by Jessica Hope
“No, I think that because your father is head of the Russian mob in New York. Now, this ain’t New York, but you don’t turn your back on family.” Stephen brushed past him. “Have a good night, Vlad.”
Vlad held up his hand to keep his bodyguard from attacking Stephen. With veiled interest, he watched from the glass as the young man sauntered off with a sway of confidence.
No. One didn’t turn their back on family. And once Vlad had the evidence to prove that Stephen killed his father, he would show no mercy.
Chapter Two
The sun filtered through the blinds, and Melinda groaned. She wiped the sleep from her eyes and contemplated going back to sleep. The aroma of bacon and coffee filtered up from downstairs, and she smiled.
Tory was cooking breakfast. And that was worth getting up for.
She yawned, pushed herself out of bed, and stretched. She’d managed to take off her pants, but she was still in the white halter from last night. If she got the job, she was seriously going to have to rethink her lifestyle. She was going to have to flip the switch to night owl quickly.
The sizzling sound of the bacon lured her downstairs, and Tory pointed to the counter. “Two tablespoons of sugar, a shit ton of milk, and chocolate syrup.”
Melinda picked up the mug and breathed deeply. “Just the way that I like it. Is there a reason you’re making me coffee and cooking me breakfast this morning?”
The pretty blonde pointed to the cellphone that Melinda left on the table. “Your phone rang at three o’clock in the morning, and I picked it up because I assumed it was an emergency. Instead, I was congratulated on getting a job.” She raised her eyebrows. “Club Seven?”
Melinda drank deeply from her coffee. Her roommate and best friend had gotten it perfect, as usual. “I thought I was applying for a bartending position,” she admitted. “But they want me for a salaried bar management position. It’s not great, but it’s better than nothing.”
“Then that is a reason to celebrate!” Tory smiled and reached over the oven. “Do you want scrambled, over easy, or poached this morning?”
Melinda’s stomach rumbled. “Scrambled please. With cheese.” She set her cup down. “I’m going to go change. I’m still wearing the same shirt I wore for the interview,” she said with a wrinkled nose.
“And no pants. Seriously, your legs put me to shame. Cover them up,” Tori teased.
“Girl, don’t even get me started,” Melinda said as she left the room. She jogged easily up the stairs and changed out of her halter in favor of a baggy t-shirt that read Tattoos And Whiskey Make Me Frisky and some yoga pants. When she was at home, she was all about the slouchy clothes.
Tori had been her best friend since they were in high school. They’d followed each other to college, and now they were trying to make it through the horrible early post-graduate years. Tori was making excellent money as a chef, but her degree was in English, and she really wanted to go to graduate school. Now that Melinda was going to be able to pay her portion of the bills, she was hoping that Tori would be able to make that dream a reality.
Downstairs, her friend was plating the food and setting the table. “You didn’t even tell me you were doing an interview last night. I thought you were going to avoid the restaurant industry.” She left the last part unspoken, but Melinda knew what she was thinking.
“Desperation,” Melinda said with a sigh as she bit off a piece of the bacon. She straightened up in her chair. “I’m not my mother, and it’s time I started to believe that. Fear does nothing but close doors to potential success.”
Tori frowned. “You’re not your mother, but that second part sounded like a recording from a self-help tape.” She moved into the seat across the table and drank from her coffee.
“I probably saw it on a motivational poster,” Melinda said laughingly. “I think I have a good feeling about this job, and I’m trying really hard not to focus on the negative voices in my head. Thank you so much for the breakfast.”
“Frankly, I figured you’d be hungover this morning. And you’re usually such a grouch until you get some grease in your belly when you’re hungover.”
“They offered me drinks on the house, but I feel like it’s a bit crass to take from a potential employer. The place is busy. That is a money-making business right there.”
“Club Seven is the hottest bar and nightclub in the city. Its only real rival is The Bone Order, but I heard that the owners were friends. So I guess it’s a friendly rivalry. I’ve also read that Club Seven is the safest club in town. Imagine that.”
Melinda shivered. “They do have some pretty heavy-duty security. But they’ve got professional dancers that look like strippers. With any sexually charged atmosphere, you need security. But it’s good that it’s safe. That’s one less thing that I have to worry about.”
“Maybe you’ll find yourself a sexy man while you’re there,” Tori said with a wink.
“No mixing pleasure and business,” she said firmly.
“Melinda,” Tori whined. “You are the sexiest woman I know. And you are also the most stubborn when it comes to meeting men. Are you into girls? Cause I’d love you just the same.”
As the coffee slid down wrong in her throat, Melinda’s eyes watered, and she started coughing. Tori stared at her. “I knew it. I knew it. You’re gay. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m not gay,’ Melinda said when she could talk again. “I just have better things to do than chase men.”
“The men chase you, honey. And you run and hide. Or you’re just plain mean to them. Let this job open up another door for you. A door where you date and kiss and have sexy time and enjoy life.”
“Maybe,” Melinda said. It had been a long time. And with this job, she’d finally stop worrying about money. That would be nice.
“Then it’s settled,” Tori said as she nodded her head. “You will be open and friendly.”
Melinda rolled her eyes. “Friendly, but not open,” she said with a smile. She bit her lip and looked at her friend. Tori was right. This was the start of something new, and who knew what would come of it.
***
She didn’t have to wear a uniform, and in fact, she was encouraged to blend in with the other guests, so on her first night at work, Melinda wore a black tank top and jeans with a pair of low slung black heels. She felt slightly uncomfortable, but Danny whistled low when he looked at her. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be a dancer?”
She laughed. “Clearly, you've never seen me dance. Trust me, it’s not pretty.”
They were standing in the office. Tonight, she’d avoided the crowd and entered in through the back. She was relieved to find two guards standing at the entrance. If they were armed, she couldn’t see it. Although, they looked like they could do just as much damage without a weapon.
But she had a feeling they were carrying something dangerous.
After finishing up her paperwork, Danny was ready to give her a tour. “Okay, so first things first.” he handed over a headset. “Since we don’t have uniforms here, headsets are the best way for customers to know if you work here. It’s also the best and quietest way to alert others if there is a problem. If you see a girl puking in the bathroom, let someone know, and someone will be here to help her when she gets out. The same goes for anyone who can’t handle their alcohol, gets a bit pushy, or is harassing anyone. Unfortunately, with alcohol comes violence, and we want to curb any trouble before it escalates.”
Impressed, Melinda slid the headset onto the waistband of her jeans and slid the speaker into her ear. Immediately, she heard someone talking. “Joey here at section three. I’ve got a fake ID. Young man, black shirt and jeans.”
Danny smiled at her. “It’s rarely quiet because we believe in constant communication. You’ll get used to it.”
She raised her eyebrows and nodded. It seemed unlikely that she’d get used to it, but from what she saw, no one blinked an eye when they were wearing it. “Where is section three?�
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“Follow me,” Danny said as he led her up to the VIP room. From there, they could see the whole club below.
“I’ll give you a map of the club before you go. There are three bars on the main floor and a private bar here in the VIP room. We keep the pricey alcohol stocked here. The bars are numbered from the front door. The first one on your left is section one, the one in far back is section two, and the one on the right is section three. It’s important to know these locations. There are also three sets of restrooms by these sections. The dance floor is quartered also going clockwise with sections blue, green, brown, and black. And the bar tables are also named for their appropriation to the bar. Dining section one, two, three, four, and five. Everything on this floor is simply called VIP. VIP bar, VIP restrooms, and VIP dining.”
Melinda looked down to see that the dance floor was indeed quartered with different tile colors.
Now that she was up here, the sections were so clear. “Easy enough,” she breathed.
“It’s easier to see it when you’re up this high. It’s not so easy when you’re in the middle of the fray.” Melinda whirled around at the new and heavily accented voice.
“Melinda,” Danny said nervously. “Meet Vlad Petrovich, the owner.”
Desire immediately seared through her body. As he gazed at her, she felt the flames of lust lick at her skin. Never before had she had such an instant and intense reaction to someone before. He was older than her, maybe five or so years. He was pale with dark hair and even darker eyes. There was something dangerous and secretive lurking in those eyes, and he did nothing to look friendly as he gazed at her. He was dressed in black slacks and a grey silk shirt that was open at the top, but he had his sleeves rolled up, and she could the see the muscles that rippled in his arms. Tattoos were inked up and down his arms and high up his neck.
He kept himself in shape, and Melinda was suddenly dying to see what the rest of his body looked like.
Gazing at him seemed like a sin, and she didn’t know where to look. His lips were full and sensuous; his jaw was strong and square with a hint of stubble. There wasn’t an inch of him that she didn’t want to touch or kiss.
Fuck, Melinda. Pull yourself together, she reprimanded herself firmly. Pursing her lips so she wouldn’t blurt out anything inappropriate, she walked forward with her hand out. “Mr. Petrovich. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for this opportunity of employment, and I look forward to working for you, sir.”
Her new boss shook her hand, but when she tried to pull it away, he held on to it. She shivered when he continued to gaze at her. “Danny,” he said softly. “Please check on the situation at bar three.”
“Vlad,” Danny said hesitantly.
“Don’t worry. I’ll finish the tour.”
She could have sworn she heard Danny curse under his breath as he exited the room. Vlad smiled. “Danny is protective over his new hires.”
“I need to be protected from you?” Melinda asked as she finally tugged her hand away.
“Not at the moment. Please, have a seat. Danny told me about the interview, but I haven’t had a chance to speak with you yet.”
Melinda perched uncomfortably on the seat. “What would you like to know?”
He eyed her curiously. “These chairs are imported from Italy. They are so comfortable that many of our guests fall asleep in them, and yet you look like you’d rather swallow scorpions that sit in them,” he said wryly.
Flushed, she dropped her gaze. “I apologize. I don’t mean to seem uncomfortable.”
“I’m not offended. I’m just curious about you.”
“Why?” she asked bluntly before she could stop herself.
“The last person who worked in bar management position took advantage of my hospitality. I want to make sure that we’ve hired an appropriate person to replace her,” he said with a small smile.
More than anything, she wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. Of course he would be interested in her professionally. He owned the club. He had a right to be curious about her. It wasn’t like he was attracted to her. He was a wealthy and successful businessman, and she was right out of college. She took a deep breath to pull herself together. “I’m sorry to hear that. I would like to assure you that I don’t mix business with pleasure. You won’t find me drinking on the job, fraternizing with other employees or clients, and I certainly won’t be stealing from you, if that’s what you’re implying.”
“I see,” he murmured quietly. “I hope, for your sake, that you mix some pleasure with business. I’m not opposed to my employees dating each other or my employees dating the customers. I want everyone who works for me to be happy.”
“What makes you think I’m single?” she cringed as the words left her mouth. What was wrong with her?
“Am I wrong?” he said with his eyebrows cocked.
“No,” she said hastily. She desperately needed to change the subject. “My roommate said that this is the safest club in the city. Congratulations on that. In this day and age, that’s a pretty amazing accomplishment.”
“It’s not right that women feel like they have to arm themselves just to go out and have a good time,” Vlad said easily. “There are several things that I do not allow in my club, and violence is one of them. You would do well to remember that.”
Was he threatening her? She couldn’t be sure, so she laughed softly instead. “I’m a fairly non-violent person.”
“I hope that’s not the case in every aspect of your life. Sometimes, a little violence is a good thing.”
Melinda narrowed her eyes. Now he was just playing with her. Clearly, this was also not a safe subject. “Perhaps we could start on that tour now?” she said pointedly.
He nodded and rose from his chair. “Of course. I’m happy to see that you’re eager to get things started. The VIP room is only for scheduled parties and events. No one is allowed to simply show up and demand access to the VIP room, no matter how much money they throw our way. Please keep that in mind. I also sometimes use it as my private office. If I’m up here, do not interrupt me.”
Vlad turned, and the look he gave her practically burned its way through her body. “Do you understand me, Melinda?”
She shivered when he said her name. He was so charming and playful one minute and incredibly dangerous the next. “I understand.”
“Excellent.” His tone switched back, and Melinda shook her head. Her new boss was strangely sexy but also frightening. She didn’t know how she felt about that. She followed him down the staircase. “This is our alcohol storage. We call the cooler the bar walk-in. It holds the beer and white whites. The wine and liquor cages are here,” he said as he pointed. “They are locked, and you will have a key to them. You are not to give your key to any of the servers are bartenders. Even if you are busy, they must wait until you are finished. They understand that, and at no point in time should anyone ask for your key. Inventory nights are Monday and Wednesday nights, and you’ll be expected to rotate those shifts with the other bar managers. It should work out so that you count two weeks out of the month. Liquor counts are every night, so you’ll be responsible for that during your closing shifts.”
He stayed in business mode as she followed him around the club. She was floored to learn that there was an entire section underneath the building that was also stocked as a small bar and dance room. “Occasionally, we hold private functions in the basement,” he said as he flipped the lights on. “It’s sound proof and provides for a classier atmosphere. You’ll come down here on inventory nights as well. Only certain bartenders are allowed to work these functions, and you’ll learn that when you go over scheduling.”
Soon, Danny hurried up to them. “It’s been taken care of,” he said in a low voice.
“Excellent. Melinda has finished up her tour. Go over the bar drinks and send her home with the paperwork,” he said. He turned his back and strolled away without even saying goodbye or looking in her direction.
Her jaw dropped. “He hates me,” she muttered.
“What?” Danny sputtered.
“Nothing,” she said as she turned to him. “It’s fine. Bar menu?”
Danny cast another look at Vlad’s retreating back, but Melinda refused to look. She didn’t know how well she’d get along with Vlad, but she needed to remember that he was her boss. And if he wanted to be aloof, she would have to be okay with that.
Chapter Three
The stragglers obediently filed out as soon as the lights turned up, and Vlad nodded his head at the group of men in the corner. They followed him up the stairwell into the VIP room. From there, he watched the bartenders, dancers, and servers loosen up, talk and laugh, and clean up the club for the following day. He was quite pleased with his present team. Everyone meshed well and knew how to have a good time and still get work done.
“Good night?”
Vlad turned to the three men that were waiting for him. He knew that they didn’t like having to wait, so he made sure to do it often. They needed to remember who was in charge.
“It was an excellent night, thank you for asking,” he said pleasantly as he sat down. “I’m sure by now you are aware that The Bone Order is under new management.”
The one called Gordo nodded. He spoke for the three men. The other two never said a word unless Vlad addressed them personally. It made things easier on Vlad. “We were sorry to hear of Gregory’s passing.”
“Any word on how the district is fairing?”
Gordo exchanged uneasy looks with his companions. “They seem to be loyal to the new owner. I’m not sure what the incentive is, but no one has breathed a word about retiring.”
Vlad nodded. He expected as much. Loyalties ran deep in their circles. Even if they didn’t like Stephen, they would not be so quick to forsake Gregory’s son. “They’re good men,” he said quietly. “Do not act. Simply keep your ears open for any news. I don’t expect Stephen to make any drastic actions right away, but he is a loose cannon, and I want to know before anything happens. Understood?”