Page 37 of Unlock My Heart

“Can it be salvaged?” There’s zero budget for new office furniture.

“Maybe. Let’s get it moved outside in the fresh air.”

He calls in more muscle, and the men lug the piss-stained chaise outside. Remembering that we can’t afford a professional deep clean, I get to work with a bucket and soapy water, cleaning the hardwood and, eww, the wall.

After going to the bathroom to wash up and quickly remembering I was the one who said no paper towels, I fling the door open and stomp back to my office in a pissy mood.

“Knock. Knock.” Ellis appears. “Um, Mrs. D’Amico, I was wondering, on behalf of the band, where we stood on the last two weeks’ and this week’s pay?”

My head falls into my damp hands on a sigh.

“We’ve all heard the rumors,” he starts.

Snapping my head up, I give him my best puppy dog eyes. “Ellis, you’re the band leader. The guys listen to you. Give me a few weeks to get things sorted,” I plead. “We can’t lose our house band.”

He shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but unless we get paid today, we’re walking.”

“This is Hotel D’Amico. Every musician in this city wants to be on this stage,” I bluff.

He lifts a shoulder. “Good luck finding musicians who work for free.”

“I didn’t say free. You guys like to party, right? How about a couple of eight balls to tide everyone over?” Michele won’t notice a few ounces missing from his personal stash.

“The guys will be down for that, but I’m actually down for something else.” He looks me up and down, his gaze lingering on my chest. “Madam.”

“Excuse me? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say primly.

He licks his lips, his eyes meeting mine. “Sure you do.”

I’m about to kick this little prick out of my office, but a lightbulb goes off.

Knowing that Remi will be back any minute, I hop on my desk and spread my legs. “A couple of eight balls and a fuck, and we’re square on backpay, and the band takes the stage tonight. Deal?”

His beady little eyes look me up and down. “Deal.”

Poor Remi will believe me to be the villain of her story, and that’s okay. What others believe about me is none of my business.

Ellis kisses me sloppily, and I inwardly cringe.

At least it’s not feet.

Sienna

The Present

Michele bands his hand around my throat, slamming me into the wall. The only thing keeping me from spiraling is the knowledge that he won’t kill me—simply because he hates to lose. What Michele fails to realize is that his opponent, Fabien, tapped out years ago, but my husband’s ignorance is my security.

“Everyone will be here soon for the auction,” I whisper, clawing at his hands. “I have to get things ready.”

“Sorry, boss, to interrupt.” A member of Michele’s crew appears. “We got a shipment that needs your approval.” The young kid eyes me with alarm, but doesn’t intervene.

Michele growls, releasing me with a little shove before he exits with the soldier.

My ass slides down the wall until it hits the concrete, and I wrap my arms around myself, trying not to hyperventilate.

“Mrs. D’Amico, are you alright?” Jermaine appears with a step ladder, his eyes going wide. He places it down and hustles over, squatting beside me.

“No good deed goes unpunished,” I say with a sad smile as I accept his outstretched hand.