Page 96 of Bad Boy Next Door
“Oh, you’ll reconsider.” Her tone was assured.
“Why do you even care?” I turned to her. “Stan will fill my spot in a day. Another man needing money to, you know, pay his rent.”
“I expected more self-esteem from you Nick. A man like you… It’s sad to hear you so down on yourself.” She uncrossed her legs, stood and sauntered toward me. “Stan keeps me abreast of what goes on here. You’re a valuable employee.” She squeezed my biceps.
I pulled my arm back.
“Give us a moment?” Without even turning, she flicked her fingers toward Stan, who went out the back door of his office, which led to the fire escape.
As soon as the door clicked behind Stan, Nicola’s body stiffened, her chin rose, and she removed her dark glasses. “You donotwant to fuck with me.”
“Yeah? Why’s that?”
“For starters, you and your brothers will be out on your asses. And your junkie brother? Shane, is it?” A cruel smile twisted her dark red lips. “I’ll have him in jail by sundown.”
“You can’t do that.”
“Can’t I?” She shook her head. “Oh honey, you have no idea what I can do—to you, your brothers, your slutty little girlfriend and her family. You owe me. Youallowe me.”
Did I believe her? I wasn’t sure. I stared at her, trying to find the truth in her cold, overly made-up eyes. Her threats were probably hollow, but could I take that chance? It wasn’t just me who’d be affected. I should talk to my brothers first, to Jade.
She reached into a shiny black purse, pulled out a tiny notebook and pen, and wrote something on a small slip of paper. “Here.”
“What the fuck is that?”
“The name of a Michelin star restaurant,” she said. “Your Jade was supposed to report to work there a month ago. Tell her to go tomorrow. I’ll make the call.”
