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“Alright,” Rogue said, took one more look at Dahlia, and walked out.
Chapter Eighteen
Dahlia wasn’t exactly sure what was happening. Doc, who was not an actual doctor but a retired paramedic, checked her injuries with Trey standing close by. It was a strange shift. For someone who wanted to keep things private and not bring any attention to them, Trey watched and stayed by her side. His concern was overwhelmingly sweet. As she already knew, while her injuries were sore and unsightly, they were surface wounds that would eventually heal and fade in time.
Doc offered her painkillers, which she declined. It struck her as odd that he had a stash readily available, but she didn’t question him. When Trey left his office to take a call, she excused herself to the bathroom and redid her makeup. She was only gone about fifteen minutes. When she came out, she was informed Trey had left but would be back in a few hours.
“Trey said you’re not to leave until he gets back,” Doc said.
“Okay.” She tossed her bag on the couch and watched as Doc walked out. Dahlia stalled a little longer, grabbing a water from Trey’s mini-fridge and chugging it. She’d only gotten in an hour ago, and she was utterly exhausted. But she had another six hours on her shift.
Dahlia tossed the bottle in the garbage can and walked out the door, halting as she scanned the men lined up on either side of the wall. Rogue’s security. Why would they be guarding Trey's office if he wasn’t even there? And shouldn’t they be with Rogue? Dahlia had watched Trey a lot and knew which men were always by his and Rogue’s sides.
Dahlia glanced over at the security guard closest to her. He was the only one to make eye contact.
She pointed down the hall. “I was going to start my shift.”
He waved his hand, and she started down the hall, fully aware of the men following behind her. She resisted the urge to look back.
Dahlia walked out onto the balcony and veered right to the bar, but another girl was standing there. Dahlia didn’t know her name, but she was one of the two who became extremely angry when the new schedule had been posted. I guess I’ve been replaced.
Dahlia smiled, but the girl turned her head, ignoring the greeting. She drew in a breath and rounded the bar, headed for the stairs. She’d double-check with Sloane about where she should work for the night.
“Where the fuck are you going?” Rogue’s booming voice and venomous tone could be heard over the loud techno music.
Dahlia spun around and pointed down below to the bar. “I’m going to the bar for my shift.”
“No, you’re not! Get over here.”
What? Dahlia darted her gaze around the balcony, but no one made eye contact except for Rogue, who was currently glaring in her direction. She slowly walked across the room, stopping at the edge of the table.
Rogue pointed to the chair on the opposite side of the table from where she was standing. “Sit down.”
Dahlia swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’m fine to go back to—”
“Sit the fuck down!”
What else could she do? Dahlia sat in the empty chair beside him. There was no explanation as to why she had to remain with him or even any small talk. Rogue occasionally took calls, having no issue with berating whoever was on the other line. He was very interesting to watch and listen to. She’d always been surrounded by alpha men, but he gave the term new meaning. Oddly enough, he reminded her a little of her dad, not necessarily with his nasty attitude but with his harsh tone. Her father had been very rough around the edges. Some even feared him, which had always struck her as funny. He’d only ever shown her love.
Rogue must have felt her stare because he looked over, and when she smiled, his scowl deepened. It was another attribute he shared with her father. Her dad trusted no one, especially around her, her mother, and their immediate family. He was always a shield around them, protecting them. Until he was gone.
Dahlia glanced up at the man being escorted to the table. While Dahlia tried to refrain from making judgments, she couldn’t help but think of Manny from The Moon Bar. This man, much like her ex-boss, shared the same slimy vibe. Dahlia shifted in her seat when he sat down, smiling over at her.
“What the fuck are you looking at?” Rogue snapped.
The man, clearly caught off guard, cleared his throat and waved his hand toward Dahlia. “Just admiring her beauty. She’s exquisite.”
Exquisite? What should’ve been a compliment came off as creepy coming from this man.
Rogue rested his elbow on the table. “I’ll let Trey know you think so.”
Dahlia whipped her head, but Rogue remained glaring at the man seated across from him. Why would he make a reference to Trey?
“Oh, I didn’t know.”
Rogue smiled. “Yeah, this one is Trey’s. Pretty protective of her. He doesn’t like when others fuck with his property. Neither do I.”
Property? Dahlia clamped her lips, darting her gaze between both men.
