Dating him was dangerous, but with each step, the weight grew heavier. Could I really walk away from this? Could I afford to? Did I want to waitress? Would I end up like my mom?
Now knowing Killian’s father owned the other two clubs that had go-go dancers, there was no chance I was working there, despite what I’d said to Killian.
I stopped, my hand on the door handle. I then released it and turned to face him. He remained leaning up against the desk, looking totally delectable.
“Why me, Killian?”
He casually strode toward me. Predatory. A lion stalking his prey and I wanted to run, but instead, like I’d done as a teenager, I froze. He stopped an inch away, towering over me and I stopped breathing.
His finger came under my chin, and he tilted my head up so our eyes met and held. “Breathe.”
It was said quietly, a graveled whisper that caused a tightness in my lower belly.
“I’m protective of those I care about, Savvy. And you had an impact on me in high school. This helps us both.”
Oh, God. I exhaled and my heart slammed into my chest. Killian cared about me? I impacted him? How was that even possible? He didn’t even know me. Not really. But I found myself saying, “What does fake dating you involve?”
“Being seen with me.” He paused. “And obviously no dating other men.”
“Would that go both ways?”
His hand slipped away from my chin and he grinned. “Savvy, I don’t date, so it isn’t an issue for me.”
“But you… uh, sleep with women.”
“That wouldn’t happen.”
“How much?”
“What do you think is fair, Savvy?”
“One month dating you?”
He nodded.
“Six thousand.” I smiled, knowing it was far too much for a few dates.
“How about twelve. And you make yourself available to me seven days a week.”
Holy shit. Twelve thousand. For appearing in public with a hot guy like Killian?
I bit my lower lip as my mind whirled. Date Killian Kane. Okay, it was fake dating, and I’d be able to get my dance studio sooner rather than later with the extra money. And dating him might help repair the reputation that David smeared.
God, I might be able to lease space next month and start taking students while I continued working here.
“Would I be able to still work here after the month is up?”
His jaw ticked and he hesitated. “No. But you will have enough money not to have to.”
Fair enough. It wasn’t as if I’d be sleeping with him. And I had no interest in real dating anyway after David, so I wasn’t missing out on meeting someone else.
“Can I think about it?”
He chuckled. “No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I let you think about it, you’ll come up with a million excuses not to take it.”
“And for good reason.”
“No. Excuses are never for good reasons. They’re excuses.” When I opened my mouth to refute the point, his thumb grazed over my lower lip. “Besides, you already know the answer.”
It pissed me off that he was right. I did know. I pulled back as his hand fell to his side. “No kissing. Or touching.”
He shook his head. “We’re dating. Touching is mandatory.”
“Okay, but not like that.”
The corners of his mouth twitched. “Like what?”
I frowned. “Like that. Touching my lip like that.”
“Does that bother you, Savvy?”
“Yes.” It made my knees weak and was way too intimate.
He laughed and the rumble sank deep inside me like an anchor. And damn it, it was good hearing Killian laugh. “Okay. No thumb grazing across your lips.”
“And I want three nights a week at the club dancing.”
“Two,” he said. “I’ll give you half the money now and half at the end of the month.”
“Three,” I pushed.
“Fine. Three. But Saturday nights are mine.”
He brushed by me and opened the door. Luke stood there, and I wondered if he heard the conversation. But his face was stoic and I couldn’t tell.
“I want word spread she’s with me.”
Luke gave an abrupt nod.
“Make sure she gets home safe.” Killian turned to me. “Do we need paperwork on this?”
I shook my head.
“Good. I’ll be in touch.” And then he walked out.
I had no time to process everything that just happened as Luke said, “The car is in the back alley. I’ll drive you home.”
The car? I had my own car and could get home fine, but Luke was already gone and walking down the hall.
I hurried after him, noticing the club was slowly dying down as people filtered out since drinks were no longer served after two. The music played, but it was softer.
Luke waited for me at the bottom of the stairs then kept close to me as we merged with the patrons, his body a barrier from anyone banging into me. Greg appeared and nodded to Luke and me, then came with us to the side door where I’d snuck out the other night.
“You convince him, Hijack?” Greg asked.
I wouldn’t call it convince, but I had the job. “Yeah.”
He winked at me. I offered a hesitant smile because I wasn’t too sure yet if I was crazy for agreeing to date Killian. But a month wasn’t a long time. And it was twelve grand. I’d be stupid not to take the offer, although I was still leery on his reasoning.
Luke opened the door to a black limo. “Actually, I have my own car. It’s in the parking lot across the road.”
“Give your keys to Greg. He’ll follow in it.”
“Why?”
Luke’s brows knit together. “So, you have it for tomorrow.”
“No, I mean why don’t I just drive my own car home, since it’s here and it’s my car.”
“Kite wants to make sure you’re home safe.”
“And he gets what he wants?”
Luke’s lip twitched, but he didn’t say anything.
Hmm, well, I could suck it up, get in the car and be taken home in style. Or I could fight it and lose the battle. And by the look of Greg and Luke, I’d definitely lose, and be tossed in the car and be taken home in the limo anyway.
I shrugged. “Fine.”
“Your address?” Luke asked.