Page 40 of Dark & Deceitful

This weekend is all about indulging their baser desires.

Noticing one of his guests flirting with the barkeep, Mr. Cassiano joins us. “Hannah,” he greets.

“Sir.” I bow my head out of respect, and the man preens.

Turning toward his host to chat, the man with the kind eyes continues to stroke the inside of my wrist, refusing to set me free. Out of my periphery, I watch Dark slide onto a different stool, three spots down. He lifts his glass as if he wants a refill, but I can’t leave.

“How much?” the man asks my boss, who snorts a mocking laugh and drinks his whiskey.

I pretend I know nothing of which they speak as the honey-eyed man frowns, and his grip around my wrist turns from sweet to iron. I try not to wince.

“I’m serious,” the man growls lowly at his host.

Not at all affected by the outward display of small dick energy, Darmond Cassiano firmly pats his guest on the shoulder. “Let Hannah go, Elden. She’s here to work. We can discuss numbersafterthe auction.”

A grumbling Elden complies, but not before he raises my hand to his lips and kisses the top of each finger. Dying a little on the inside, I pretend to be charmed by it. “I’ll see you later tonight, sweetheart.” He grins and disappears back into the small group of similarly dressed men.

“Have a great night, handsome,” I reply to his retreating form as I slide down the bar to help Dark with his empty.

Setting his glass in the sink to be cleaned, my ex taps his fingers along the shiny bar top. His eyes narrow on me. “Another mojito?” I ask, too brightly.

Dark’s head shakes. “No. Just a beer.”

“Imported or domestic?”

“Surprise me.” The slightest smirk kicks up at the corner of his mouth like it’s a dare.Pft.As if I don’t know what he likes. I might be an ass about the mojito because I had a snooty customer come into the winery, and that’s all they drank for hours. Eventually, the pungent aroma of fresh mint made me queasy, even though mint is supposed to have the opposite effect. That’s why I don’t like them. They also take forever to make.

Kneeling by the beer fridge, I riffle through our bottled options, careful not to break any glass, and find the perfect stout. I open the bottle and pour it into a tall glass. Drinking beer from a bottle at events like this is frowned upon. These men are far too uppity to put their lips to a bottle. Whatever. It is what it is.

The early afternoon plays much the same. I fill the men’s drinks as the other two cater to their other needs. When lunch is served, the men fill their seats at the round tables in the dining hall, and I sit at the bar to enjoy my slice of cake.

Romeo appears and sets a plate of whatever he’s serving the men beside me. “Sorry about earlier.” He pats my forearm and disappears back into the kitchen. The fancy salad with shaved steak is delicious as I eat alone and sip from a glass of ice water.

When I’m through, I carry my plates back into the kitchen, where Romeo’s… As I round the corner into the brightly lit room, my feet stutter to a surprised stop, and I nearly drop the dishes. What the hell?

Trying not to make a sound, not even to breathe, I slowly back away, not wanting to disturb them. Because that’d be awkward. A moan erupts from a sous chef, the very male sous chef, as Romeo fucks him over the kitchen counter, where all our meals were just prepared. Alright. I didn’t see that one coming. Maybe he’s bi. Maybe he doesn’t care about the no fraternization. Maybe he had a scratch that needed to be itched. Not that I care either way. This is… weird.

Scurrying back to the bar, I set my used dishes in the sink and busy myself with washing cups and prepping garnishes. I can’t believe that just happened. Romeo and the sous chef. The sous chef and Romeo. A young sous chef at that. Wow.

As I rack the wet cups to air dry, Mr. Cassiano approaches the bar and clears his throat to grab my attention.

“How can I help you, sir?” I hang my towel over the now-empty sink, clasp my hands in front of me, and turn on a friendly smile.

“We have an auction we will be running shortly. I want you to refresh the men’s drinks throughout our business dealings.”

“No problem, sir.”

“Pleasedo notmake a scene. I would hate for there to be any misunderstandings. Do you understand?” he emphasizes, as if this has gone poorly before.

In other words, if you don’t like us peddling flesh and you cause any problems, I will kill you myself.

Gotcha. Read that loud and clear. Behave. Be subservient. Smile. Now that I can do.

“Yes, sir. I am happy to help in any way I can.” I lie straight through my teeth, knowing what’s coming at the end of this sicko’s little venture. That’s what keeps the smile pasted on my face. That’s what excites me.

Pleased with my reply, Darmond double knocks on the bar top. “Thank you, Hannah.”

“Anytime, sir.”

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