Page 7 of Dangerous Attraction

“It’s miss, thank you.” I smiled, slipping ahead of the patrons waiting to get in.

Barbie’s mouth dropped. “Are you seriously letting that skank in over me?”

The bouncer ignored her as he splayed his palm against my back and guided me toward the entrance.

“This is complete bullshit.” She stomped her heel like a pubescent teen.

“Lady.” I glanced over my shoulder. “Take some free advice. Men don’t like whiny little girls. Stop acting like a bitch and get over yourself.” I headed inside, not giving the girl a second thought.

“You handled her well,” the bouncer chuckled. “Go to the bar and tell Carlisle you’re here. He’s expecting you.”

“Thank you…” My words drifted, waiting for his name.

“Oscar, Ma’am.”

I smiled, giving him a friendly wave as I headed toward the bar. “Oscar, be safe out there.”

My breath stilled as I stepped onto the main floor. The room was dark, with pulsing lights and strobes that danced across the gyrating bodies of people covering the dance floor. The sound of Steppenwolf’sDesperationfilled the room. The song was fitting, seeing as I was desperate for work. Pushing past the throngs of people, I edged up to the counter.

The club obviously had look requirements for their employees because the bartender looked like a Greek god. He was at least six feet tall, with a body sculpted by Zeus himself. His brown curly hair framed his face, giving him the look of your typical Italian man.

He laid a napkin down in front of me. “Can I get you anything, gorgeous?”

I blushed at his sentiment. “Actually, I’m Madison Hart. I think you emailed me about the position?”

“Madison… yes. Wow.” He didn’t hide his appraisal of my body. “Not what I expected. I’m Carlisle, the manager. The boss is going to be surprised. Give me a second, then I can show you to his office.”

I held up my hand and twirled my fingers at the crowd. “Actually… if you just point me in that direction, I can find it. I can see you’re swamped right now.”

Glancing around the bar, he hesitated. “You know what?” He held up his hand, signaling someone calling for another round at the end of the bar to wait a moment. “Just go around the bar at that end, then down the hallway. His office is the only door on the left. He’s expecting you, so just knock.”

“Great. Thank you so much for contacting me.”

He nodded, hurrying over to some patrons who were becoming pretty rowdy. I squeezed my way around the crowd and stepped into the hallway. Straightening my dress and fiddling with my hair, I took a deep breath. This job could change my life, giving me an opportunity to finish school without the stress of becoming homeless.

I noticed the door Carlisle mentioned wasn’t closed. Stepping closer, I couldn’t help but overhear who I assumed was Mr. Anastasi, on the phone.

“Yes. I’mfuckingsure he was involved.” The silence indicated whoever he was talking to on the phone was speaking. “Does the name Juan Carlos tell you I’m right? Because that’s who wanted to share his gratitude.”

He paused briefly, but I could hear the anger evident in his tone. “I don’t care what you have to do. Find that fucking Cagna and bring me his head.”

I stood there frozen, staring at the back of the man who held my fate in his hands. He slammed his cell phone onto the desk, causing it to bounce off and skid to a stop at my feet. I looked down at the offending object, shocked and unsure what to do. Slowly raising my head, my eyes found his deep brown gaze staring back at me.

“Can I help you?” he growled.

“Um…” I hesitated, scared to open my mouth.

“Well, don’t just fucking stand there.” He narrowed his gaze at me. “What do you want?” he snapped, dropping into his chair.

“Ummm,” I stuttered again, forcing myself to answer him. “My name is Madison Hart. I had an appointment to meet with you about a job. I can come back if you would prefer.” I fidgeted with my hands, my bag feeling heavy against my side as I turned to leave.

“Shit!” He rose, hurrying over to me. Bending down, he fisted his phone and shoved it into his pocket. “No. I’m sorry about what you heard.”

“You don’t need to explain.” My heart was pounding so hard, I was sure he could hear it. “Like I said, I can come back later.”

“Come in, please.”

His fingers wrapped around my arm, sending a jolt of awareness down my spine. He must have felt the same thing because his hand dropped immediately. Shutting the door, he practically leaped away from me to take his seat. His laser focus on me made me shift nervously.

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