Page 37 of Knot Happening

A slow smile pulls my lips up, because finally. Fucking finally.

I’d warn her Declan isn’t here, if I wasn’t desperate for Kodiak to get caught in her orbit too.

Chapter Seventeen

Tatum

I don’t bother knocking, since my boss has a strict no knocking policy. I’m not sure why, but the man hates the sound.

When I throw the door open, I expect to see him sitting behind his desk in one of his many suits that fit him far too well, if you ask me. No one needs to see his perfect ass that well in his damn suit pants.

Instead, I am drawn up short by the casual vision in front of me. Low lighting from the lamp on his desk casts the room in shadow. Declan sits forward in his chair with his shoulders stretching the black hoodie obscenely. Half his face is obscured by the usually tidy brown hair that is falling across his cheek bone while the hood being pulled all the way up only allows me to see one of his bright blue eyes from here, but it’s locked on me.

“Sorry. I need to talk to you, is now okay?” I wasn’t expecting to be so nervous, but now that I’m face to face with Declan… Well, all I can think about is all the dirty things he’s said to me before.

An uncomfortable stretch of silence passes as he tilts his head and stares me down before nodding once. Why’s he making this fucking awkward?

“Today is officially the end of my fourth week. I want to sign my contract. I want—need. Ineedto do some of the higher paying jobs,” I explain, fidgeting with my fingernails, trying very hard not to look away from the imposing Alpha. To be professional. Even if he does look hungover or something. He’s certainly not himself.

He lifts a brow at me, scenting my nervousness, no doubt. I’d use the scent blockers too, if I didn’t make better tips without them.

“Sit.”

I feel slightly exposed in my uniform while he’s hidden behind this very unusual outfit choice, but I do as I’m told, taking the seat across from him, feeling like his words held a hint of a bark. Not enough to be controlling, just guiding.

“I just need to do more jobs. I need the money. I know you hear that a lot. Everyone needs money. It’s not for me, though. I’m not a gambler or anything crazy. I work two jobs, did you know? I just…really need the money, and not all of us can sell drugs for extra cash–oh my god!” My eyes go wide, and I snap my head back up to meet his intense one eyed stare. It’s unnerving as hell. “That came out wrong. I actually need you to sell me more. I don’t want to run out before I buy another pack. I just… I’m desperate, on both fronts. Obviously. Jesus, I can’t stop rambling…”

“Relax, Omega. Hush, breathe.”

I whine when he growls more forcefully this time, his scent intensifying as he really puts effort into calming me.

I take a deep breath, frowning. His scent is different from what I remember. Granted, I don’t see him all that oftenanymore, but I think I’d remember the spicy spike in his smoky vetiver scent. Maybe it’s just been a while…

It’s nice, though, so I breathe deeply and let my eyes fall closed as I compose myself.

“It’s for my mother. I need twenty grand. I’ll spare you the details, but it’s really, really important.”

I watch as he falls back in his seat a bit, clearly shocked by the number. “Is she okay?”

He sounds different too. Maybe he’s having a bad day. He’s usually not so…quiet? His tone is low and deeper than usual. Like a growl.

“Yes. No? Not really. I mean, she’s not like…dying.” Externally. “But she does need help. She’s gone too long with just me to care for her, and this job is my last hope. I don’t love needing to rely on other people to pay my bills, but that's essentially what a boss is. The person who helps me to pay my bills. I just…need this.”

“Alright Omega. I have a job you can do.”

“Done,” I say, but he wasn’t done, apparently.

“We’ll call it your trial run, before you sign your contract. If you succeed, you can be promoted. Take more jobs that pay more.” He shifts in his seat, and I wonder if he’s judging me for agreeing without even pausing to consider what he might offer.

He might be slightly criminal, but the reason I sought out a job here was because of their reputation. They treat their employees very well. Especially Omegas.

“There's a client. He likes private dances. He doesn’t come in here often. Wears a mask. Prefers Omegas. His requests are sometimes unique. You can say no at any time. Pull the plug, back out. He’ll still pay the base amount, but offers tips for…extra.”

“You’d call him to come in just for a trial run for me?”

He shakes his head. “He’s already here. If you agree, you’d meet him in a private back room in half an hour, then take the rest of the night off.”

I swallow thickly. Those back rooms are notorious. A lot of the guys and girls that work here offer services that aren’t strictly in their job descriptions. I’ve heard many stories over the last month… “He wants more than just a dance?” that much is obvious, and my boss nods. “Would he want me to fuck him?”

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