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Why the hell was she comparing this man to Trey? Clearly, this guy was not even in the same league as Trey. And why the hell am I thinking of Trey? The silence was only compounding her anxiety and interfering with her capability to think. A shiver shot up her spine when he angled his head. His eyes were too dark, too sinister and harsh.
It was time for a compromise. And bribery.
Dahlia cleared her throat, inhaled a cleansing breath, and smiled. “Tell ya what. I’ll get you a whiskey. But you have to leave as soon as you finish it.”
He arched his brow and cupped his mouth. The corners of his eyes crinkled, which usually was indicative of smiling. But not in this case. I’m not sure this man even knows how to smile.
“I have to fucking leave?”
Now we’re getting somewhere.
“Yes, as soon as you’re done.”
He dropped his hand from his face, resting his elbows on the table. “And I get that on the fucking house, huh?”
“Well, no. I can’t give free drinks, but I’ll buy it for you.” She smiled just thinking of the wad of cash she’d made tonight. While she hated to part with her money, it was a sacrifice she’d gladly make to be rid of this man.
“Let me get this straight.” The man’s gaze hardened, and he pointed directly at her. “You, a fucking barback, are gonna buy me a drink?”
Wow, sir. There was no missing the condescending, holier-than-thou attitude and tone. Dahlia ground her teeth, fighting against the response she wanted to give. This was all part of the job. She had to take the good with the bad. And that includes dealing with assholes.
“Yes. I made really good tips tonight.”
“Hold the fuck up. Who are you again?”
The man had the attention span of a six-day-old puppy.
“Dahlia.”
He smiled, eyeing her from head to toe, licking his lips. “Get me my whiskey.”
Something was off, and she had the distinct feeling she was missing something. But given his abrasive demeanor, it was best to comply. Dahlia hauled the bin downstairs and rushed around the bar. She looked around for Killian, but he must have been in the back depositing the cash for the night. Dahlia could have waited or walked down to the office to explain what happened. However, it was better to get the man his drink. The quicker he got his drink, the sooner he’d leave. I hope. She grabbed the bottle of whiskey and a glass, wiping the bottom of the glass, and rushed to the stairs, careful not to slosh the booze. When she reached the top, she peered around the open room. The man was gone, but two members of security were standing near the heavily draped entry. She remembered from her interview the offices were located through the hallway.
She glanced around, and seeing it was her only option, she broke another of Rod’s rules. She was specifically told not to speak to security. What other choice do I have?
“I’m sorry to bother you, but there was a man here about two minutes ago. You wouldn’t happen to know where he went, would you?”
The security guard stared down at her without saying a word.
This was a gift. He obviously left, and she’d dodged a bullet.
“I guess he left.”
Dahlia turned as another man stalked toward her, his movements tense and strict. He passed by her.
“Follow me.”
Oh!
Dahlia hurried her steps while balancing the glass, careful not to spill the alcohol. When they reached the end of the corridor, he made a sharp left. There were several doors lining the halls, and a sudden sense of dread wafted her body, chilling her blood. The man was leading her to the end of the hallway. An office she knew well.
Trey’s office.
****
“Need an answer, Rogue.” Trey turned in his seat behind his desk.
Rogue had arrived a few minutes ago, late and ranting, as usual. This Killcreek deal should have been an easy resolution, but Rogue was holding out.
