Page 18 of Bossy Ex's Brother

And that was when it hit me.

I jolted up in bed, remembering.

The bouncer at Club Onyx said they were short of a floor manager.

“The Wiley bastard left just two days ago. The boss probably hasn’t had time to get another one.”

That meant the position was likely still open. With any luck, I could apply.

But it would take too long to hear back, I thought. If I submitted an application, I would only be one amongst the pileof applicants who likely had more qualifications and experience than me. But I had one thing they might not have.

A connection.

I knew how much a lot of these things relied on networking or knowing the right person. As much as I hated to admit it, that was Luca. He might not be my favorite person in this world, but perhaps he wasn’t as bad as I thought. He had helped me out with Beth anyway and made sure we got into the Uber safely. I couldn’t read his expression well, but I got the feeling he may have been sympathetic to the whole thing. Maybe I could play on that sympathy card so he would give me a chance.

I had no qualms about using such underhanded means to get the job. I knew I had the skill for it, and I would work my ass off to make sure he never regretted it.

As the plan began taking shape in my head, I yawned, feeling the tiredness seep in again. I heard the cock crow once before I finally felt myself go under.

I dragged my ass out of bed just an hour later before taking a shower and getting ready for the day. Beth was already out of the house by the time I got down to breakfast, and while it annoyed me because she’d yet to apologize for what she did, I was mostly relieved. I didn’t want to have to fight with her again so early, especially since I had a lot to do today. I ate breakfast with Emmett and Angel, who curled into my lap while I fed her cereal. My littlest sister didn’t talk much, but she was very affectionate and liked to cling to me, her adorable eyes blinking up at me. I apologized for not being around yesterday and gave her plenty of kisses today before she and Emmett got ready for school.

Later, after I dropped my two youngest siblings at the bus stop, I headed out to see Luca.

Which brought me to now.

Luca was blinking at me from the door as if he didn’t quite expect my words. I didn’t blame him.

“I have a ton of experience,” I started, talking before he got the chance to get his bearings. “I’ve unofficially been managing The Republik, that trendy restaurant downtown, for the last five months and doubled their client base overnight. I was able to do it through digital marketing and staff retraining. I also have a certificate in Business Administration and marketing, and I’m willing to do a one-month trial to ensure you that my skills are unparalleled in this field.” I walked forward, desperation likely turning my features intense. “And if you’re not happy with my work after one month, then I will leave the position without pay. But I can definitely assure you that if you hire me, I will make you extremely wealthy.”

He looked even more surprised at my outburst.

And then he smiled. It was a smile that looked amused and almost…proud.

“That’s all well and good,” he said, walking forward and holding my gaze until there was only a short distance between us. “But do you know what kind of place this is?”

“A club,” I said with a frown.

“No, not just any club,” he corrected me. “I own a lot of clubs of various levels in the city. But this one and Onyx are two of the more complex ones, and we entertain different types of clientele. Do you know what that means?”

I didn’t really know, but I didn’t want to give the impression that I was a naïve simpleton. “Yes.” I had walked into both places yesterday, and while it was wilder than anything I had ever experienced, I thought I could pretty much handle it.

He watched me for a few more seconds and then shrugged. “Alright.”

I blinked in shock. “Really?”

“Yup.”

I needed to make sure. “I'm hired?”

“Yup.”

“That’s it? You not going to ask me for a resume or a reference or anything?”

“If you’re as good as you say you are, I don’t think you need one. And if you’re not, then we’ll find out soon enough anyway.” He reopened the door, and without turning around, he gestured for me to follow him. I rushed to do so before he changed his mind.

My heart was racing as we walked, joy and relief bubbling up. I couldn’t believe it was that simple. He didn’t make me jump through hoops or make any demands or toy with me or anything. I’d been fully prepared for him to mock me and laugh in my face. But instead, he just said yes.

I was giddy with it, but before I got too excited, I reminded myself of the self-imposed condition I’d given him. I had to double and significantly increase his profit margin by the end of the month, which meant I needed to work my ass off.

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