Page 2 of Mr. Kelly

“Do you know who we are?” the other one challenges.

“You must work for Surly since you’re all idiots.” His tone is dark and cold. I can picture him perching on the side of his desk, muscles bulging under his crisp, white shirt while he crosses his arms across his suit’s vest.

“Watch your mouth, old man.”

I hear a phone dial numbers, then it starts ringing. “Surly,” my boss greets. “Get your men out of my office before I introduce myself. Make sure they never come back.”

One of the guy’s phone rings after my boss hangs up. “Yeah, Boss? Okay, Boss.” The man sighs as he hangs up the phone. “We’re sorry for barging in, Trunk.”

I flinch at the use of his street name. It’s hardly used because Theodore Kelly takes his businesses seriously and doesn’t like resorting to the street side of his persona. I release my first actual breath since the banging started on my apartment door, only for it to be cut off when two large hands wrap around my ankles. I slide out with one good tug from him and am lying on my back, looking up into angry eyes. My gaze roams around, looking for a softer spot on him, but it doesn’t exist. Even the gray hairs weaving their way into his dark beard and hair look angry.

For a moment, I don’t know if I’m in less or more danger.

“Why in the fuck are you bringing your personal shit into my establishment?”

“I’m... I’m not. My boyfriend.”

His big hand slices the air. “Save it. This is your one and only time to pull that shit. Where is your uniform?”

I hold up a bow tie with a shaky hand. He just stares at it for a moment before unclenching his jaw to respond.

“Are you a stripper?”

I shake my head. “Bartender,” I answer dumbly.

I cannot scoff at the idea of being a stripper because their tips make me want to put on a thong and shake my ass. But pole work is much, much harder than it looks. Besides, he doesn’t employ strippers and already knows my job title. He’s been known to get some for some of his VIP clients, but this exclusive club goes beyond ass and tits. I’ve been here a little over a year, and I still don’t know all of the services. I mind my business, then go home.

“Unless I’ve changed the policy to nude bartending, I suggest you go find a uniform and get to work!”

I jump up to go figure it out, when he stops me. “River?”

I’m not surprised that he knows my name, since everyone has to be interviewed by him at least once.

“Yes, Mr. Kelly?”

He picks up a key and places it in my palm. I’ve only heard of such invitations and thought they were rumors until now.

“Go to the penthouse after your shift.” My mouth opens and closes, trying to decide how to broach this while he pours himself a drink.

The big elephant ring he wears on his right ring finger catches my eye, reminding me once again of his street name. He lifts an eyebrow as the brown liquor slides down his throat, asking me why I’m still there.

“I can’t be a mistress. It’s against my religion,” I blurt out. I believe in God, but to say that anything is against my religion is so laughable that Mr. Kelly actually chuckles.

“I love my wife, don’t you worry.” His wedding ring shines as he takes his next drink as if it’s agreeing with him. “You were justrunning from Surly’s men, so I’m assuming they’ll be watching your home.”

He takes a few steps my way, and I back up until I’m in the hallway. Without another word, he slams the door in my face.

Chapter Two

THEODORE

I havemy guys look into River’s life once she leaves. Surly is beneath me, but I don’t like any drama being brought to my door, especially where business is involved. I vet my employees and ensure they are clean. River has flown under the radar just like I want her and all my employees to do while working for me. Yet, she felt confident bringing the issue to me. I don’t know if it’s genius on her part or stupid.

How would she know that I don’t like unknown variables and would look into it. I also don’t like bullying the helpless just to make yourself stronger. River doesn’t seem like the kind who’s thoughtless enough to tangle with a wannabe crime boss so that can’t be it. Sitting back, I rub my chin as I think of all the angles. She’s pretty. Maybe he wants to claim her and she’s resisting? No, I’d hope he’d have more finesse than attempted kidnapping, yet men who think they’re powerful rarely use their brains.

No. 7 Sujet filters in, breaking my concentration. I’ve snatched up the remote control and turned off the radio without realizing that a frown mars my face. I used to love everything to do with Helena’s passion, but I’ve found myself growing weary of it. Still, Swan Lake is supposed to remind me of the first time I saw the love of my life. Helena is just as beautiful and gracefulas ever. Nothing has changed. That is the problem. Three years of being deterred from starting a family, followed by an additional three years of trying intermittently. We’d stop trying the moment she got a big role or was too stressed. It should not be this hard.

This month, she’s returning to the role that made her famous and has applied a singular focus to that. Checking the time, I grab my phone for my nightly call.

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