Page 32 of Seduced Wolf

Turns out, that works to my advantage. No one pays any mind to a woman of daylight.

Using that to fortify my confidence, I stride toward the woman sitting at a lone table toward the rear. My heart pounds as soft murmurs of conversations and clinking glasses fill the air. This woman’s been watching me since I walked in. It’s clear she’s the one in charge.

And there’s little she misses.

She appraises me as I approach, her expression unreadable. Although far nicer looking than the Madam who does the night shift, she’s just as hardened. She won’t suffer fools gladly.

"Good day,” I say, glad that my voice is steady. “I rang earlier about the job."

The woman nods, but doesn’t smile. “Yes, we spoke,” she says in a low, melodious voice. "My name is Madame Grey," she says, indicating for me to take a seat across from her. “Tell me, do you have any experience bartending or serving customers?"

“Yes,” I lie. I can most certainly learn. Anything other than going into the room again. "I worked at Cafe Bean for a year, then more recently at a bar a couple of towns over.”

Half-lies and truths. Madame Grey's gaze turns sharp, but if she's suspicious, she doesn't challenge me. A waitress position isn't worth investigating why one would lie. In a way, it makes my half-truths iron tight.

Her lips tighten. "This isn’t some podunk town bar. All of our employees understand the discrete nature of this job.”

“Of course,” I say, holding her gaze. “This job is important to me. I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize it.”

I let a thread of desperation creep into my words, allow the truth to show in my eyes. I do want this job.

I need to get back into Club De Lune.

"I can manage a temporary position,” the Madam says. “Mostly serving drinks to the guests who arrive. Can you handle that?"

I’m elated and scared all at once. Club De Lune has information on Peter, I know it does. Once he’s back, then the blackmailing can stop. Chase won’t have to put everything on the line for me.

But I’ll be back in the wolf's den. And even as a shifter, that’s a terrifying thought.

“Thank you, Madame Grey,” I murmur. “I’ll work hard, I promise.”

She huffs. "Well then, I think we have an agreement." She extends her hand for me to shake it. "I'll see you tomorrow for your first shift."

I rise from my chair, well aware this meeting is over. It’s the shortest interview I’ve ever done, but I expected that. All the Madame wanted to convey is that this is a trial. And that my ability to keep my mouth shut is just as important as my ability to serve drinks.

I hurry back to the door, still nervous that I could be recognized. Although the day and nighttime staff would be completely different, all it takes is one keen set of eyes. Taking this job is a risk. But one I’m willing to take.

Although it doesn’t mean I’m going to stay here longer than I need to.

I step outside, drawing in a deep sigh of relief…just as I almost crash into a man walking past.

A man I recognize. A man who recognizes me.

Andre.

He draws back, his lip curling. The suspicion burning in his eyes dwarfs that of Madam Grey's. I open my mouth, only to snap it closed again as he shakes his head. He doesn’t look angry. Not even disappointed. More like someone who was just proven right.

"Andre, wait!" I whisper. "I can explain."

"What exactly do you want to explain? That you’re not a prostitute? Does Chase even know you’re here?"

I still, hating that the one truth in this mix up is what Andre had to zero in on.

“I don’t want to hear it,” he snaps before I can speak again. “Nothing you can say will justify what I’ve seen. Words mean nothing, Aria. Actions mean everything.”

He turns away, his face twisted in disgust. “You may have Chase’s trust.” With a quick glare, he spins on his heel and stalks away, throwing his final words over his shoulder. "But you most certainly don't have mine."

Chapter14

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