Page 6 of Sweet Deception
She looks up, lips pressed tight, her eyebrows pinched before she controls her features. "It's Lisa, sir."
When I continue to stare, she caves under the weight, lowering her eyes back to the floor. In a quiet but firm voice, I let the asshole out.
"I don't care. When I walk in that door, you're to ignore my presence. I do not want you stepping into my path every time I come here. I tried to do this the nice way with your manager, but I see you didn't take him seriously. If you don't stop, I'll fire you. Am I making myself clear?"
Her eyes snap to mine, widening in surprise. I know he talked with her—he recorded the conversation. I also know the arrogance in this girl has her believing it wasn't at my request. When the surprise leaves her face, she narrows her eyes into slits and clenches her jaw, no doubt trying to hold her tongue when she realizes I'm rejecting her.
However, she proves to be smarter than I give her credit for when she doesn't unleash the crazy brewing in her eyes. Instead, she bites out, "Yes, sir," before turning and stiffly walking back to her station with her fists clenched tight at her sides.
Gio chuckles, enjoying the show.
"I need a drink," I mutter before moving to the bar and rapping my knuckles on the counter to get Frankie's attention. "Scotch."
Frankie nods and reaches for the Balvenie on the top shelf while Gio walks past to scout the back office.
Still chuckling.
Asshole.
Leaning against the bar, I survey the club. Due to the time of day, It's not busy—just a few regulars scattered around the room. I purchased and revamped this place four years ago when I had the idea of starting a sugar baby service. My goal was to provide a safe place for the girls to meet their potential companions while also catering to the more influential clientele of Chicago. I also envisioned a place for the corporate workers in the area to come here after work to relax afterhours or meet potential clients over a drink. As soon as I set foot in the place, the name Blue Velvet spoke to me and it seemed fitting.
I requested the designer to give it a moody vibe, and she nailed it with the low lighting, deep blue velvet booths—a nod to the name—with high backs for privacy. With the warm walnut tables, and black and chrome sconces scattered throughout the room, it's sophisticated with a touch of softness to appeal to both the male and female eye.
"Here you go, sir." Frankie sets the tumbler next to me. "Can I get you anything else?"
"No, I'm good. Thank you, Frankie." Picking up the drink, I take one last survey of the room before continuing to my office where Gio waits by the monitors displaying the club's activity.
As I close the office door behind me, Gio turns to me. "I know you're not interested … but do you mind if I hit up Lisa?" Gio rubs his beard, not bothering to hold back a smirk.
Rounding the desk, I settle into my chair before answering, "By all means, she's all yours, but I hope you know what you're getting yourself into." I pull the keyboard closer and log in, bringing up the recent reports.
Chuckling, he moves to settle into the chair across from me."Oh, I'm aware." The corner of his mouth lifts in a smug grin. "I want to see how long it takes to break her."
Shaking my head, I return my focus to the reports. Or try too.
Five years ago, I would've been saying the same thing, but at thirty-two, I'm tired of the Lisas of this world. I'm not ready to settle down, but I'm past the time of hooking up with just anyone.
Which brings my angel back to mind. She's the perfect package. Nothing on her was fake. Not her fantastic rack or that ass—an ass made for spanking.
I stifle a groan at the thought.
Even with all those luscious curves of hers, I could tell she's innocent. Maybe not a virgin, but close to it. She certainly dressed like one, with her long flowered sundress, the matching headband keeping her long hair out of her face, and theplain white sandals on her feet. That she wore no makeup completed thegoodgirl vibe she has going on.Not that she needs any—most girls don't, but they cake that shit on, anyway.
I should stay away from her, but the fact she walked out of Sweet Connections means she's fair game.
A knock at the door has Gio moving to answer and revealing Margaret Wesley. He looks back, waiting for my nod before letting her in. Once Margaret enters the office, he leaves, closing the door behind him to give us privacy.
"Margaret, please sit down." I extend my hand to the chair Gio vacated.
"Thank you, Mr. Morelli." She sits on the edge of her seat with her back straight as she grips the file in her lap. I note her pinched forehead and lack of eye contact. She's unnerved, unlike the no-nonsense woman I've come to know.
Settling back into my chair, I pick up the tumbler and take a sip while I contemplate her unusual behavior. Only when I set the glass back down do I ask what has plagued me since my angel flew away."Who is she?"
Margaret opens her mouth, but nothing comes out.
Intriguing.
She's never been hesitant to give me information on the girls before. I've never given her a reason to. My curiosity getting the best of me, I narrow my eyes, prompting her to spit it out.