Page 24 of Captivated

Shaking my head, I take a look in the mirror and my eyes widen.

“Oh my God,” I breathe, then cover my mouth when a little laugh escapes. I look like I’ve been thoroughly fucked.

I place my things on the counter and wash my vibrator first, then shove it back in my purse before quickly using the toilet and fixing my hair and smudged makeup.

I’m sore everywhere. I know I’ll be feeling it all night when I’m dancing, but maybe it’ll give me the mindset I need to slip into when I’m up on stage. I’ll imagine myself dancing for Nico again, and him fucking me like an animal against the stage.

That reminds me, I need to text Sam to apologize for last night and ask him for as many shifts as possible this week.

Me:Hey, Sam, it’s Cassie. I’m sorry about last night. We can talk about it tonight when I come in if you want, but I promise it won’t happen again.

Sam:Hi, Cassie. It’s okay about last night. I understand. But you don’t need to come in tonight.

Me:Oh, I thought this weekend was my trial period and you wanted me Friday, Saturday, and Sunday?

Sam:Yeah, I did say that. But last night was your first and last night. I’m sorry.

Me:Please, I need the money. I promise it won’t happen again.

Sam:Look, Cassie, it’s not my decision. Nico said you’re fired, so you’re fired. I’m sorry.

That motherfucker.

He had me fired?!

Who does he think he is?!

I throw the bathroom door open and startle Nico awake when it slams and bounces off the wall.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” he asks frantically, looking around the room.

“Yes, something’s wrong,” I grind out. “You had me fired!”

“Oh, that.” Nico’s shoulders relax and he rubs his eyes, then runs his hands through his hair.

“Yes,that, you asshole! Who do you think you are getting me fired? You’re the one who sent everyone away because your ego can’t handle anyone else seeing me dance.”

His face shutters closed and he climbs out of bed, approaching me with slow, deliberate steps, until my back is pressed against the wall.

“Who am I to have you fired?” He tilts his head and narrows his gaze. “I own that club. I can do whatever the fuck I want.” Nico pinches my chin to make sure I see his eyes when he says, “And you’re damn right I don’t want anyone else seeing you dance. The world gets to see how fucking sexy and beautiful you are just by stepping outside each and every day, and I already can’t stand that. So, yeah, I don’t want anyone seeing you when you’re showing them every man and woman’s fantasy playing out right in front of them. You’d be responsible for a mass fucking murder, Cassandra. Do you want that? My hands covered in blood because I couldn’t stand anyone looking at you the way I do?”

“You don’t get to make that decision for me,” I manage to say through my tight throat.

His close proximity is making my anger wane, and when what he said sinks in, I sag against the wall.

I can’t back down, though.

I can’t be that weak.

I steel my spine and press my hand against his chest so he keeps his distance. “I need that job. You’re going to call Sam and tell him you made a mistake.”

“I’m not doing that. I didn’t make a mistake. I don’t make mistakes.”

“You’re so arrogant!”

“For good reason,” he says, his cockiness driving me crazy.

“Nico, I need the money. I need to work there.”

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