Wicked Destiny

Chapter 1





My eyes shot open. Trying to get a grip on reality and where I was, I lay there staring at the ceiling of my loft. I turned my head to get a look at the clock on my night stand and noticed it was pushing four o’clock in the afternoon. I had slept almost twelve hours. I rolled over on my side, grabbing one of my pillows and holding onto it as if it were my body. When I thought about my dream, I couldn’t help wonder why it was so vivid. I mean, what happened in the dream wasn’t even the way things were left between Declan and I. In fact, that morning I remembered hearing the truck driving off in the distance. I’d gotten up to cook him a surprise breakfast at the cabin, but when I let myself in, he’d cleaned out. He’d packed everything up and left before he could even face me. He once told me of his last girlfriend, Constance, so I guess I manifested him going back to her and that weird power thing was just a result of watching too many damn movies.

I am too old to be wishing for superman powers, well, only unless I am trying to move things. Now that the dreams are coming more and more often, the dreams have seemingly become what ifs. Each dream gets a little bit further each time. He has never told me to wake up, though. That was just crazy. My subconscious really had issues.

My phone was beeping from missed calls and text messages and all of them were from Shay, of course. I knew she was wondering if I was OK. She knew I’d been a little stressed these past couple of months and thought it was because of the dreams. But it was much more. See, Shay and I bartended five days a week at this nightclub here in town called the Xchange. We had a very big clientele, so we remained extra busy, making most girls wish they were us. Well, that’s actually mean, but we did have a lot of haters that gave us the stank-eye.

What Shay didn’t know was that I secretly owned the Xchange. I didn’t just run off after my aunt died and become a bartender, though. I actually got my degree in business and accounting, but while going to school, Shay and I picked up bartending on the weekends to make a little bit more cash. Not that we needed the money, but we were bored. When I heard the owner of the Xchange was looking to get out, I had my lawyer draw everything up and the previous owner never knew who was buying. I kept the staff on like usual and if something needed to be done differently, I’d send an email to Jared, who was the club’s manager. He did all the dirty work, but he was real good at his job. Despite his hunger for women and the usual sexual harassment that happened occasionally, he had great promotional skills and made sure the club was always well stocked.

I don’t know why I didn’t tell anyone that I owned the club; I guess it helped me to know who my actual friends were instead of moochers.

Of all the things my aunt left me, I only used what I needed. Yes, it may have seemed like a lot, but the money I had now was the money I made. I bought the club when I graduated from college and, after buying my loft, I also bought two others. I used one of them as my office, an easy tax write-off, and the others were where I painted and hung my photographs. I guess you could say I was undecided as to what I wanted to be when I grew up.

My living area was in the middle and I had hidden doors that lead to each loft. One door was behind a bookcase and the other was hidden behind my dresser. I was very hands-on with everything when it came to the club. Even though I lead a double life, I took all responsibility. The only thing I didn’t trouble myself with was payroll. That I contracted out. Payroll was just a pain in the ass to have to deal with and this way if anything went wrong, they’d have to deal with it; not me. I looked at every cent that was spent and taken in. If anything ever needed fixing, I emailed Jared and he made the call. I kind of felt like Charlie from Charlie’s Angels.

Tonight was going to be one of our most busy nights. It was the first Friday of the month and we had a bar crawl. A bar crawl was when someone paid one fee and scored access to ten different bars, nightclubs, or whatever you want to call them. That meant there would be double security and more waitresses to serve people throughout the club.

Wondering what to wear, I remembered the new outfit Shay and I got a couple of days ago. There really hadn’t been anyone since Declan and I dared not speak about him to anyone. Truth was, I didn’t have a heart to give anyone, but I still loved the attention I managed. Don’t get me wrong, I liked guys and there were certain parts of their anatomy that took care of a certain needs every now and then, but to actually spend time with them…

No, I didn’t have the desire to have someone stuck up my ass. Honestly, I loved it when names and numbers didn’t get exchanged and, not to mention, I never brought them back to my place. If I ever see them again, then it’s because I met them at the club and they wanted to come back for more. But, then again, what person from a nightclub was decent enough to meet the family to begin with? All the guys there either wanted one-night-stands or they had a girlfriend or wife waiting for them when they get home. That’s why if I sensed a girl’s presence at a guy’s place, I had a certain cab driver I’d text while in the bathroom and I’d tell him to be at the address in an hour. I had no desire to be a part of any drama, so it helped that I didn’t leave a name or number. It worked out great for both of us.

Shay liked to give me hell about my lifestyle, but it worked for me. So why change? I wasn’t in the market to have my heart broken again, so at the moment this worked for me. I always texted her the address in case she didn’t hear from me the next day and I always called her when I got home.

I guess I’d fallen off the deep end since Declan left. Now I couldn’t figure out what color I wanted my hair or what my next tattoo was going to be. All I knew was that I had a tight ass, perky tits, and a killer smile. If I wanted someone, all I had to do was point. But at the moment I liked not having to answer to everything I did. Hell, I couldn’t even tell Shay I owned the nightclub we worked. And she wanted me to have a real boyfriend.

Right.

Walking over to the closet, I dragged out the black leather corset that I bought and my new skinny jeans. I already knew I was wearing what I liked to call my hooker boots, but I needed a belt. Looking through the drawer full of buckles, I settled on my brass knuckle belt with shiny, fake diamonds on it. Yep, I was going to look straight HAWT tonight. Not to mention the awesome black leather jacket that went well with the corset.

I went to take a shower first, knowing the job of straitening my hair would take some time. It was already almost five o’ clock and Shay and I ate together every Friday before heading to the club. She had started seeing someone and I wasn’t sure she would bring him along just to assure me that keeping a guy longer than one night had its benefits. But wasn’t mad at her. As long as she was happy and he helped make her happy, I was fine with it. I quickly texted her back and asked where we were eating.



Me: Where R we meeting?

Shay: Thinking the Cannon

Me: 7:00?

Shay: Yea

Me: K



Now that it was settled, all I had to do was make sure I was on time, because I knew how much Shay hated being late. So, off into the shower I went.

Once out of the shower, I started doing my make-up, and then my hair. Finishing, I couldn’t help but just look at myself in the mirror. Who was I kidding? I was lonely and keeping this tough girl act up was taking its toll on me. Here I was, dying my hair all kind of colors and any time I got the chance, I was tattooing something new on my body. This week my hair was blonde on top with black in the middle and dark blue on the bottom. Everyone looked forward to see what I‘d do to it nest and my latest artwork was a pair of black angelic wings with white tips that basically covered a great deal of my back. Not to mention the scorpion that was on my foot for my zodiac sign, the tramp stamp on my lower back and a fairy on the back of my neck. The only other body piercing I had besides my ears was the one in my right eyebrow.

Putting my clothes on, I couldn’t help but admire how good the finished product looked. Here I stood like something out of a motorcycle magazine with a black leather corset, low rise jeans, and leather knee high boots with candy apple red lips. Who wouldn’t notice me?

Attention was what I wanted and, believe me, that’s what I got. A little bit of flirting never hurt anyone, especially in my line of work considering I’m a bartender-slash-secret-club-owner. Anyone could say what they wanted, but it felt good to walk into a room and know that there were always a set of eyes on you. Not just men, either, women too. Women either sized you up or wished they were you. The men, well, they fantasized or condemned, but in reality—give the opportunity to the condemning ones and they’d certainly rise to the occasion, if you know what I mean.

Walking around the loft, I made sure I had everything and slid on my jacket, digging my keys out of my purse. Just when I was about to hit the door, I heard my phone ringing from my nightstand.

“Hello?”

There was no answer. Oh, well. I stuck it in my purse and locked everything up. My loft was just one block away from the club, so I usually walked to work, especially since I always drank while on duty. That’s another big no-no, but again, I was the owner and I would do what I wanted to do. The restaurant that I was meeting Shay at was right across the street from the club, so I picked up my pace before she started blowing up my phone.

Walking out the double doors that led outside of the loft, I was sure I saw a new tenant moving in. Just so I could stand there a little longer without looking like a total stage-five clinger, I acted like I was looking for something in my purse. He was taking boxes off the moving truck and setting them on the sidewalk, and his t-shirt was thrown over his shoulder while the white tank he wore clung to his skin with sweat. His arms were completely tattooed and I could tell his neck and back were covered in the same tribal décor as well. Under the tank top I could trace the outline of his abs and even manage the “V” that I loved so dearly on a man. I honestly didn’t know the exact term for it all; I just knew that if you’ve seen Ryan Reynolds bare stomach flex, then you’d know what I was talking about. His hair was jet black and had that spiked look. He had very strong arms and they tensed as he grabbed each box effortlessly. I was hoping he was on a totally different floor than me, because I saw a traffic jam in the near future. Someone this pretty was never a good sign—he was the male version of me and that made me smile just thinking about it. While smiling to myself, I hadn’t noticed he was walking towards me.

“Hi, can you get the door for me? My hands are a little full.” I couldn’t help but stare into his grey eyes.

“Um, sure.” Walking to the door, I dropped my keys that I had misleadingly pulled out of my purse and made sure I gracefully bent over to get them.

“Nice, tatt,” was all I heard as I opened the door for him. I watched him walk into the building and noticed he dropped the box down in front of the door across from mine. How great, I thought to myself.

Oh, well, it was certainly going to be interesting having him across the hall. I wondered what kind of crazies he would attract. Hopefully he would be smart enough to never let them know where he lived. That way we could all get some sleep and not have to worry about a psycho one-night-stand waiting with a gun somewhere. I was texting Shay to let her know I was on my way when I heard his voice over my shoulder.

“Boyfriend?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but no. And why the hell are you looking over my shoulder reading my text messages? Stalker much?”

“Well, I figured I’d return the favor.” He flashed me a small smile.

“Don’t flatter yourself. I was just thinking it was fifty seven degrees outside and here you are acting like it’s eighty or something.”

Smiling at me as if he knew something I didn’t, he walked back to the moving truck with the cockiest walk I’d ever seen. I was kind of baffled by his whole approach to me. Wow, that kind of turned me on, but that was something he’d never know.

“My name is Viktor. Maybe next time you’ll offer a hand instead of watching me struggle.”

“Well, if I wasn’t on my way to work I might’ve actually shown you how to move those boxes faster than you already are. But then again, I can’t give away all my secrets, now can I?”

“Oh, really, and with it being this time of night, what is it you actually do?”

He thought I was a stripper. How typical of him. Before he ruined any possible chance for the future, it was better to set him straight.

“Wow, before you say anything or insinuate something else, I am a bartender at the Xchange around the block. Maybe when you’re done sweating off those boxes you could stop by. I’ll leave your name at the door.” I quickly began to walk away, letting him appreciate the view. I heard him yell out one more time.

“Who do I ask for?”

Not turning around, I yelled, “Sloane!”

Smiling to myself, I could hardly wait to tell Shay about my new friend. She would be eager to see what he looked like as well and only because her approval was most important. Right as I got to the Cannon and pulled the door open, realization washed over me. He was living in the same building as me and that meant that there was no escape. At that moment, there was no use in telling Shay anything, because it was already a dead end road.

Walking through the crowd, I found Shay and took my seat across from her. She was with her new flavor and I was polite. I gave a smile and shook his hand and introduced myself.

“Hi, I’m Sloane. I’m practically Shay’s sister.”

“Rick. Nice to meet you.”

Smiling at Shay, I silently gave my approval. He looked the part, but something about him shouted he was a bigger diva than Shay. He wore more gel in his hair than Pauly D and looked as if he stayed in the tanning bed just as long. His shirt was a smedium, too, meaning he wore it too small to give the illusion of having a bigger body. It wasn’t bad, but his choice of clothing made me think not only was he a diva but he also had a little man syndrome. Not to mention he wore tight fitted jeans. I mean, really, what was Shay thinking? Oh, I was certainly going to have to speak with her about this later once our shift started.

“So, did you get any sleep last night? I tried calling you all day, but you never called back.”

Looking at the menu, I answered, “Yeah, surprisingly I did.”

“Are you having issues sleeping? I’m sure there’s something that can help with that.” Rick was smiling as if there was a hidden meaning behind his comment. Was that an invite? Well, I guess I needed to assure him where he stood with me.

“Well, I’m sure if I needed assistance with sleeping, I could well accommodate for anything lacking.” As I began to smile, his began to fade. At this point I’d lost all interest in eating. If he was going to hang around, then it was going to be a long night tonight.

We got through dinner without anymore snide comments and I made sure to behave myself until I could get Shay alone. This guy just didn’t know it yet, but he was done for. First off, what guy just comes onto his girlfriend’s best friend in front of her like that? I mean, really, the nerve. Why hadn’t she noticed? Please, tell me she’s not head over heels already?

It was settled, and I’d tell her as soon as we got into the club and to the closet. The closet was a room at the end of the bar where we put our jackets and purses. Anything that we needed to keep an eye on was kept in there, and since it was behind the bar, no one else could get to it. This meant girlfriends, too.

I hadn’t been too talkative and I’d mostly been thinking about what I wanted to tell Shay. When the check finally came, I picked it up. Shay tried to protest and, to my disbelief, Rick made no effort. Something told me he was a mooch. Maybe I’d hold off on the talk to Shay just so I could get a better look at this guy. If I had more to go on, she might actually believe me. I didn’t want her to think I was just against her having a boyfriend.

“I can’t wait to make some money, and momma, if I may say; I think we might clean out the house tonight.” Shay casually slapped me on the backside, smiling while Rick trailed beside her with a too big of a grin. Ew, was all that ran through my mind.

“With those outfits, I think you might need to keep security close by.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek and she smiled, glancing up at him as if she had tunnel vision. This wasn’t going to end well; I could already see it.

“So, Rick. What is it that you do, like for a job?” I couldn’t help myself. I caught him off guard as he went to open the door of the restaurant.

“Well, as of right now I’m taking some time off. I, uh, well, let’s just say my last boss and I had somewhat of a disagreement the last time I saw him.” Great. I knew it—he was unemployed.

“He’s going to start his own business and during the day I’m going to help manage it,” Shay added.

Ohmygosh! She had their lives planned out already. What the hell was Shay thinking?

“Really? That’s, well, interesting. What kind of business are you starting?” Thinking to myself, I bet it was a lawn service and Shay’s money was the backer. Shay didn’t have as much as I did, but she did well invest the couple thousands she got from graduation and college. Not to mention if there was anything that she lacked, her dad always made sure she had it.

Walking across the street, avoiding traffic, Shay immediately went on defense. “Well, he’s had some problems with the bank, so I offered to get a business loan in my name.”

I couldn’t help it any longer. As soon as we reached the door to the Xchange, I stopped in my tracks. The mere thought of her doing all of this for him so soon, and the fact that he was letting her, just pissed me off. There was no way this was going to happen.

“I’m sorry, what? You’re taking a business loan out in your name for him? So when is the big day? I mean, you have everything planned out, or has that already happened and you just haven’t told me yet?” I couldn’t take it anymore. I yanked the door open and left them outside.

Walking into the actual club, I stormed behind the bar. Signing into the computer, I pulled off my jacket and stored it in the room behind the bar with my purse. Walking back out, I bumped into Jared. Jared didn’t know when to stop harassing me about giving him the time of day. I only really needed him to keep this club going, otherwise today would’ve certainly been his last night.

“Whoops. Sorry, didn’t see you there.” He wrapped an arm around me, acting as if I needed to be steadied. “I always knew you wanted to get in this closet.”

“Yes, that was my plan. Now if you could only decide whether to come out of the closet. I think you could save yourself and everyone else here a bunch of bullshit.” Jared knew at this point that it was going to be one of those nights. It wouldn’t matter, though, especially since he’d just keep coming.

“Ouch! That hurts, Sloane.” He placed his hand over his heart. If he actually had one, because all he did was break every girl’s heart that came or worked here. “Do you want me to kiss it and make it better?”

Jared was cute in his so-called ‘seductive kind of way’. He had brownish red hair that he liked to keep short so he could spike it however way he wanted. The clothes he wore were always designer and up to date. His eyes were brown but with green mixed in. He was gorgeous no doubt. He reminded me of a cocky Ryan Reynolds. I know most girls would wonder what was wrong with that and, don’t get me wrong, he is sexy as hell. But I’d watched him use this club as some sort of breeding ground. It was disgusting and the worst part was that the girls never had a chance. I couldn’t say I’d never been tempted either, and in all honestly, he would’ve probably been the one that actually understood me and my lifestyle. Tonight just wasn’t the night for pillow-talk in the closet, and I could see Jared was in the mood to play. Like always.

“You have to have a heart for it to hurt,” I said, smiling so brightly I couldn’t help but think how much I amused myself.

“Oh, I have one, Sloane. You just won’t let me share it with you.” He had me backed up against the wall now and he was pressed against me, whispering just below my earlobe and caressing my shoulders. He gave me goosebumps and I knew he was happy with my reaction because he smiled. He kissed my neck and I shut my eyes, tilting my head to the side to give him a little more access.

And then my eyes shot open and I quickly sidestepped away from him.

“I’m sure that’s exactly what you wanted to share with me.” I turned away to get my station ready for the night. I knew he would be mad, but he would also get over it.

Walking back to his office, trying to hold his head up, Jared yelled at me, “I’d love to meet the guy that shattered your heart so I can kick his ass.”

I thought about Declan. It’d been years and he still had some kind of affect or hold on me. I hated that. His leaving didn’t just shatter my heart; it downright destroyed me and what pieces that seemed to be mended. I just couldn’t take that chance of them falling apart all over again. I didn’t think I’d survive the second time.

“Oh, come on, Jared. You know I love you. If I gave in so easily, we would never have our secret meetings,” I said, batting my eyelashes at him as he rounded the bar and walked to his office. But he stopped right in front of my station.

“You and I both know that all this—your hair, the tattoos, the clothes, and your attitude—is an act. It’s what you do to ensure that you don’t get attached. I’ve watched you for years and never have I actually seen you serious with anyone. I think our flirting is the longest relationship you have ever had, and frankly, I’m a little worried.” Wow, was he really playing the adult here? “Have you ever thought that we could be great together?” There it was. That awkward silent moment when you didn’t have anything to say or just couldn’t. “I don’t expect an answer or a reply. I’m just telling you to think about it. I totally get you and will probably be the only one that does. You deserve to be happy.” With that, he was gone.

What was wrong with me? I knew his advance would only last as long as the first group of girls appeared into the club, and he would forget all about it until it was time to go home. But what if I did give him a chance? Jared was right; he did get me. He never knew about Declan, but I was sure it wasn’t rocket science. He could tell I was broken and scared. I watched him walk into his office and, just before he shut his office door, he looked at me and gave me a smile. Reluctantly, I smiled back. Thinking about Jared, I not only busied myself by stocking my station, but Shay’s as well. She was probably outside making excuses for me and my outburst, too. I didn’t need her to do that for me. If he was confused about anything I’d said, he could have easily come in and asked me himself.

I hated Shay being mad at me, though, and she was the only family that I had left. I’d make sure I apologized and was there for her no matter what. Even when he left her. I heard footsteps and looked up to see Shay walking in and looking straight ahead. She was mad, but I also knew that it wouldn’t be long before she forgave me.

After Shay put her stuff away in the closet, she took a long look at her station and glanced over at me. “Thanks for stocking my station.”

“No problem.” It was too soon to say sorry, but I just blurted it out. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to crash all your plans. I just want to make sure you know what you are doing.”

“I’m not stupid, Sloane. I know he has certain issues and things he has to work on about himself, but at this moment he’s what I want. You know what that means.” She looked at me with her blue eyes and smiled. “I always get what I want.” We both just started laughing.

The club was starting to open. The other bartenders were showing up and the bar backs were stocking all the ice and alcohol for us. Looking up, I noticed how perfectly everything seemed to be coming together. Everyone who worked here knew their job; no one had to be told what to do. As soon as the employees got here, they went right to work. I wondered if it would ever change, but knowing if it did, it’d be Jared that would deal with it. I couldn’t help but sit back and notice everything I had. I was a business owner that had a great crew, three lofts, land and houses, and I had my best friend at my side.

I glanced at Shay and somehow I still envied her. She was living her life, and even though it pained me, I knew one day she would have to live with her own family. I sighed and glanced down, pretending I was wiping the glass for the tenth time.

“What’s wrong, Sloane?” I heard her gasp.

“I was just thinking what will happen a couple years from now. I mean, I know we can’t go on like this forever. I guess what I mean is that when we are done having fun, what else is there?” Gazing at her, I fought off all tears.

“OK, first off, you need to take a couple of breaths, because your eyes are changing. And second, we will figure it out. It doesn’t have to be decided right now. We will work it out later.” She smiled as she helped fan my eyes.

“Are they back?” I asked.

Shay smiled and nodded.

The eye thing was something that started when I was eighteen. I’d always had hazel eyes with gold flakes, but they seemed to change color with my emotions. I found this out when they remained blue for a year or so after my great aunt died and Declan left. Then, instead of being sad, I became angry and they turned emerald green. When I was happy, they were the regular hazel, but when I was undoubtedly irritated, you could actually see traces of red. Almost as if it were fire. I guess you could say I could never hide my feelings with Shay. She had been there for everything in my life, even with the death of my aunt. She helped me survive he who I dare not to mention, and the freak within me. She was the only one I could trust. Trying to change the mood, I changed the subject.

“Jared wants me to consider him as a candidate. What do you think?” I laughed because this was nothing new, and the fact I even brought it up had taken Shay by surprise.

“Since when do you care? This happens almost every night you work.”

“Yeah, I know, but maybe it’s time. You know?”

“Wait—you mean Jared?”

“Well, I mean, he gets it. I think.” I laughed.

“If you say so. Sloane, just be happy. That’s all I want.”

Customers started to pour in along with a couple of the security guards. It was always great to see the first batch of people, because they looked great at this moment but in a couple hours they would all be belligerent, drunk, and could hardly stand. But they would have enough sense to order another drink and forget how much they actually tipped you. I took my first couple of customers and told Shay I would be right back.

“Will you be alright for a couple minutes? I have to ask Jared about some time off.”

She knew I was lying. “Sure, just don’t take all night.”

Walking around the bar, I headed to Jared’s office. Before I reached the door, I glanced to my left and saw Rick talking up the girl at the entrance. I told myself not to overreact. Maybe he knew her already, and Shay had to flirt throughout the night to ensure her great tips. But then I watched him caress her cheek.

Pushing my anger deep down, I barged into Jared’s office, clearly not thinking, and shut the door behind me. I took a deep breath and readied myself for what I was about to say. I was so caught up that I didn’t think to take a look at my surrounding. Or Jared’s surroundings, for the matter. He was sitting in his swivel chair with one of the waitresses straddling his lap. A look of total shock flashed across his white face. Although they weren’t actually doing anything, the position they were in could have easily been mistaken.

“Sloane!”

The look on my face must have been enough confirmation as to why I was in there. Realization washed over his face. I’d never seen the color fade out of someone’s skin as fast as his did. I think now would’ve been a good time to exit.

“That color looks good on you. Whore Red.” Jared pointed to his lips, indicating where the woman’s lipstick was all over him. I walked out and my anger was no longer tamed.

I slammed it behind me I leaned against it. I heard Jared trying to get the waitress out and I knew he’d come after me. This was why I never wanted to get involved. Looking straight ahead, I noticed Rick was still there. Something wouldn’t let me back down anymore. I walked over to Rick and, with the force of three men, I grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against the wall. Dale, the head of security, came running in and pleaded for me to let him go.

“Please, Sloane. Let me handle it before you get in trouble. Tell me what he did and he’s gone.”

Looking straight at Rick, I made sure he was watching me straight in the eyes. “You are all the same pathetic creatures, aren’t you? Always thinking with that head three feet below the neck. Now if I snapped your neck, you wouldn’t have to worry about that problem anymore, would you?”

Dale was still trying to plead with me. “Sloane, I’m going to pull your hand off his neck.”

“Don’t touch me,” I growled with gritted teeth, and squeezed a little harder. “This is what is going to happen. You are going to leave Shay the hell alone and never come back again. Do we have an understanding?”

With all the squeezing, he could only manage a simple nod and I released him. Just as I let him go, Rick lunged at me and this time it was Dale’s turn to grab him and choke slam him. Then Dale forcefully escorted him out. Pleased with myself, I looked at the girl at the door and turned to leave. But not right before Jared’s door opened. This was my cue.

“Sloane, wait. Please, let me explain.”

My thoughts went to heading for the bathroom and locking myself inside. I knew my eyes would be changing, so I had to make it fast. Making my way through the crowd, I glanced back at Shay who was looking at me with a questioning gleam in her eyes. I pointed to the bathroom and she just nodded her head. With everything going on I hadn’t noticed the club was almost full. At least this would slow Jared down. As soon as I got to the bathroom, I slammed the door right in his face and locked the door. I stared at myself in the mirror and suddenly I couldn’t deal with it anymore. With Jared beating on the door and with everything that had happened.

I picked up the metal trash can and threw it against the mirror. The beating against the door stopped. I stood there and tried to get a grip. When I felt my pulse slow, I looked down at a piece of the mirror that was still hanging. My eyes were just emerald green. No traces of red, so I was good. I needed to get out of this bathroom before I went nuts again. Why did I react like that? I already knew Jared was the way he was and I already knew Rick was a low life. Maybe it was time for a vacation. Opening the door, I was greeted by Jared looking over my shoulder.

“What the hell did you do?”

“Oh, um, yeah. You can just take it out of my check.” I tried to push past him, but he wouldn’t let me.

“Sloane, please let me explain.”

“Explain what? You are the boss. So you have sex with some of your employees. This isn’t new to anyone.”

“Yeah, but the look on your face said something different, like you wanted something.”

I started to tell him how bad he screwed himself over with ever having a chance with me and I even considering telling him I thought about it. But just as I was about to open my mouth, I saw a pair of familiar eyes. They appeared over Jared’s shoulder and they made me forget my train of thought.

It was Viktor.

“Sloane, are you OK?” Viktor asked, just as Jared realized I wasn’t staring at him.

“I’m sorry, who are you?” Jared was in alpha mode.

“I’m Viktor, and you?”

“Jared. Do you mind, because we are in the middle of something?”

“Actually, we’re done,” I stated dryly, looking at Jared and making sure he knew what I’d said was a double meaning. Stepping around and grabbing Viktor’s arm, I looked back at Jared. “You were right. I did want something, but now all I want is a vacation.” Jared knew just what I meant.

Walking back through the crowd and behind the bar, I motioned for Viktor to meet me on the other side. “Pick your poison.”

“I’ll have a beer. Any kind will do.”

I reached into the cooler and pulled out the first one my hand touched. It was a Coors Light. Great light beer, I thought to myself. I set it down in front of him and gave him a quick wink before serving my next customer.

“So, are you going to tell me what that was all about?” I guess he thought that smile would work with me. He was obviously mistaken.

“None of your damn business.” I smiled back at him just as devilish and batted my eyes.

“Ouch,” he said, as he rubbed his chest as if I’d pierced his heart.

“I don’t know you. What makes you think I will tell you anything?”

“Well, for starters, we are neighbors. Aren’t neighbors supposed to be friendly?” There he went again flashing that grin.

“Wow, neighbors for like, what, three hours?”

“Oh, come on, Sloane. Don’t be like that. If you didn’t somewhat like or trust me, you wouldn’t have invited me to your job. Now I know where you work and live. I can just keep bugging you until you get tired of me.” He took another sip of his beer.

“Correction: you know that we stay in the same building and not the actual loft.” Why did this guy make me so nervous?

“You know most neighbors are nicer than this.”

“As you can tell, I’m not like most neighbors. Not into the whole pot-luck thing.”

“I can tell. So, neighbor, I will be seeing you later. There is a pool table and some desperate souls that need to be taken advantage of if I want to continue to drink at your prices.”

With that, he was gone, but not before flashing another inviting smile in my direction. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling back. Everything about him had certain swag. A new customer brought me out of my trance by ordering a shot of patron. I made sure I poured one for me too.

“You are so going to dish all the info on your mystery man,” Shay whispered in my ear while wagging her eyebrows at me.

“He just moved into my building, that’s all. Nothing big.” I shrugged my shoulders like it didn’t matter, but at this moment, Viktor intrigued me.

“So you just met him and you already invited him out here? Isn’t that like the third date if they don’t already know where you work?” Shay was always on point.

“What? He thought I was a stripper so I had to make sure he knew I wasn’t.”

Shay placed one hand on her hip and smiled sweetly at me. And then she asked the million dollar question. “Why are you so worried about what he thinks?”

“Honestly, I haven’t a clue.” I couldn’t stop myself from looking across the club where he was playing pool, and he caught me looking. I didn’t look away, either. All I could do was smile.

“I haven’t seen that smile in a while, Sloane. Not since…” She trailed off before finishing her sentence, but I already knew what she was going to say. And even remembering the pain I didn’t stop smiling. Progress, I thought to myself.

We got busy after that and I lost track of time. I didn’t even notice Viktor leaving. I figured with the cold air tonight he wouldn’t sleep alone and that he figured slipping out would be best. Thinking about it brought on a hint of jealousy, but the reasoning behind it I wasn’t sure of. I just met this man and it was like I placed dibs on him already. Wasn’t I just as free to do as I pleased?

“He slipped out about an hour ago,” Shay said as she was wiping down her section of the bar.

“Do what?” I asked.

“Viktor, right?”

“Oh, yeah, I wasn’t worried about him. I was just wondering what time we were getting out of here tonight.” Hopefully I played that off well.

“Sure you are. I saw him leave with someone when I went looking for Rick.”

At that very moment, I must have been wearing my emotions all over my face. I hadn’t told her about Rick or what I did to him. What was I going to say and how would she take it? Shay seemed to really like this guy and I didn’t want it to look like I was interfering with her life.

“So, um, where is ‘ol Rick?” I tried to play it off, but I already knew she knew something. “I can give you a ride after we walk to my building.” I couldn’t help the giggles that came.

“No, thanks. Dale and Mindy said they would give me a ride home. You know you could’ve told me what happened. Don’t try to now, because Dale already beat you to it.”

“Just what did Dale tell you?” Now I was scared, because I was already freaked out about what happened and I didn’t know how she would take it. Shay already accepted everything else, like my eyes changing colors, but now it was like I had super strength. What the hell was that about anyway? I was probably the biggest freak right now. Why Shay was my friend I would never know.

“That you caught Rick with the front door girl, and before you could get to him, Dale had already snatched him up and threw him out. Literally. Then you told him not to come back around. Which, by the way, I am very thankful for, because my checking account was rapidly depleting. I thought I was going to have to cancel our shopping day this week.”

I laughed. I gave Shay a hug and she held on tightly. It scared me, so I hesitated a little when letting go, but I hugged her just as tight. Shay was a rock, but every now and then a rock broke away a little at a time. She was ready to settle down and create a new chapter and I knew that even without her having to say anything. I think she was more worried about what would happen to me if she found someone she really could spend the rest of her life with. All I knew was that whoever he was, he’d better treat her right. The hug turned out to be short-lived when Jared cleared his voice right behind us.

“Alright, break it up. As much as I would love to watch this, I need to get your registers. Oh, and Sloane, don’t run off before I speak to you.”

Irritation filled my eyes and Shay saw it too, so she tugged at my hair before I answered him, “Can’t we do this tomorrow? It’s late as it is.”

“No, I seriously need to talk to you.”

“Fine.” Looking at Shay, I knew she could read me like a book. I gave her that ‘help me’ plea and man did she run with it.

“Sloane has to give me a ride, Jared.”

“No, she doesn’t. Dale and Mindy are waiting on you outside.” He didn’t even look at her.

“Well, I tried. Will you grab my tips for me?” She poked out her pouty lips.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Go and see if Dale will look around your place before he drops you off.”

She gave me another quick hug good-bye and I watched her leave. I knew Dale and Mindy would make sure she got home safe. Looking around the club, there were now only two bar backs, one bouncer, and a couple of waitresses left to clean up while Jared did his nightly countdown. Sitting there waiting, I sat on the VIP leather sofa and laid my head back with my eyes closed. Reluctantly, I thought of Viktor. His smile tormented me; it was just too inviting and alluring. Maybe it was a good thing that I didn’t see him leave with the girl. I hardly knew the man and here I was just obsessing over him. What would tomorrow be like when I saw him? Would there be awkwardness between us? Random thoughts kept pouring into my head, and then suddenly I felt a body sinking into the sofa next to me and the moment of interrogating began.

“What’s the deal with you and that guy?”

“Jared, first explain to me why it’s any of your business.”

“Come on, Sloane. You know how I feel about you. You can’t look at me and say you weren’t considering us before opening that door.”

“You are one hundred percent correct. I did consider it. And then it hit me—you can’t be alone for one night. Jared, it’s just best that this,” I said, waving my hands between us, “remains whatever the hell it is, because it would never work out in the end.”

“What do you mean? You’d quit on me?”

I laughed at the thought of me quitting. “No, silly rabbit. I meant you’d leave to get away from me, and this club wouldn’t run right without you. Before you get upset, this is a compliment. I think we should just remain friends.”

“See, all that cockiness is what drives me crazy.”

With that, he leaned in and kissed me, and for some odd reason I didn’t pull away, either. Once he realized I’d given in and wasn’t running away, I felt both his hands caress my face. It was passionate and it felt right, well, at that moment anyway. While sitting on the sofa in our moment together, not caring who was there to witness it all, we still didn’t stop after hearing the words, “I quit,” being yelled, either. I was sure it was his entertainment from earlier. The kiss eventually had to end and I heard someone clearing their throat. I looked up the same moment Jared did. There he was, standing there as if he had a slap in the face.

“I, um, just wanted to make sure you made it home OK, because I knew you walked to work.”

Before I was able to say a word, Jared spoke up. “I think I can handle that, so your services are no longer needed. You can leave.” I suddenly felt Jared’s arm tighten around my waist as if he was laying claim and that just wasn’t about to happen. Again, before I could speak up Viktor chimed in.

“Despite your coziness and tight grip on her due to your lack of confidence, I will leave when she tells me to.” Viktor’s eyes narrowed and I got the distinct feeling they were both about to pound on their chests to see who the alpha male was here.

“I’ll tell you what.” At this point, I was furious. I was furious with them both. Here was Viktor, who left with someone already and now it seemed like he wanted extra, and Jared too. I pushed myself off the couch and grabbed my jacket and purse. “You both can stay here together.” I turned to Jared. “It would make sense if we got together, especially considering the type of people we are, but you were with someone tonight and I play second fiddle to no one.” Now it was Viktor’s turn. “I can make it home by myself.” On that note, I walked away from Jared and right past Viktor, not giving either one of them a second glance.

The walk home was cold and lonely. Thinking about the cold and lonely part, it reminded me of how I was told several times by past boyfriends that this was how I would end up. I guess it was better to get used to it. I thought about everything that had happened tonight and realized that Viktor wasn’t wearing what he had on at the club earlier tonight. He wore blue jeans that were loose in some areas but also tight in others and a black button up shirt with silver pin stripes. When he walked in on Jared and me, he was in black Adidas wind pants and a black fitted long sleeve that showed every ripple he had on his toned stomach. His hair wasn’t even gelled and spiked like it was, either. He had already showered and cleaned up.

I stood there dumbfounded.

Why did I care in the first place? It didn’t matter. I was nobody’s second choice or back up and I wasn’t going to start being one now. I made it to my loft and struggled with wanting to go to his loft to apologize—to apologize for the drama, the flirting, and him seeing me kissing Jared. But my will overpowered everything else and I made it into my place and locked the door behind me. All I wanted at that moment was to go to sleep and see if Declan visited me in my dreams. Tonight was the only night I welcomed him.