Page 15 of Draco

“I already have. This is one of my regulars. I can’t reschedule again.”

A flicker of frustration overpowered his eyes.

“I need the money,” I added.

“You don’t. Your husband is rich,” he replied without a hint of humor. “There’s an empty booth up front. You can work there.”

He exited the room, leaving me petrified and fulfilled. Draco was a grouch, but his actions overshadowed his rough demeanor. I never believed that could be a good thing, yet like a lot of what I initially believed, Draco had changed my mind.

I waited until my client messagedme tosay they had arrived before I walked out of Draco’s office. Unlike when I entered the building, the men didn’t cut off their conversation. I listened closely as they debated about everything from politics to sports. I kept an even expression no matter my opinion of the topic. However, the bald man in the booth next to me called for my input.

“I’m sorry,” I stated. “What was your question?”

He leaned against the vanity. “How do you feel about the streets saying men who pay child support will be able to claim their kids on their taxes?”

“I think that’s just a way to reward someone for doing the bare minimum. A good number of men believe money replaces their presence. Now, they’ll receive a reward after being forced to step up.” I spoke to the big man covered in tattoos, but I stared at Draco.

A smile danced across his lips, even though his vision stayed on his client’s head. No matter how many times I deemed our situation insane, I found myself pleased when I received his validation.

As I moved around my workstation, the sound of the bell above the front door shifted my eyes to the vanity mirror. I smiled at the view of the big-time producer strolling through the shop like he owned it. His eyes lit up when he spotted me.

“What’s up, Mason?” I greeted him while initiating a one-arm hug.

“You tell me, Frankie. I’ve been waiting to feel your hands on me for three months.”

I shrugged. “Life has had me in a chokehold.”

“I keep telling you I can turn your life into a dream if you give me a chance,” he responded as he relaxed in the salon chair.

A nervous laugh fell from my lips. I refused to look up, knowing Draco was watching us. With the way my skin burned, I could feel it.

“Mason, you talk a good game, but we both know I’m not your type.” I draped a cape around his shoulders. “What are we doing with all this hair today?”

“Freestyle. I want to make sure you like the style I’m rocking.”

I ignored the comment and tapped his shoulder.

“Let’s get you washed up.”

Though I got lucky with my workstation being in the corner, I couldn’t avoid the unwanted attention that fell over me as I stepped to the washbowl. On our way, Mason made the mistakeof placing his hands on my waist. I quickly stepped out of his grasp, causing him to pull me back.

“Keep your hands to yourself, Mason.”

“Don’t be like that, Frankie. You’ve been doing my hair for two years. I know you can tell I’m feeling you.”

I peeled his hands off my sides and severed the room at the same time Draco rushed in our direction with a razor in his hand.

“No!” I cringed watching Draco run the blade across the front of Mason’s hairline.

“What the fuck?” The producer felt around his head, making pieces of his hair fall to the floor like raindrops. Mason moved like he was ready to swing on Draco, but the vampire revealed a pair of fangs and snatched the producer off his feet. Mason was a big man, but Draco suspended him in the air like he was a toddler.

“Nigga! Put me down!” Mason struggled to break from his grasp. “Have you lost your mind?”

“If it involves her, the world could lose light,” he countered. “Didn’t she tell you to stop touching her? Get out and find someone else to do your hair.”

Mason’s chest rose and fell rapidly as he grilled Draco. The men were the same height, but Draco was more muscular and solid.

I freed a breath of relief when Mason stormed out the barbershop, but it was short lived since Draco shoved me into his office.

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