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CHAPTER FIVE

ALEXIS

The sharp clack-clack of my key card against the electronic lock echoes through the cramped employee breakroom. I press my shoulder into the locker door, shoving my worn canvas purse onto the top shelf alongside my jacket, and pull out my black server apron.

I hate working the night shift. The hours are brutal, the crowds are louder, and the energy in a high-end establishment like The Blackwood turns dark real fast once the sun goes down. But the tips on night shifts are double what I pull during the day, and with my grandmother’s medical bills piling up higher on the kitchen table every week, I don't have the luxury of complaining. I need every single cent this place can offer.

I smooth down the crisp black skirt of my uniform, double-knot the apron strings around my waist, and check my reflection in the small locker mirror.

My eyes are still a little tired from my sleepless night after yesterday’s insane encounter—from the steps following me through the dark to the dark-haired monster who practically bled on my bedroom rug, then offered to pay me to sleep with him—but I slap on a fresh layer of lip gloss and push through the swinging double doors toward the floor.

"Well, look who actually managed to clock in on time for once," a sharp, nasal voice sneers.

I turn to see George, the manager, leaning against the hallway wall with his clipboard tucked under his arm, his mouth pulled into a scoff.

I don't waste my breath arguing. I just flash him a sweet, completely fake smile. "Always a pleasure, George."

I walk right past him onto the main floor, navigating the soft golden lighting, the rich mahogany tables, and the low hum of jazz floating over the bar.

Over at the main server station near the kitchen pass, three of the girls I’m closest with—Sarah, Melody, and Piper—are huddled together, whispering furiously over a leather drink menu.

"I'm telling you, it's my turn!" Melody hisses, smoothing down her fitted vest and adjusting her blonde ponytail. "I need to get a close up of him tonight!"

"Yeah, and so do I," Piper snickers, leaning in close. "Besides, I'm the one who needs a big tip tonight."

"Will you two shut up?" Sarah giggles, catching sight of me as I approach the counter. "Look, Alexis is here. Ask her!"

I rest an elbow on the wooden counter, picking up my order pad. "Ask me what? Who are you guys swooning over now?"

Melody leans across the counter, her eyes wide with excitement. "That ridiculously handsome guy from last night is back. The huge one with the dark hair and those terrifying hazel eyes. He's sitting right in the back corner booth again, looking like a total sin. We were just fighting over who gets to take his table."

"Wait, Alexis," Sarah nudges. "He left you a huge tip last night, didn't he?"

I follow their eager gaze, my heart slamming straight into my throat as my eyes land on the darkest corner of the room.

He’s there. Sitting in the exact same leather booth as last night, bathed in the low, amber shadows of the bar. He’s looking right at me. Those laser-sharp hazel eyes lock onto mine the second I turn around, dark and intense, tracking every breath I take. I swallow down a sharp gasp and force myself to look away, my hands suddenly shaking as I pull my notepad close.

"Oh my God," Melody gasps, clutching Sarah’s arm. "He’s staring right over here! Who do you think he’s looking at?"

"He’s looking at me," Piper says with absolute confidence, smoothing down her skirt and tossing her curls over her shoulder.

Before any of us can utter a word, Piper breaks away from the counter and glides toward his table, hips swaying as she flashes her best flirtatious smile.

Sarah and Melody roll their eyes in unison. "Ugh, what a bitch," Sarah mutters under her breath.

I let out a laugh, shaking off the sudden wave of heat that’s rising up my neck. "Okay, girls, forget about him and get to work. We need to make some money tonight."

They disperse with a few groans, picking up their trays and heading out to their respective sections. I take a deep, steadying breath, smooth my apron down, and try to convince myself that the giant in the corner isn't going to completely ruin my night.

Barely ten minutes later, I'm standing at a four-top taking drink orders when the front entrance doors swing open. Nolan steps inside, flanked by his younger brothers, Brendan and Lachlan.

Nolan’s eyes scan the floor and lock onto me instantly, like I’m the exact reason he walked through the door. He catches my eye, flashes an irritating smirk, and gives me a slow wink before heading toward his regular table in the center of the room. His brothers follow close behind, both tossing wide, cocky grins my way as they pass.

Ew. As if one Devlin creeping on me wasn't exhausting enough, now there are three.

I finish taking the drink order, force a professional smile for my table, and head straight back to the counter to drop off the ticket.

Sarah is already waiting there, practically bouncing on her toes. "Alexis! A delivery just came for you. A huge one."