by Alexa Riley
I quickly glance back behind us to see the skinny blond manager leaning against the bar talking to someone but watching us.
She lets go of my arm and steps back, and I don’t like the distance between us. “I’ll grab you another drink and be right out.”
“Your name tag says Cherry.” Why am I speaking like I’ve just learned English? “You called yourself Ember.”
She flushes, and I’m treated to seeing her tits bounce as she goes up on her toes to reach the cocktail cherries.
“I can keep a secret if you can.” She pops a cherry into her mouth and winks.
How does she keep getting the best of me? “What time do you get off?”
“You wouldn’t want me to break more than one rule tonight, would you?”
I press my lips together so I don’t tell her yes. I glance down and see one of the snaps of her corset has already popped the stitches. A few more hours and who knows how many more will go. Could I really leave knowing any second those big beautiful tits could be on display?
“So it’s not about the desire, it’s about the permission?” I cock my head to the side, and she nibbles on her bottom lip. I wait a heartbeat before I nod and take a step back.
As I make my way over to the bar and to her manager, I feel her eyes on me. If I can’t get her off the floor, I might as well get her alone.
Chapter Three
Ember
“What the hell was that?” Diamond asks as she comes up beside me at the cocktail bar.
He’s still talking to Neil, but they’re too far away for me to hear what they’re saying. What in the world is he doing? I pray he’s not getting me in trouble, because he backed off when I told him I needed this job.
“I don’t know.” I’m not sure what the hell our encounter was.
He all but chased me out of the poker room. One second he looked like he wanted to throttle me and the next like he wanted to have his way with me. It’s confusing and maybe a little exciting too. I bite the inside of my lip so I don’t fidget.
“He keeps looking over here.” I knock her with my elbow, not wanting him to hear what we’re talking about.
Scott places the next round of drinks on my tray. “Thanks,” I tell him as he stares at my boobs then winks at me.
I reach down and try to pull my corset up some more, but it’s no use. Scott’s been flirting with me since I got here today even though last week when I was in training he didn't even notice me. As sexy as this outfit is, it’s also a little annoying that no one noticed me before.
“We’ll talk about it tonight,” I tell Diamond, not wanting anyone to overhear us.
“Fine, but don’t go home with a customer.” She points one of her spiky blue fingernails at me.
“Dia!” I hiss under my breath. “When have I ever gone home with someone?”
“Well, that’s kind of my point. We’ve lived together for over six months now, and you haven't gotten any action. So I’m guessing that hot man over there is looking extra juicy.” I don’t follow her gaze to him even though I want to.
“I’m not going home with anyone,” I hiss as I pick up my tray. “We’ll talk later.”
“Now he’s glaring. Wait a second, is he pissed at you?”
This time I can’t help myself, and I glance over my shoulder to look at him. Yep, he’s glaring, but he still looks so hot. He towered over me even with my heels on. I only came up to his chest and I wondered if he was a football player. Standing in front of him, I felt dainty and small.
“I have no idea what I did to him.” I take my tray and go out on the floor to drop off the round of drinks. When I make it back to the poker room, the bachelor party is still in full swing. Except one person is missing. Could he still be talking to my manager? What could they have to talk about this long? My mind swirls with how he’s throwing me off. I should stay away from him.
I put his Scotch down in his spot so he’ll have it when he gets back.
“Where the fuck did Rogue go? It doesn't take this long to take a piss,” one of the guys says as he reaches over to Rogue’s chips and tosses in the ante for him.
“Can I get you boys anything else?” The bachelor at the center of the table looks like he’s had enough, and the night is young.
“I think we’re good,” the one who was sitting next to Rogue says and then smirks. He has the same dark hair and deep blue eyes as Rogue, making me think they’re related.
“Y’all have fun.” I smile brightly before I go check on my other poker table.
I already know they don’t want anything to drink. This one is all older men who are taking their game seriously and sipping on water. This table is going to be a bust tonight. At least the bachelor party is making up for it. They all dropped tips onto my tray as I served the last round.
I organize the money as I walk onto the main floor. It’s then I see a phone number on one of the twenties. I glance back to the tables and see the guy at the opposite end from where Rogue was sitting smiling at me, letting me know it’s his. This outfit must be some kind of weapon because I’ve never been hit on so much in my life.
“Cherry.” Neil waves for me to come over to him, and I don’t see Rogue nearby.
I feel a little disappointed about it, although if he went back to the poker room we would have crossed paths. I shouldn't be disappointed because he was kind of a dick. The last thing I need is to get fired over a man.
Neil's face looks pissed. His thin lips are pursed and a knot forms deep in my stomach. Oh god, did Rogue say something bad about me? Why else would Neil be mad?
“You’re off the floor tonight.” My heart drops. What the hell does that mean?
“What? Why? I didn't do anything,” I rush to defend myself. I can’t control what other people do. Especially if they’re two times bigger than me.
“Your area is slow. I’m going to have the other girls shift over to cover it. You’re taking a private room.”
“A private room?” I ask in shock.
Private rooms are prepaid, and when you walk in the door you already know you’ll be getting at least five hundred dollars. People always tip extra, and it’s good money to get one. Cocktail waitresses have to have been here a long time to get the private rooms. Diamond has only gotten to do it a handful of times, and she’s been here for years.
“Yes,” he says in a clipped tone.
“Did I do something wrong?” He’s giving me a private room but looks pissed about it. People say women have hormonal mood swings, but I swear men are just as bad.
“Don’t flirt with the customers,” he orders, his tone hard.
I think flirting is part of my job. This uniform screams look at me, and it’s also how I get more tips. I’ve never been much of a flirt, but here it’s easy. It’s been surprisingly easy, and it’s helped me come out of my shell. I think because it’s expected, or at least I thought it was.
“Okay,” is all I can really say because he’s my manager. I’ll have to ask Diamond about it later since Neil is acting weird.
“Put your tray up and report to private room three.”
“Thanks.” I start to walk away, but he snags me by my wrist to stop me.
“Remember what I told you. I’d really hate to have to fire you.” His eyes drop to my boobs and I hate the way he leers at me.
“Got it.” What a creep.
I pull my hand away from his and he lets go while still glaring at me. Did someone forget to tell me it’s Glare At Ember Day?
I drop off my tray at the bar before I pop into the bathroom to make sure I still look all right. I fluff my hair and put on more lip gloss as I try unsuccessfully to pull my corset up any higher. Still in the back of my mind, I can’t shake the disappointment I feel about not seeing Rogue again.
It’s definitely for the best because I know it would be hard not to flirt with his grumpy butt. As much as he acted like a jerk, I still felt this crazy-hot attraction to him. I enjoyed toying with him and had even gone
as far as eating a cherry to draw his attention to my mouth.
Oh god. I’m one of those girls who likes assholes? Please no. It’s just my luck that the first guy I’m attracted to after my high school boyfriend is a dick. I must have a type, although they don’t look anything alike.
My ex was my first and last and soured me on dating. I’m not even sure I can call him an ex since we only went on three dates. It was a disaster, but instead of dwelling on it, I push the thought of him out of my mind. He never crosses my mind unless he gets drunk and blows up my phone. He left some scars on my ego that are still healing.
When I walk out of the bathroom, I glance into the poker room one last time but still don’t see Rogue there. The guys are still having a good time, and I see Cara is now in my section.
Will Rogue hit on her too? Cara is the most popular cocktail server here. I learned that quickly in my short time, because she let me know every five minutes. I’m actually surprised she’s not in a private room. Diamond told me she used to model or something like that.
I push open the door to the private room and step inside. I hear the snick of the door closing behind me as I see the only person in the room leaning back against a red velvet sofa.
And it’s no surprise he looks angrier than ever.
Chapter Four
Rogue
She stands there for only a second before she clears away her shock and straightens her shoulders.
“Good evening, my name is Cherry, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight.” She’s completely professional as she steps over to the stocked bar. “Can I interest you in a cocktail and a menu?”
In answer I hold up my glass and shake the empty ice cubes. I don’t ever drink this much, but I can’t seem to quench my thirst.
She reaches for a fresh glass, and my eyes travel down her back as she makes my drink. I press my lips together tightly as I take in the dip of her back before her ass flares out. It’s too big for the little skirt she has on, but I love the way the material pulls tight across it. It’s obscene yet she’s completely covered.
She has to bend over to get the ice, and I nearly come undone with the view of her ass in the air and the fishnets pulling at the back of her thighs. Could she be any thicker? My fingers clench with the need to see how deep they could sink into her. If I grabbed her by the waist, would they dig in? Her body is round and full, and I’m embarrassed at how hard I am.
I have to cross my ankle over my knee to try and hide it while her back is turned. It’s already tucked under my belt, but the bulge can’t be contained. Why are my pants so tight?
She turns around with my Scotch and puts it on this little tiny plate to bring it over to me. I was hoping for a more intimate touch, but she’s making a point of icing me out.
“How about something to eat? I can have the chef prepare anything you like, or you can see some of our signature dishes on the menu.” She dips in front of me to present me my drink, and I wonder how long she can hold this position.
If she were turned a little more, she could dip right onto my lap and I could rub against her ass. Maybe that short skirt would ride up just a little and I could feel the heat of what she’s hiding from me.
“What’s good?” I say as I take the glass and bring it to my lips.
She straightens and then puts a hand on her hip, which only draws my eyes to it. “I personally love the truffle macaroni and cheese and home fries, but it’s usually late when I’m eating and I always go for the junk food.”
“I'll take those. Anything else you recommend?” I lick the edge of my glass, and I don’t miss how she watches me and then quickly looks away.
“The steak is good too.” Her voice is softer this time, but after a second she clears her throat. “Anything on the menu is wonderful. You’ll be satisfied with whatever you order.”
“Are you on the menu?”
I catch the edge of a smile tugging at her lips as she turns around and walks back to the bar. “Not tonight. I was told to be good.”
“Why?” Tension coils in my neck and I wonder what that little weasel Neil said to her.
“I was specifically told not to flirt.” She puts the little tray on the counter and makes a wide circle to the other side of the room where the phone is.
“Do you have a problem with flirting too much?” Now I’m picturing all the men she’s had in here. And what she’s done to them.
“Hmm.” She makes a noncommittal noise as she picks up the phone and dials a number.
I wait as I hear her order several things on the menu while watching me out of the corner of her eye. She laughs, and I’m jealous of the person on the phone with her. Does she always have to be so fucking nice?
“I hope you’re hungry,” she says after hanging up.
“I am.” I keep my eyes on her pussy when I say it.
“So what kind of party do you have in mind? Normally people will rent these out with several guests so they can either have a private dealer or celebrate something.” She crosses her arms, and all it does is truss her tits up higher. “You left your party in the poker room. Did you want to invite them in here with us?”
“No.”
“Okayyyy.” She draws out the word as her smile grows. “I can bring in some of the gogo dancers if you want entertainment.”
“No.”
“There might be a magician I can call to do some card tricks.”
I shake my head, and she sighs. “This is going to be a long night of you sulking on the couch if you don’t give me some idea of what you want.”
“You take a lot of liberties for someone who doesn’t know me.” I take another drink and watch her walk around the room touching the backs of the velvet chairs.
“Did you pay for this room just so you could get me alone?” I love the directness of her question, and I nod. “Then I want to make sure it’s worth my time.”
“How much would you have made out there tonight?” I raise my chin in challenge.
“Three thousand dollars.” She pops off with the number so fast I think she surprises herself.
“Okay.” I take out my wallet and place a black card on the table. “Swipe that for whatever you want.”
She steps closer and eyes the card and then me. “Right now?”
“If you are here to work, then let’s make this a transaction. I want your undivided attention without the thought of how much you’re missing out on.” I push the card toward her. “Go tell your boss how much you want and then come back to me.”
Her eyes widen, and I have the overwhelming desire to grab her and pull her to me, but I don’t move a muscle.
“Rogue,” she whispers, and I get harder at the sound of my name on her lips.
“Ember.” I call her by her real name so she can’t mistake my meaning. “Your ass is mine tonight. No matter the price.”
She opens her mouth and then closes it again as she looks up and then back at me. She leans close and drops her voice. “There are cameras in here. I can’t…do anything.”
I feel a smile tug at the corner of my lips. “You’ll do whatever the fuck I like.”
She swallows hard, and her fingers twitch at her side.
“Now go be a good girl and get paid. Then come back in here and give me my money’s worth.”
I wait for a long second before she picks up the card and slips it into the front of her corset between her tits. “I’ll be right back.”
Chapter Five
Ember
My whole body hums as I make my way across the casino floor. My legs and hands feel shaky with excitement and something else I can’t name. What the hell was that? I should have been livid. Hell, I should have smacked him. He wanted to buy me like an escort who does more than what’s advertised.
Although my head is doing one thing, my body is having an entirely different reaction. I’m more turned on then I’ve ever been in my life. I’m wet, my nipples are hard, and I can feel the flush on my face. Did he see it too?
>
He wants me so bad he seems pissed about it. Then he told me I could take whatever amount I wanted. I shouldn’t, but I’m going to. I want him to pay for it and then have his way with me. I lick my lips, wondering if he’ll kiss me first. Am I really about to do this? Where are these freaking thoughts coming from? If someone had told me this morning I’d be doing this, I would’ve laughed.
I look around for Neil, and I don’t see him anywhere. I see Stevie, the assistant manager, standing off to the side talking to one of the cocktails girls. I wait for her to go before I walk over.
“I need to run this card for five thousand.”
He lifts his brows. “Five thousand?”
“That’s what he said.” I shrug like it’s no big deal, and Stevie runs his eyes up and down me. Why does everyone keep doing that? This outfit must have magical power.
“All right.” He takes the card from my hand and runs the tab payout.
I’m not sure how we’ll even be able to do anything with the cameras in the room, and I clench my thighs together, getting more turned on at that thought. Will we have to sneak around or go somewhere else?
“Cherry!”
Neil snaps my name from behind me as Stevie hands me back the card and the money. I slip the money into my pocket, then turn around just as Neil gets to me. He grabs me by my arm, surprising me as he pulls me off to the side. I almost trip over my heels in the process but manage to find my feet.
“What the hell?” I jerk my arm out of his hold and rub the place where he grabbed me. He probably left a bruise.
“What did I tell you?” I take a step back, needing some space from his anger. Holy hell he’s pissed. I’m so getting fired. “This isn't a pay and play casino, and you should know better than to go around selling it.” He glances down to my thighs and then looks back up.