Page 17 of Scarred Hearts

“I really want to catch up with everyone, but have you seen Jade by chance?”

“She and Amber just went into a meeting with some new girls. Hopefully they won’t cause any trouble.”

My mind flashed back to all the drama that had unfolded before, and my grip tightened on the edge of the bar. The drama started long before I even arrived at Euphoria for the first time, but now it was my problem too. New girls always brought complications to any establishment, and it angered me that anyone would disrupt the peace for those who now meant so much to me.

“You okay?” Aurora’s concerned voice broke through my thoughts.

I realized I’d been staring off into the distance and quickly refocused. “Yeah, just lost in thought. Sorry.” I strummed my neon pink fingernails on the bar’s surface.

She buffed glasses and logged all the alcohol while she caught me up on the things I missed. Apparently, three gorgeous billionaires from Seattle, Dallas, and New York had been frequenting the club almost every weekend when they were in town for business. They seemed to be more interested in flirting with her than the actual dancers. She brushed off any rumors of hooking up with them, but I could sense a hint of curiosity in her voice.

In my years of doing what I did, I could tell when people were lying. Men and women used to spend hours telling me their life stories. It got to the point where I was able to decipher if they were playing me for pity and a possible discount or if they were dealing with actual trauma.

Aurora and Kirsten were a lot alike and loved having multiple men, though I was unsure if Kirsten and Declan had been involved in an actual threesome. Glancing at my watch, I realized how quickly time had passed since I sat down. But before I could excuse myself, I asked one last question.

“Is Ty here by any chance?”

A mischievous smile pulled at the corner of her full lips. “Tyler?”

I nodded once.

Leaning closer, she whispered, “The women here are going crazy over that man.” She shook her head in disbelief. “He’s like Euphoria’s most wanted, and I can’t wait to hear all about it after he finally gives in to one of them.”

Biting my bottom lip anxiously, I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of annoyance at her words. Part of me still felt protective over him, knowing what he had been through and our history together. That night we had spent talking, had gotten deep.

He was undeniably attractive, and the attention from all the dancers was expected. But I couldn’t shake off the feeling that none of them truly cared about his well-being. Then again, what did I know? I’d been gone for so long.

“But,” she continued, “I haven’t seen him, yet.”

“Cool,” I folded my arms, “thanks!” I offered a wave over my shoulder as I ambled toward the door.

“Welcome!” she shouted back as several technicians entered the showroom to do their nightly duties.

Several people were scattered throughout the lobby, but I didn’t see a familiar face, so I veered right, keeping my focus on the tinted black door leading to Luxe. I scanned my keycard and pulled it open. The music was already playing throughout, and I paused.

Not wanting to be underdressed for the evening’s work, I quickly ducked into the bathroom to change. I slipped out of my casual clothes and into a black, sequined V-neck, backless Cami dress. It hugged my figure perfectly and revealed just enough skin, with a black bra and matching thong underneath. Completing the look with a pair of sleek black stilettos, I checked myself in the mirror. My pink hair stood out against the dark outfit, making me feel confident and powerful. Chin held high, I slung my bag over my shoulder and left the bathroom, heading toward the office.

I was probably the last person Tyler wanted to see, but I had to rip the bandage off and speak to him. As I reached his office doorway, I could see his back turned while he sorted through papers on his desk. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, someone brushed past me, entering the office.

“Hey Tyler,” she purred in a sickly-sweet voice before turning to me. “Oh, hi,” she said, greeting me with false kindness.

“What, Victoria?” The annoyance was prevalent in Tyler’s tone as he responded without even turning around.

She ignored him and instead sneered at me. “You’re… here… and with pink hair?” she mocked.

That caused him to whirl around, his gaze fixated on me that instant. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his toned, muscular form filling out the dark grey plaid slacks and black button-up shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing strong forearms covered in veins and a light dusting of hair. “Gia,” he said, sliding his hands into his pockets, “good to see you again.” His words were polite enough, but I could sense an underlying tension. That told me I had said or done something to make him uncomfortable when he took me home.

“You too,” I replied, trying to act nonchalantly.

He turned his gaze to Victoria, who was fidgeting and shooting looks between us. She didn’t seem pleased by my presence. He straightened his shoulders, then took me in with hungry eyes again. It was a look I wasn’t used to from him but still one I recognized from that single encounter.

“I need you for a bit,” Victoria finally said, her attention still focused on him.

“What for?” he asked, with a hint of harshness in his tone.

“Cage room,” she stated, her voice dripping with seduction as she folded her hands together in front of her revealing sheer red attire. “And I know you want to watch.”

“Actually,” he dipped his head at me, “I need to go over some things with Gia before we get too busy.”

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