Page 13 of Working Out West

Death snorted and covered it with a cough.

Oh crap, what had we been talking about? Right, my parents, college. With a burning face, I met Adrik’s amused gaze in the mirror in front of us and said, “To start off with, yes. But when I realized I had my freedom, I loved it and made sure it worked.”

We stepped off onto a floor. I didn’t take notice of which number, though. The guards retook their positions, and I walked beside Adrik. This floor seemed more salubrious, and I really felt underdressed.

I leaned closer to Adrik. “I feel out of place here. You should have told me to wear a suit.”

He stopped and faced me. “I noted the first time you wore one, you seemed uncomfortable.”

“Um, I was a bit, but I’d still wear one for places like this.”

“You are with me. You do not need to worry.”

Stupid heartwarming words.

Ignore them, West.

I shrugged at him. “Okay.”

He studied me for a moment and nodded. Before we could walk further, two women appeared in front of us.

The blonde clapped and beamed up at Adrik, who frowned. “You’re Adrik Hail, right? The owner of this casino?”

The owner?

Adrik owned this place.

No wonder he told me not to worry about what I was wearing.

“Da,” Adrik clipped.

“Da? What does ‘da’ mean?” They giggled.

“You’re very good-looking,” the brunette added with a slight slur to her words. Great, they were drunk.

“We would love to keep you company for the night.” The blonde winked.

Adrik’s nostrils flared. I had a feeling he was about to sic his guards on them or verbally abuse some paying customers.

Just as the blonde reached for Adrik’s arm, I took her hand and pulled both of their attention onto me. I smiled wide. “That’s really sweet of you two beauties to offer, but Mr. Hail is very busy tonight.” I glanced around and saw Leonid. I waved him over. Thankfully, he listened even if he glared at me. “Leonid here would love to get you ladies a couple of free drinks to make up for declining your lovely offer.”

“I will not leave—”

“Sdelay eto,” Adrik bit out. Whatever he’d said caused Leonid to stiffen and nod.

“Please, come this way.” He waved toward one of the bar areas.

“That’s so nice,” they both cooed before they followed Leonid with a final wave to us.

I jumped when a hand landed on the small of my back. “Come,” Adrik said, his tone softer than it had been.

My skin tingled along with my balls from his touch. Even when it was innocent, I couldn’t control the extra beat in my heart or the small stumble I took as we walked. Adrik was kind enough to ignore my clumsiness.

At another set of elevators, we stopped. Adrik turned back and said, “You can all stay here.”

“Where will you take him?” Death asked.

“Up to my office, where we will have dinner.”

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