Page 29 of Obsession

I feel someone watching me, and when I look up behind Megan, I see a small group of students watching me from the steps of a building with a wide staircase anchored by two large stone pillars. They’re studying me with curiosity, but my eyes focus on two in particular. I can sense their hostility from all the way across from here. I bet they have something to do with why my new manager suddenly has a limp and a bruise.

One of them is a brunette wearing tiny scraps of clothing and too much makeup. One could almost call her attractive, but I’ve seen her type so many times that she does nothing for me. For some reason though, she looks irritated as her eyes move between me and Megan.

The guy next to her has his arm around her waist, but he’s scowling. I don’t know what prompts me but I lower my head until my lips are right next to Megan’s ear and I murmur softly, “You’re one of my people which means you’re under my protection. If you were smart, you’d give me names, and I’ll take care of them for you.”

Even as I say that, my eyes are on the boy radiating anger across the yard. I can see his eyes flash when I lean into Megan’s personal space. I don’t hear what Megan is saying in response because I meet the boy’s baby-blue eyes, and I smile mockingly.

He flushes in fury.

Satisfied that I’ve annoyed him, I turn and place my hand on the small of Megan’s back, “Let’s continue this discussion in the car.”

“Did you hear what I just said?” she asks, her tone a little demanding. It amuses me how she keeps forgetting that I’mherboss.

“I wasn’t listening,” I say, unconcerned.

“I have to go home first.” She tries to wiggle away from me, and I sigh.

“Either you get into the car, or I carry you into the car. Which option do you prefer?”

I find myself hoping that she’ll test me. I wouldn’t mind lifting her heart-shaped ass over my shoulder in front of every nosy kid on this campus, but fortunately for her, she’s not that brave. Clearly not wanting to make a scene, she obediently gets in the car. I’ve got to admit I’m a little disappointed. I would have rather had the scene.

As I slide in after her, I meet Parker’s gaze, jerking my head towards the group of college students still watching us. I watch him lift his cell phone and snap a discreet picture of them.

I didn’t lie when I said that Megan is one of my people. If I can’t even keep an employee like her safe, why would anyone trust me to take care of the big jobs?

“Seriously, why are you here?” Megan looks uneasy, and I wonder if she’s going to attempt to jump out of the driving vehicle. I wouldn’t put anything past this woman at this point.

“You didn’t show up today like we discussed.” I look out the window at the passing scenery.

“Show up for what?”

Did she seriously forget about shopping with me? Most women would jump at the chance.

“Your shopping trip?”

“There is nothing wrong with the way that I dress. My clothes are clean and totally appropriate for the bar,sir.” She sounds completely offended, and I press my lips together to prevent myself from smiling. A man could get used to being called sir from a mouth like hers.

“Regardless of what you may think about my club, it’s a fine establishment with a certain reputation,” I say coolly. “Your clothes need to reflect that. Be grateful that I’m not making you pay for them out of your own salary.”

“I remember when I was just a bartender and didn’t even know what you looked liked. Remember those good ole’ days?” she sneers.

As she glowers at me, I give her a careful look. “Keep up that attitude, and I might consider docking your pay for the outfit you are definitely buying. Rent is due soon, isn’t it?”

She immediately shuts up.

Moments later, Megan frowns when we drive up to a cluster of tall white buildings. “This isn’t a shopping center.”

“That’s very insightful,” I say plainly. “This is the hospital.”

“I’m fine. I don’t need to get checked. It’s just a scratch, seriously.”

I turn my head towards her and am about to protest until the look on her face stops me in my tracks. She looks utterly terrified.

“I’m not going in there,” she says firmly.

“You have to get your leg looked at as well as that bruise on your face,” I tell her, my tone even.

“No medical insurance.”

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