Page 52 of Heart of a Savage
“You be easy, sweetheart. I’ll see you next week.”
He swaggered out of my office as I watched him leave. My head fell against the wall, and I sighed heavily. I should have known better than to let him have me again. The way he left me at the cabin, feeling like a fiend, should have warned me not to test that fire again. But here I was, trying to regain control of my emotions by shunning him.
I straightened up my office just as a knock came upon the door.
“Come in,” I called out.
Deborah, my manager, entered with a duffel bag that I knew was filled with cash. “Hey, boss lady. It has been yet another night of good profit,” she said, handing over the bag.
“That’s always good to hear.”
“Absolutely. The cleaners are cleaning, and all of the dancers have been seen to their vehicles. The guys are just waiting on you.”
“Okay. I’m coming out now,” I told her, sliding the bag over my shoulder.
She stood, staring at me with a small smile on her face as I frowned in confusion.
I’d known Deborah since I opened my club. She was an older woman, maybe mid-forties, who had gone from being my top bartender to being my club manager. She always took care of business and made sure my money was right at the end of the night. I appreciated her more than she knew, and it made me think whether I should ask her to give me some advice on Messiah.
But I didn’t.
“What is it?” I asked her as she continued to look at me with a knowing look.
“Nothing… I just never known you to be this kind.”
“I’ve never been mean to you, Deb. Where is this coming from?”
“You may not have been mean to me, but your aura has always been… uptight. Tonight, you’re different, that is all.”
“I guess I’m just in a good mood.”
“Would it happen to be because of that fine piece of man that was carrying you through the club?”
I slapped my hand against my forehead. “Oh my God. You saw that?”
“Anybody with eyes saw it. But hey, if he’s the reason, I like him already.” She grinned.
I smirked. “Have a good night, Deb.” I grabbed my purse and phone, following her out of my office as she laughed.
“Have a good night, boss lady. Derwin and Cason are waiting by the back staircase for you. I’ll lock up.”
“Thanks, Deb. See you tomorrow.”
“See ya!” I locked up my office and headed down the back stairwell, where Cason and Derwin stood to escort me out of thebuilding. Once I made it to my car, I bid them a good night, started my engine, and headed home.
Twenty minutes into my drive, my phone rang, displaying Uncle Lamont’s name on my radio screen. I had completely forgotten to call him back after he sent me that text, summoning me to Sunday dinner. It was three in the morning as I debated whether I should answer or not. He knew I was awake—it was the reason why he was calling me this late.
After sighing, I answered on the fourth ring. “What are you doing up, old man?”
“Well, since you had yet to return my text or phone calls, I thought I’d catch you at this hour.”
“I know. I’d been meaning to call. Just been really busy at the club.”
“Well, I need you to come see me tomorrow—you and Paige. No excuses and no exceptions. This is really important, so I need you to be here, Amour.”
I sighed. “Where?”
“The big house. I’ll text you the time.”
