Page 71 of Cold As Ice

She was growing too fast and becoming more aware of herself and the world around her. It wouldn’t be long before she had more questions about her father.

I dreaded that day—the day she learned that he was a monster. But until then, I would smother her with as much love as possible. I would remind her every second of every day of how special she was.

Imogen deserved the world, and I would find a way to give it to her.

Even if I had to work myself to the bone to make it happen.

* * *

O’Shea’s was already crowded when I arrived. Kingsley greeted me, his mouth slashed with a reassuring grin as he warned me there was a bachelor party in.

That usually meant one of two things: a big tip or a lot of inappropriate banter, groping, and not nearly enough tips to cover the privilege.

As I eyed the rowdy group seated at one of the VIP tables at the side of the stage, I hoped it was the former.

“VIP table is yours if you want it, Mads,” Hannah said.

“You got it.” I never turned down the opportunity to serve a big table.

“Knock ’em dead,” she added with an encouraging smile.

I grabbed a notepad and pen and headed toward them.

“About time the entertainment showed up.” One of the guys grabbed my ass, squeezing hard.

“Actually, I’m just here to take your drink orders.” I sidestepped his grabby hands but kept my smile polite. “What can I get y’all?”

They rattled off their orders, throwing in the odd comment about my tits or ass. The words rolled off me, though; it was nothing I hadn’t heard a hundred times before.

“I’ll get those brought right over, and we’ll throw in a little something extra for the bachelor.”

“How much for a private dance with extras?” Ass-grabber drawled.

“It’s not that kind of bar, and I’m not a dancer.”

“Shame.” He huffed, running his hungry gaze up and down my body.

Suppressing a shudder, I headed back to the bar and rang their order through.

“They give you any trouble, and you just let Kingsley know, okay?” Hannah said.

“I can handle it.”

“Well, don’t be—Mads?”

“Sorry, what?” I dragged my gaze from the door, right where Austin stood, and gave her my attention.

“Isn’t that the guy from the other night?” she asked.

“He’s just a friend.”

“Well, yourfriendbetter not come around causing any trouble.”

“I’ll handle it.” I cast a furtive glance toward him.

What the hell was he doing here?

We hadn’t agreed to see each other again.

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