opposite me, I tried to gather my thoughts once more before speaking. The crowded street bustled around us, but for a moment we existed in our own little bubble.

He sucked in a breath through his teeth. “So?” he asked, then took turns, lifting the cup to his mouth and smoking as I spoke.

“I’m sorry I haven’t reached out since the cemetery,” I said, my voice low but growing louder. “I needed time to process everything. But leaving the assistant job and the club was a mistake. I always knew my dad’s death would come in some tragic way, but?—”

He held up a hand. “Lower your voice.”

“Sorry,” I hissed. “Anyway, I just… I don’t know. I had this whole speech planned and I don’t think any of it’ll come out the way I want it to.”

He sat silent for a few moments, bobbing his head. “Are you asking to return to the club?”

I shrugged a shoulder, lowering my gaze.

“Gia, look at me.”

I lifted my eyes, puffing on my smoke before snuffing it out on the wall and placing the butt next to me.

“Where’s the confident woman I met in L.A.?”

Shifting my posture, I sat up straight. “I’m here.” I flickered my gaze. “I get you replaced me with whatever her name is.”

A snort escaped him. “Trust me when I say no one’s replaced you. Victoria’s just working there and helping, but I wouldn’t mind someone putting her in her place a little.” Rolling his tongue between his lips, he smirked. “And don’t worry, she’s no real threat to the things you’re interested in.”

“What are you talking about?” My eyes widened. “Like sex?”

Shaking his head, he lifted his brows over the rim of his glasses. “Or certain people.”

I might not have been able to see his eyes, but I could feel them burning a hole through me now. “What?”

Before I could question him further, he stood, disposing of his coffee cup in the nearby garbage can, and stubbed his smoke out on the side of the wall. Folding his arms across his chest, he looked down at me with a small smile. “Be back at work tonight at 6:00 p.m. as my assistant. The confident, sassy-as-fuck assistant that I know you are.” He removed his glasses. “And you’ll also be working for Luxe again, doing what you do best.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “Take that how you want it,” he added with a head tilt. “And you’ll be back on the main stage in Euphoria where you were before. That part’s per Ian, not me.” He slid the glasses back onto the bridge of his nose.

I nodded. “Thank you.”

“I’m a little mad at you, but I’ll get over it.” His lips pressed tightly together in a frown.

Letting out a breath, I nodded again. “Rightfully so, but I promise I won’t fuck up.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he replied, “Oh, I’m certain you won’t.” He turned to walk away, but then stopped and looked back at me. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he added, “Come back pink. And maybe stay away from Chance’s nasty mixed drinks from now on. Tyler might not be around to rescue you all the time.”

My mouth fell open in shock as he walked away, disappearing into the bustling crowd. Instead of chasing after him and demanding answers about what Tyler had told him, I sat there frozen, trying to process everything that had just happened. My mind raced with questions.

Why does he want me there so early? The thought echoed in my mind like a broken record. I finally exhaled a deep breath and reluctantly got up to leave the plaza. Shit.

Club Euphoria

The sign on the front of the building seemed to glare at my absence, judging me for not being here sooner. It wasn’t dark enough for the lights yet, but it was still intimidating. My first introduction to the club had been waltzing in with management at my side. Now, I was on my own, but I wasn’t one to ever back down or shy away from entering the room like I owned it. Thanks to my family and position at Penthouse, I wore confidence most of the time.

I’d chosen to take the train tonight, knowing that the club stayed open long after the subways stopped running. Downtown was mostly full of college students and wealthy people, though in some areas everyone steered clear of once the sun set. Still, I wasn’t afraid of anyone on the street. I dared them to fuck with me.

I squared my shoulders and took in my outfit: a black off-the-shoulder crop top paired with light blue jeans and stylish black Gucci sneakers. My matching handbag and duffle bag hung snugly on my shoulder, and I readjusted the bright pink ponytail on my head. Thanks to a last-minute appointment with my stylist, per Luke’s orders, I was back to my signature neon pink hair.

Parading to the main entrance with confidence, I yanked the door open, instantly spotting Lonnie. Her usually poised demeanor broke into a wide grin as she studied my appearance. Her sapphire blue eyes sparkled under silky black bangs, and her bright red lips curved upward.

“Hi!” I greeted her cheerfully.

“My God,” she exclaimed, “I thought you were gone for good.”

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