A Dirty Business (Kings of New York #1)(21)

He stilled before closing his eyes for a beat. “Jesus Christ. You fucked him?”

No way was I giving him that answer because it was none of his business. “It’s none of your business. I didn’t even know his name until you told me.”

His eyes bugged out. I realized what I said and now what he was thinking of me, but I knew that was a wasted fight. He’d believe what he wanted to believe.

I began doing another drink—or finishing up because that customer was still waiting for the rest of his drinks. “Just don’t send me up there again.”

“You don’t get it. But you’ll find out.” He tore off after that.

The customer watched him go before handing over his card for his payment. “Your boss is an ass.”

I snorted. “Tell me about it.”



Justin came over to check on me later.

I was fine, or that’s what I told him.

Kelly came over, too, getting her shots refilled.

I could feel her worry because she knew something had happened, but she just came in and gave me a hug.

I looked up, seeing Anthony glaring our way from where he was talking to another guy that I’d never seen before. Whoever he was, Anthony was getting an earful.

I nudged Kelly. “You should get going.”

She harrumphed, making it obvious her opinion on that matter, but picked up her tray and moved off.

I didn’t miss the little look she sent Justin’s way, or how he reciprocated.

The club closed. The lights went on. We needed to go through our inventory, close out our drawers, and I had cleaned my section when I made my way to the staff room.

Anthony stepped out of his office. “A word?”

His tone was nicer, but I saw the stress had taken a toll. His shirt was stretched out. Worry lines were sticking out around his eyes and mouth. He raised a hand, pinching his nose as I made my way to him and then past him inside.

He closed the door, but it was soft.

My stomach was in knots, and I didn’t even know why. I mean, I knew why, but I didn’t at the same time.

He motioned to the chair in front of me as he went to sit behind his desk. “Sit.”

“No.”

“Please.” He leaned back, pinching his nose a second time. “Just, please sit.”

He had a love seat in the corner, and I perched on the armrest, giving him a glare and then crossing my arms over my chest. “I did nothing wrong. If you’re firing me, then—”

“I’m not.” He held a hand up. “I’m sorry. I was further explained the situation, and the mess up wasn’t on my end or yours, but it’s been handled. I called you in because I wanted to apologize. Tristian West is a big deal here. The biggest that comes around, and I didn’t handle any of this the right way. I sincerely apologize to you.”

I was annoyed.

This wasn’t supposed to be my stressful job. I had a day job for that, and I didn’t need to put up with this bullshit.

“Get out!”

I flinched again, unable to not hear that or not see his face as he spewed that.

“I do need to ask.” Anthony’s eyes were heavy, resting on me. “What’s your relationship with him?”

“I don’t have one.”

“But you said—”

“It’s honestly nothing. We met a couple times, by accident, and the last time I told him to stay away from me. That’s it.”

His mouth dropped, and he jerked forward. “You told him to stay away from you?”

I rolled my eyes. It was close enough to what I said. “Why is that so shocking?”

“Because—” He shook his head. “Never mind. It’s obvious you actually don’t know him, and knowing that now, I think this will be fine. I’ll keep you on the floor in the future and send someone else up instead.”

Fine. Right.

I was still pissed by the whole experience.

I stood up. “Can I go? I’m tired, and I need to check on my roommate.”

“Oh yeah.”

I started for the door, but he called my name.

“What?” I asked.

“Kelly did really well tonight, but let her know that if she fucks the new bartender and it ends badly, I don’t tolerate drama. One of them will be kicked out.”

My lips thinned. I was guessing since I was getting this message at who would be getting the boot.

“You’re an imbecile. See you tomorrow.”

I left, not waiting around to see his reaction. I was one of his favorites because I didn’t take shit, and tonight he’d made me take his shit. I was heading to the staff room to see if Kelly was still there. I’d left my phone in my locker, and she was able to leave earlier than me. Shot girls got to leave as soon as the bar closed. They didn’t need to do the cleanup, and it took me a little longer to go through everything since Justin had been manning my section.

I wasn’t shocked to see the locker room was empty when I went inside.

I grabbed my purse and pulled my phone out.

I was heading for the back parking lot when I heard Anthony call my name.

I stopped, but I didn’t turn around.

Could this night get any worse?

“Jess.”

I pivoted, my head back and my chin up.