Page 16 of Throne of Sin

I didn’t know he’d be right.

I never made it back to him, even though I tried.

Chapter 8

Demi

Present day

WelcometotheThroneof Sin. The large Throne of Sin sign illuminates the parking lot on my way in and a pit of dread settles in my stomach. Dante talks about family with these girls, but none of them like me. I can spot jealousy a mile away. I’ll never gain their trust or friendship with Dante always at my back. Stepping inside, everyone ignores me as I make my way to the staff changing rooms and Dante goes to his office. Neither of us exchange words.

This is a means to an end. Friends would be a distraction from my goal. I slip on my black corset, its ribbon ties exposing most of my back while holding the girls up like they’re on their own throne. I slip on the booty shorts that expose most of my fleshy white ass.

Two hours later, my arm aches from carrying around the black circular tray. A man from the VIP booth keeps catching my eye from every spot in the room. It feels like it’s a game to him and each time I get that sensation of eyes on me, he smirks, catching my gaze.

“It took me months to catch TJ’s eye.” Robin pretends to pout as we place our trays down for more drinks. My hip leans against the bar as I look over my shoulder at the man she’s talking about. Yup, he’s still staring. “He’s a big tipper. If he likes you, you can see your monthly income quadrupling just from him.”

Dante’s club is far from anything fancy, even though most of the clientele wear suits or suit jackets, but none of them look new or custom. There’s a hardness etched in the way everyone holds themselves, like they are out for their pound of flesh. If I hadn’t grown up the way I did, it would be intimidating.

“Stop gossiping.” Sienna glares at Robin before taking my pad of paper and making my drinks.

Robin leans into my ear and says, “Sienna’s just upset she’s only allowed to bartend.” I refuse to comment, not needing to make more enemies while I’m here.

With fresh drinks covering my tray, I lift it up and make my way back to the table. I place the round in front of each businessman at TJ’s table.

“Anything else I can get you, gentlemen?” I ask.

TJ grabs my wrist and pulls me down onto his lap. I quickly glance around, not sure if this is okay, because it feels wrong. My heart rate increases and I try to stand back up.

“How is a girl as sweet as you in a joint like this?” he asks.

The way he’s leering at me with his hand on my naked flesh makes me uncomfortable. So far, Dante has allowed me to serve, but nothing else. He keeps saying I’m not trained enough. Maybe this is normal, and I have to be okay with it. I try to calm my heart beat, because I need this job and I can’t let Dante down.

TJ slips his arm around me, pulling me to the center of his lap. His erection grows harder and longer the more I squirm.

“Trust me, there’s nothing sweet about me.” I force a sweetness into my voice and flash him a strained smile. My eyes do a quick search of the room and not a single person looks concerned. In fact, I get a few glares from the other girls when they see whose lap I’m on.

His hot breath brushes over my neck. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

I try to stand again just as TJ’s once-tight grip loosens and I lose my balance. My hands fly in front of me to catch my fall, but they never hit the ground. Dante’s possessive grip has me flush against his strong chest. Instantly, I breathe easier.

Inhaling his masculine scent, he easily maneuvers me behind him with his strong muscular back to me. I jump when a soft, warm hand takes mine before I see it belongs to Sienna.

“The drinks aren’t going to serve themselves,” she says, leading me away.

“No one gave me any new orders,” I mumble as she continues to pull me toward the bar. I look over my shoulder, my feet stopping when I see Dante toss this TJ guy out of the club. The chatter around the room has stopped with all eyes following Dante. The large metal door slams with finality, its sound bringing everyone’s gazes landing on me.

I cast my eyes to the ground, scolding myself for fucking up. Sienna leads me out of the main room into an office. They’re going to fire me. Can I evenbefired?Shit, Shit, Shit.

Dante storms into the room, his muscles straining under his murderous glare. It’s hard, calculated, and deadly. I suck in a breath, preparing myself for his wrath. Sienna doesn’t even send me an apologetic glance as she quickly scurries out of the room, leaving us alone.

I cross my arms over my chest. My lips are pursed as Dante and I have a stare down. “What the hell are you doing, Dante?”

His eyes narrow at my question. “What amIdoing?” He laughs. “First, no one disrespects my girls, ever. You were trying to get up and he wasn’t letting you. Second, your job is to serve. We have a hierarchy here. You are at the bottom, learning your way to the top.”

“You said yourself, the tips I make are mine to keep. TJ is a big tipper. I need that money. There was no reason for you to toss him out, and now…” I can’t finish my sentence with the way Dante is staring at me with rage practically boiling in his eyes.

“You don’t get special privileges because I used to know you once upon a time. This is business, Demi, and I won’t tolerate anyone fucking with what I have created.”

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