Page 27 of A Villain’s Lies

Goddammit! Thoughts of him are distracting.

What is that man up to?

And why can’t he stick to being the asshole he is?

Our relationship works better that way.

When I didn’t see him as someone who I could like.

That can’t happen.

I cannot like Grayson.

He is my boss.

He is a nightmare.

And most of all, he is an asshole.

“Avani.” One of the girls touches my arm. “Are you okay?” I give her a small nod before I go back to work and try to put all thoughts of Grayson in the back of my mind, where they belong with all my other fucked-up shit.

Speaking to Grayson is like talking to a wall. I’ve asked him several times about my house now, and I get nothing in return.

He just stops, acts like he’s peering at something intently behind me and then he walks away without ever saying a damn thing. Not even an acknowledgment to shut me up. Not even a ‘why don’t you shut the fuck up.’

This has happened all since Destiny left. Not sure if she thought she could get him or his money—or if she even is pregnant—but that really fucking backfired.

“Avani.” I turn to find Monica standing near my car. It’s Sunday, and we just finished a day shift.

“Yeah?”

“I was wondering, would you mind coming out with me?” she asks hesitantly.

“Sorry?” I reply, a bit caught off guard.

She brushes her hair behind her ear and smiles. “I have a blind date, but it’s been so long since I’ve been on a date, and I’m a little scared. And my friends have all left, gone to different colleges, so you are the only person I feel safe asking.”

“You think of me as safe?” I haven’t heard that one before.

“Yes. I mean, you do a good job looking after us. Our last manager never cared. You actually care.” She shrugs.

I always try to make sure they’re okay. I feel like it’s a must. Security was lacking when I arrived. Grayson has these great rooms for different fantasies but not enough security to hold down the fort. With just him there would be enough fear, but Grayson isn’t there every second of every day.

We have viewing rooms where we can check on the girls to ensure their safety. I used to do that as much as possible, as well as trying to man the front door, check appointments, and take payments. Which in and of itself is a head fuck. So I asked for more security. It’s helped, and I think it’s made the girls feel better about their working conditions.

“Are you sure you want me to come?”

“Yes, please. I’ll even buy your drinks.”

“Done.”

She smiles wide and points to her car. “Let me drive, so you can drink as much as you want.”

“Well, okay.” I shrug and slide my keys into my bag as I climb into her car. Monica is one of the only girls I really talk to. Not that I don’t speak to the other girls, but Monica always hangs around a little longer and chats about silly things like makeup and bags, which she knows I like.

“You moved here, right. So I guess you don’t know many people either?” she inquires.

“I know Grayson, and I can’t say I’m happy to know him.”

---