Listening to him tell me these personal things made me feel safe at the time - or was that the alcohol? - and it gave me the confidence to tell him about losing both my parents in a car accident and then spending five years until I finished high school and was eighteen in the foster care system.
Our conversation had me thinking about things I hadn’t thought about in a very long time, things I thought I’d never want to think about again.
He asked me what the hardest part about losing my parents was. I didn’t want to answer that question, but I did.
The hardest part was having no family, not even a distant relative, or any friends to take myself, older brother and younger sister in. We couldn’t even be placed in the same home together. I very quickly lost contact with them, and then eventually forgot about them all together.
He asked how I could forget about them, and I told him it hurt too much to remember and hold onto memories, and that moving on felt like the only viable option to get through school.
Although our circumstances were different, we understood each other, and he made me feel, in the few hours we spent together, safe. It was a feeling I hadn’t felt for a long time, a feeling I thought I would never feel again.
“He isn’t interested.”
“I think you have the wrong person?” I replied to the security guard that was waiting for me by the lift at the staff entrance. I looked at his name tag, Grant.
“I have the right person.” He voice was sharp and one not to be argued with. “Why did you stick up for him last night?”
“Who?” I asked.
“Your boss,” he sighed.
“You mean, our boss?”
He smirked. “Don’t get smart, and don’t go sticking your head in where it doesn’t belong. Security had the situation under control and we didn’t need nosey little girls sticking their beak in where it’s no concern of theirs.”
“I wasn’t trying to step on your toes, I heard a commotion and went to assist.”
“Don’t defend yourself, and don’t argue. There is no point when I can have you out on your ass in a heartbeat.”
“I haven’t done anything wrong, you and I both know this. Quite acting like a jealous boyfriend.”
The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them and I regretted what I said right away. I wasn’t going to apologize though, I had no reason too when he was the one having a go at me and for reasons I didn’t know.
“You’re rude, not at all ladylike and delicate like the usual choice of employees. Especially the female ones.” He was mocking me and I wanted to yell at him. “You’re pretty though, in a butch kind of way, so I guess that’s how you got the job.”
“Leave me alone.”
“Keep your distance, or I promise you there will be problems bigger than just getting fired.”
I turned around fast after that and headed for the stairs. I wasn’t going to bite back and give him any kind of satisfaction of knowing he’s made me angry, or upset. And scared, I thought, but quickly pushed that out of my mind. Fear will eat at the mind faster than any other emotion and thought.
Were all men in this place like him?
I stormed into the building, angrier now than I was before, and headed right for the security office without bothering to get ready for my shift. I was on the hunt for Xander Wolfe, the very person I’d been curiously wanting to ask a few things. And all the things were regarding why I am working here after Mercury killed my audition.
“I’m looking for Xander Wolfe,” I demanded when I pushed the office door open.
The two guards watching the security feeds turned around. “He just went to the bathroom.”
“Thanks.” I turned to walk out the door.
“Give him a minute before you go storming in.”
I rolled my eyes and turned back, “I was going to wait for him to exit.” I shook my head. “Idiot.”
I stopped and waited with my back against the wall outside the male restrooms. A moment later, I was face to face with Xander and he looked even better than he did the first day I saw him. And stunned.
“What the -”
“Yes, what the, that’s what I was going to say,” I snapped.
“You alright?” He asked, clearly taken back by my temper.
“Why did you recommend me for a waitressing job, you don’t know me?”
He laughed, and I started to think he was just like his security buddy Grant. I shook my head. “Don’t laugh at me. I’m sick of everyone laughing and teasing me.”
“I’m not -”
“Oh, just forget it,” I interrupted him and walked away.
“Stop, Elisha, just hang on one second,” he pulled me by my hand to face him. “What’s wrong?”
I shrugged, “Why did you tell them to give me a job?” I asked again.
“You’re angry because I got you a job?” He was confused.
I nodded, “Yeah I am, what do you want?”
“I don’t want nothing,” he moved back from me. “Don’t insult me when I was just trying to help.”
“I didn’t want anyone’s help, Xander. I don’t want to owe people favors for any reason.” My anger had simmered a little as I explained why I was talking to him.
“You owe me nothing. I saw your sheet and the chick Mars -”
“Mars?”
“Girl with a stupid name,” he threw his arms up. “I don’t learn all their names.”
“Mercury.” I said with realization of who he was talking about. I wanted to laugh at the nickname Mars.
“Yeah, her. I saw her having a go at you and whining to the others about you.”
“Oh.”
“I was a foster kid too, you know. I know what it’s like, how tough it is, and I was annoyed that you tanked your audition. Everyone deserves a chance.”
“Thanks,” I replied in a whisper.
“Don’t mention it, and don’t pay me back.”
I felt my heart sank, and I didn’t know why. Xander stared at me through dark eyes that looked sad and a little lost. It was a look I recognized far too easily. He said he was a foster kid too, and for some reason I wasn’t annoyed over the fact that everyone seemed to know I was in the foster system.
“How long?”
“What?”
“How long were you in the system for?” I asked.
“Only a couple years, then I ran away. Spent some time on the street, couch surfing, doing odd jobs.” He shrugged it off. “Turned eighteen and got my shit sorted. And I’ve been working here for the past eight years.”
“Xander, stoic princess is wanted in the Sapphire Lounge. Over.”
My eyes widened at the sound coming from the walkie talkie strapped to his belt.
“Yeah, got it. Over.” He said back into it.
I nodded, “Awkward. Wow. Okay! Yeah, I should probably go now.”
“Probably a good idea,” he agreed.
“I’m sorry for yelling at you. Will you let me buy you a drink later, or tomorrow or sometime?” I asked.
He thought about it for a moment before nodding, “Yeah, sounds good. You have a good night, alright?”
“I will, thank you, again.”
“Don’t mention it, princess.”
For the first time I smiled at the stupid nickname as I made my way to the Sapphire room, curious about what the night had in store for me.
Chapter 4
By the time my shift finished, I was glad to go home. It had been a long eight hour shift, and my feet were so far past the tired and aching stage, that I didn’t know if I'd be up to walking out the front to catch a cab. I made it as far back entrance lobby when I was stopped by a hand on my shoulder.
“Hey, you finished for the night?”
I turned around to see Chris standing there in a navy power suit and silver tie over a white shirt. Even given the late hour it was, he looked absolutely handsome and breath taking. I smiled, “Yeah, so tired. Long night.”
“How was
your shift? Did you make tips?”
I blushed and nodded. “Yeah, I made some really good tips in the Sapphire Lounge,” I replied. “And I suppose I have you to thank for that?” I raised my eyebrows.
I remembered last night when I had to work up there, Grayson said it would only be for one night because only the high service waitresses worked in the Sapphire Lounge. And I was by no means high service, I could barely carry the tray and watch where I was walking sometimes. I was hopeless in comparison to the other waitresses up there who practically dances around the guests in their outfits and heels with a full tray of drinks. I knew the only reason I was up there again tonight was because of Chris, and I knew I should thank him.
He squinted at me, “If I say yes are you going to go at me like you did Xander?” He raised his brows.
My eyes widened and hand flew to my mouth. “Oh God, he told you that?”
Chris laughed.
I shook my head, the blush already on my cheeks turning beet red. “I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to have a go at him. I was just a little frustrated because I don’t take receiving charity well and I kind of felt like I was indebted to him. You know?”
Chris eventually stopped laughing after another minute. “Elisha, it’s fine. You aren’t in any trouble. I went into the security office and saw the footage because the guys were having a laugh at how you caught him off guard.”
“Oh.”
“It’s fine, they thought it was funny and I think it’s funny too.”
“Poor Xander,” I said.
Chris shrugged. “Xander will be just fine, and I am sure he is. He is one of my best security guards here. And, you know, I don’t think I could get much better than him.”
I smiled at the way Chris talked about Xander, it was such an admirable trait and I thought it to be fantastic that Chris thought, and talked, so highly of his employees. The way he spoke made it seem like Xander was irreplaceable instead of expendable. It really was nice to see because, at my past few jobs, I have always been treated as the expendable person. It made me wonder it Chris thought that way about all his employees.
“What are you thinking so hard about?” He asked.
I blinked. “Sorry? What?”
He slipped his hands into his pockets and stepped closer, so we were mere inches apart and smiled. “You looked like you were deep in thought, I asked what you were thinking about?”
“Oh,” I giggled. “I wasn’t thinking about anything important. I just thought… well… I think it is nice that you speak so highly of your employees, and I’m glad I’m not fired for having a go at Xander.” I smiled, thinking I probably should have left that part out, and I could still get fired.
Chris smirked. “You’re not fired, but no more going at Xander, alright?” He nodded. “Or anyone else,” he quickly added.
I giggled before tucking a loose bit of hair behind my ear. “I won’t, and I am sorry. I honestly didn’t mean to be so harsh.”
“All good,” Chris replied.
We stood in silence for a moment just staring at each other. The light behind Chris started flickering and we both turned to look at it. “I should get maintenance onto that.”
I nodded. “Might be a good idea.”
“Yeah, good idea,” he said seemingly absentmindedly. “Hey, question, are you able to come in earlier tomorrow? Not to work, just for a quick meeting in my office. Say, around, three.”
I nodded. “Yeah, sure. Do I have to check in with anyone before coming up?”
“No, not necessary, I’ll just let Juliet know to let you in.”
“Juliet?” I asked.
“My receptionist,” Chris smiled. “Have a good night, and get some sleep.”
“Thanks, you too.”
Just after Chris left, I started walking to the exit again. I stepped out of the building into the warm summer night time air and sighed. The evenings were warm in Vegas, but they were comfortable. I’ve always enjoyed the warmer climates more than the cold anyway. I shrugged my bag onto my shoulder and made my way to the cab rank.
“Where to?”
“Can I please -?”
“Elisha!”
I turned around to see who shouted my name when I saw Xander running across the path. I smiled at the cab driver who was holding the door for me. “Sorry, just a moment.”
He nodded.
“Hey, what’s going on?” I asked once Xander was closer.
“Just wondering what you were doing tomorrow?”
“Oh, I have to be in here tomorrow at three, so going to get as much sleep as possible. Why’s that? What are you doing?”
He looked around, kept shoving his hands in and out of his pockets, and looked - in general - very nervous. It made me smile at how someone like Xander could be nervous. He was muscled and handsome, I could only assume he had girls hanging off him all the time.
“Oh, I thought you weren’t working until 6 p.m., I was going to see if you wanted to grab food or something. But if you’re starting earlier, we can postpone?” He raised his eyebrows expectantly.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I just ran into Chris… Mr. Pierce, I mean… sorry… and he just asked if I could come early because he wanted to see me about something.” I quickly pulled out my notebook and a pen and scribbled down my number before handing it to him. “Here’s my number, send me a message and we can organize to catch up for food and that drink I owe you.”
He grinned like a kid on Christmas Day after seeing all the presents Santa had left and looked at the piece of paper eagerly. “Yeah, that sounds good. I’ll text you my number.”
In less than ten seconds my phone beeped with a message from Xander. “Thanks,” I told him as I leaned forward to give him a quick hug. He stiffened for a moment, but then hugged me back.
The contact lasted for less than five seconds, but he was warm and had a certain smell about him that was earthy and comforting. I inhaled deeply at the last second before he pulled away and fought to hide my smile until I was in the cab and it was pulling away.
Chapter 5
I arrived at work the next day all fresh and showered with clean hair. I even went to greater lengths than I normally would in preparing myself for my shift by blow-drying and straightening my usually wavy hair, and putting a little more careful effort into my makeup and wardrobe.
Sensible, yet stylish and casual is the look I was going for. I think I achieved it with the light washed jeans, blue chiffon camisole, and white cardigan. I stuck with my normal ballet flats, and put everything into my nicer handbag instead of the sports bag I usually carried into work. I admired myself for several minutes in front of the mirror, making sure everything was perfect, before leaving my apartment and headed into work at 2:30 p.m. I wanted to make sure I was punctual and not late, but traffic was shocking and I ended up getting out of the cab at three.
I huffed and groaned all the way to the top floor, but managed to take a few deep breaths and get ahold of myself before the elevator doors opened. It was the public elevator that guests used to get up to the large offices. Chris’s office. When the doors dinged open, I was greeted with a lavish reception area. I stepped out, taking in the shiny white linoleum floors, not a single scuff mark on them. The black leather couches, vases filled with fresh flowers, a table with a chilled water jug and several glasses on it. I looked to the desk and saw a young woman with blonde hair staring back at me with a warm smile.
The woman, possibly in her mid-to-late twenties, was gorgeous with her long hair straight and shiny, tan skin and painted red lips. Chris certainly has an eye for talent, I thought. “Hello, you must be Elisha?”
I nodded, “Yes, I have an appointment with Chr- Uh, Mr. Pierce.” I smiled nervously. “I have an appointment with Mr. Pierce.”
“Of course,” she stood up and walked around to my side of the desk. She was tall, and walked with the grace of a supermodel. “Follow me.”
I trailed behind her until we reached the end of the hall. She knocke
d on the door and was greeted with a ‘come in’ before pushing the door open.
“Here you go, give me a call if you need anything,” she smiled.
I nodded and stepped into the office. It was just like I remembered, though there was a different atmosphere and general feel to the office during the day. The door closed quietly behind me and I watched Chris on the other side of the room. He wore a dark blue suit pants, and a white shirt with the top two buttons undone and sleeves rolled up. I looked at his desk to see a tie draped lazily over a stack of papers, and his jacket on the back of his chair.
“Yeah, alright. That’s fine, just get it done and let me know if there are any problems. Okay, bye.” He ended the call and turned to me then, and smiled. “You’re here!”
“Yes, I’m right on time, traffic was horrendous, sorry.”
He waved off the apology with a hand. “Don’t worry about it, totally fine. Come sit.” He nodded to the couch we sat on the first night I was up here.
“You hungry or anything?” Chris waved a hand to the plate of fresh fruit on the small table in front of us.
I shook my head. “No, I did eat. But I love grapes!” I grabbed handful and started tossing them in one by one, moaning as the sweet juices exploded in my mouth.
Chris laughed. “I will remember that.”
We talked for a few minutes about small things. I was surprised and pleased when Chris told me that I was becoming a favorite of his high rolling clientele. “They all love the ‘shy, clumsy girl, with a pretty smile,” he told me. “And it took me not even ten seconds to realize who they were talking about,” he added with a short laugh.
“Clumsy? Wow, that’s a great thing to be remembered by.” Feeling a little embarrassed I laughed anyway, and then asked myself how I still had a job. Xander’s kindness on getting me hired made me very appreciative and still a little annoying because I was not even very good at my job.
“You’re good value for the company, Elisha, and you are definitely getting better at waitressing -”
“I’m feeling a ‘but’ coming on here,” I interrupted without meaning too. A deflated feeling started through my body, maybe I was getting fired.
Dual Hearts (Seduction Series Book 1) Page 4
