The Dancer Read online

  My mother popped into my head and I remembered the nights I’d hear her crying in her room when she thought I was asleep in the next room. Fucked with my head as a kid.

  Or when I’d found the old bent picture she kept at the bottom of a drawer of her and the man who’d broken her heart. I’d hate myself for fucking ever if I did that shit to a female.

  My mother, as far as I know never had another relationship with a man after my dad left her pregnant and alone as a teen. That was a long damn time to be alone.

  It only made me resent my father more, and doubt my own ability to love. I have some of him in me after all as is to be expected. I know I look like him, but do I have the same heart?

  Could I destroy an innocent the way he had? Was I heartless enough to do such a thing? I saw Annabelle’s face in my mind and felt sick at the thought that I could leave her hurt and broken like that.

  It was only Tony’s voice that broke into my thoughts and pulled me out of the dark place I was heading. He always seem to know my moods.

  “I know you want to know since you saw us through the screen so I’ll tell you before the suspense kills you. I gave her one of my special hellos. She didn’t even answer me, just turned and looked at your door.”

  Why that should make me feel good I have no idea. Tony’s a lady’s man. Tall, handsome and built. There aren’t many who come through these doors that he can’t charm with his shit.

  “From the looks of it, I’m guessing she’s just as hardheaded as you are so this shit ought to be good.”

  “Stay out of it.”

  “Yeah, that’s gonna happen.”

  Asshole! He got up and left, leaving me alone with my thoughts again. What the hell had he come in here for? I was just as confused now as before if not more so.

  I sat back in my chair trying to prove a point to myself by turning my attention to the work that had piled up in my absence. It wasn’t long before I got the itch again.

  I caved and went back to the security screen, searching each frame until I found her. I watched her through the monitor for the next few minutes before catching myself and turning it off.

  I busied myself with paperwork for the next few hours and knew that I was only able to give it my all because she was only a door away, within my grasp.

  I was feeling good until Tony came barging through the door. “You better get out here.”

  “Why, what’s going on?” It wouldn’t be against the norm for some big shot to want to see me for an autograph or photo op.

  I wasn’t in the mood for either and was about to tell him just that when his behavior registered. It was the look on his face more than anything that had me heading for the door where he stood holding it open.

  I looked towards the restaurant where I could hear raised voices and see my security team holding someone by the arm and dragging them away.

  As I made my way over I saw that the guy had something spilled all over him and the manager was leading Annabelle away in the opposite direction.

  “Get your hands off her.” I moved towards them where he’d stopped in surprise and took her hand out of his. He stepped back from the look I gave him and stuttered out an explanation.

  “Sorry sir, I was just…” I didn’t wait around to hear what he was just doing. I walked her a little ways away and stopped out of hearing of everyone else knowing full well that there were eyes on us.

  “What happened?” I had a pretty good idea from the looks of things and the belligerence of the customer who my guys had led away towards the bar, away from the other diners.

  “That creep put his hand up my skirt.” She said the words through gritted teeth.

  “Say what now?” I was surprised when she grabbed my arm and held me back. I didn’t even realize I’d made a move to go after him.

  I took her to my office, “Stay here!” I closed the door behind me and went to where security was still holding him. I’m going to tear him the fuck apart.

  “Easy, easy, too many eyes.” Tony’s warning came just in time to stop me from punching the asshole in his face as he placed himself between me, and the guy who was about to get an ass beating.

  It never entered my mind to question her version of events. That, in itself, was very telling. I never believe shit unless I see it with my own eyes. But there was no doubt in my mind that she was telling the truth.

  I let Tony hold me back until I’d calmed down a little, before making my approach again. And even then I still wanted the man’s blood between my teeth.

  He looked at me with righteous indignation and I knew he was going to lie before I even addressed him. I know his sort, that’s why my place is always teeming with security.

  They’re usually needed more on the floor with the dance stage though, and hardly ever worked the restaurant floor. But tonight they were there. That was probably Tony’s doing.

  Again he was looking out for my interest without having to be told to. I’ll have to remember to thank

  him later, because it looks like it was the right call.

  Chapter 10

  “Did you put your hands on her?”

  “Is that what that little bitch told you? I never touched her.” I had to clench my fists to keep from knocking his lying ass to the ground as I stepped to him.

  “Call her a bitch one more time.” He swallowed hard and looked away, finally sensing the danger. Eyes or not if he disrespected her again I’d finish his ass right here.

  I looked at Tony because I know how his mind works. He knows me well enough to know what to do in a situation like this. I wasn’t disappointed.

  “I already ran the tape Max, he ran his hand up her leg under her skirt. That’s when she threw the drink in his face.” He’s telling me to be easy, but there was no mistaking the underlying anger in his own voice.

  “Call the cops.”

  “What? I barely touched…” He stopped talking when I made a move for his throat. Only Tony’s hand on my chest pushing me back stopped me from strangling the fuck.

  “Get the cops here. Make sure he doesn’t leave until they show up.” I walked away, ignoring his empty threats and braggadocio about who he was. Like I give a fuck.

  I went back to her pissed the fuck off that I couldn’t do more. It wasn’t that long ago that I stopped settling shit with my fists. Only these days because of my wealth someone was always trying to get easy money.

  That’s why Tony’s my shadow, he keeps me out of the kind of trouble that would get me sued or worst. It wasn’t the first time someone had got out of hand in one of my places, but it was the first time I hadn’t let security handle the matter on their own.

  “Are you alright?” She was sitting in the chair I’d left her in, looking calm. I didn’t know her well enough yet to know if it was an act. I walked over to the fridge to get her a bottled water.

  “I’m fine, I need to get back to work I have tables waiting.” She’s fine and my hands are shaking.

  “I’ll have someone else take over your station, you’re done for tonight.” I wanted to hug her as much as I wanted to go back out there and lay his ass out.

  She jumped to her feet. “Sorry no can do, I need to work that’s why I came here remember. And I’m not going to be penalized because of that asshole.” My little scrapper posed up like a rooster.

  “I’ll make up your pay.” Does she have to be so damn argumentative?

  “Are you going to make up my tips too?” She made a move for the door and I blocked her.

  “Yes dammit.” I was afraid to touch her because of what happened and that pissed me off.

  “No thanks, I like to work for my pay.” I rubbed the bridge of my nose where I felt a headache coming on. This fucking girl!

  “Look, the cops will be here soon. Why don’t you just sit here until they come?”

  “The cops? You called the cops? Who asked you to do that?”

  “You were assaulted in my place.”

  She made a huffing sound befo
re moving past me and storming out the door. I would’ve grabbed her to stop her, but she’d been manhandled enough for one night.

  I stood in the doorway and watched her throw a scathing look towards the bar where the asshole was being held before heading into the dining room.

  I slammed the door shut and paced my office like a caged animal until Tony came to tell me the cops had shown up. “I’ll be right there.”

  I’d spent the last ten minutes trying to figure out why the hell this had happened. Why her, why now? What kind of asshole walks into a restaurant and just randomly accost someone like that?

  I went out to where the cops were questioning the two of them separately. They looked up when I approached, but I just took my place by her side and ignored their questioning looks.

  She disappeared after giving the cops her side of the story and I thought she’d left. I was still pissed even after I’d pressed charges. She refused to, but because it had happened in my place I had the option and took it.

  The cops left with a recording of him putting his hands on her and a sworn statement from her. I watched the footage and regretted once again that I hadn’t broken his fucking neck.

  If nothing else this footage should get his ass canned from whatever job he had. It sucks that that might be the most I could hope for. People like him shouldn’t be allowed out in polite society.

  I thought she’d left after all because I didn’t see her on the monitor once I was back in my office. Even though I was the one to send her home, I missed her.

  It was all for the best though, she was probably too upset to work and was hiding it well. I wouldn’t blame her for being shaken up after an experience like that and reminded myself to make sure she didn’t lose out on her pay and tips for the time she’d lost.

  I had a moment of regret that I hadn’t had Tony take her home. Damn! I’d slipped up there. I shouldn’t have left her alone. What if she was more afraid than she’d let on?

  I called her number and felt sick when she didn’t answer. I wanted to go look for her, but where would I go? I had no way of knowing where she lived. I’m going to change that shit as soon as possible.

  I tried her number a few more times after convincing myself that she probably hadn’t answered because she was still on the train and phones don’t work on the subway.

  When that excuse was no longer plausible I went back to worrying and calling myself ten kinds of fool for not having her driven home or taking her there myself.

  Imagine my surprise when I came out of my office not long after to find her at the bar collecting a drink order. The relief was instantaneous followed by annoyance. Does she not know how to listen?

  “I thought I told you to go home.” I moved to stand next to her as she waited for the bartender to fill her order. She looked straight ahead like I wasn’t even there.

  “I know you can hear me Annabelle, why didn’t you leave when I told you to?” She finally turned her gaze up at me and I got caught by her amazing eyes.

  I wanted to reach out and touch her, to reassure myself that she really was okay and not putting on an act. The bartender chose that moment to place the first drink on her tray and saved me from myself.

  “Excuse me, but I told you that I didn’t need to go home, I’m perfectly fine. We can’t all afford to lose a day’s pay you know.” Insubordinate little shit. Does she not know you’re not supposed to speak to your boss like that?

  “Watch your tone. I’m your boss if I tell you to leave then that’s what the… then that’s what you do. I told you to go home more than an hour ago.” Why am I being so persistent? Wasn’t I just bemoaning the fact that I’d sent her home alone?

  I was shocked to realize that I liked arguing with her. If only for an excuse to stay in her presence a little while longer. I came back to earth when she got in my face. Like right in that shit.

  “And I told you I have work to do.” Is she really that unaware of the game she is playing? This close I could smell her scent, almost like it was being implanted in my brain.

  Her nearness had an enlightening affect on me, and I was the one stepping back to escape. “Now are you going to let me deliver these drinks before the ice melts or do I have to school you on my rights as an employee again?”

  She actually poked me in my chest. What the hell? I looked over her shoulder at a grinning Tony and quirked my brow. I wanted to throw her over my shoulder and take her somewhere private and spank her ass.

  My dick, which seems to know her well, was on the rise. My heart was doing that thumping shit in my chest and my pulse raced with excitement.

  I towered over her and lowered my head in a despicable show of intimidation, but she didn’t back down. Game on!

  Instead she looked me square in the eye as if daring me to do something. “Are you trying to get fired?” She rolled her eyes and rocked back on her heels.

  “Try it, I haven’t done anything wrong and if you fire me after the night I’ve had, I just might sue you for being a jerk.” Is she for real?

  “Lower your voice. And you might want to go easy on the suing talk. I don’t take lightly to those kinda threats.” She didn’t even back away when I got closer.

  Just craned her neck all the way back and held eye contact. By now there were more than a few interested eyes taking in the show, but I was having too much fun to put a stop to it.

  I wanted to egg her on to see how far she’d go. I couldn’t help but admire her spunk. It was obvious she needed the job, but like Tony said, she didn’t seem like one who’d put up with my shit.

  Had she been afraid earlier when that asshole put his hands on her? It was obvious she wasn’t afraid now. On the video she hadn’t appeared to be either.

  She’d reacted immediately, almost automatically in fact, and it made me wonder now that I thought of it, if she’d endured that shit before.

  “I’m going back to work now. You can go have whatever tantrum this is by your lonesome.” I held her there with my eyes when she tried to move away. Now I was the one daring her to defy me again.

  She probably thought since we were in a room full of people that I wouldn’t take her to task, that she was safe. Little did she know how far that was from the truth.

  I hadn’t felt this sudden rush of excitement over anything in a long time. Just something as simple as bantering words back and forth with her made me want to bask in her presence a little while longer.

  I moved in until her back was pressed against the bar, purposely invading her space. “Tantrum, you calling this a tantrum? Do you know how many infractions you made in the last two minutes?”

  “Nope, but I do know if I don’t get these drinks to that table soon I’m gonna lose out on my tip. And if that happens that perv is going to be the least of your worries.”

  She had the nerve to roll her eyes at me before turning her attention to the drinks on the tray. It was then I saw the slight tremble in her hand that gave her away.

  Tony mumbled some shit that sounded like ‘oh this is good, where’s the popcorn?’ which I ignored for now as I faced down the lioness.

  No one ever dares to defy me. I’m sure she’s heard that by now from the others. But here she stood shooting fire at me with her eyes, hands on her hips as if we were in a showdown.

  I didn’t see where she gave a good damn that I was the one signing her paychecks. I wondered what she’d been through in her life that had grown that tough outer shell.

  The thought took me back to that confusing place again. Where my feelings for her became muddled and I question myself and what I am feeling.

  Is this some kinda sick Oedipus complex or something? What’s with the constant comparisons between her and the only woman I’ve ever loved, my mother?

  Maybe because she was the only other female since mom who’d dared stand up to me. I had the feeling she would go toe to toe, head to head with me, just like mom whenever, wherever.

  Other females, for whatever reason, always seemed to
cave in to my wishes. I used to think I liked that. That I liked my women to toe the line and not go against me. That was usually grounds for a break-up.

  Now I find it hella fascinating that she even dared. Was that because she had no romantic feelings towards me? Was this after all just a job to her? Employer employee?

  Did she not feel any of the things I’ve been feeling? Of course not. Otherwise she wouldn’t be standing here facing me down. She didn’t seem to care one way or the other.

  That hurt, and had me second guessing myself and everything that had happened in the last week and a half. How could she not feel anything?

  How could she so brazenly defy me at the risk of her job, not caring whether or not we’d see each other again if I fired her ass?

  Chapter 11

  No I won’t accept that, the shit would drive me crazy. To prove to myself that she did indeed feel something, I let my thumb brush against the inside of her wrist as I looked into her eyes, not wanting to miss anything.

  My eyes dropped to her throat as she swallowed hard and her cheeks grew flush under the look I gave her. She tried moving back, but there was nowhere to go since I had her trapped against the bar.

  She wasn’t looking so defiant now, in fact she looked like she wanted to run. Maybe she finally sensed the danger, or maybe like me, her body was reacting to our nearness to each other after all.

  I saw her shore up herself and fold her little fist as she cocked her head to the side and glared at me. My lips twitched, but I controlled the smile; no sense in encouraging her.

  It was the damnedest thing, but her defiance had the opposite affect on me. Instead of anger at her for putting me on display this way, I felt something close to elation.

  Was I so enamored of her that even this was better than nothing? I pride myself on being an extremely private person. That comes with having your personal life plastered across the gossip columns once too often.

  But here I was doing some sort of dance with her with all these eyes on me and I had no will to stop. I also never argue with anyone, well except mom.