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  “Am I fired?” I’m not going to stand here and be yelled at just so he can fire me. I can feel my face turning redder by the second.

  “No, but you’re going home for the night and tomorrow I want you in my office first thing to talk about your punishment. Be here twenty minutes before your shift.”

  Punishment? Like a write-up?

  I hold up the credit card. I’m guessing he’s not going to let me go back to give it to Rogue. I knew there were cameras in the room, but I have no idea if they could hear us too. He grabs the black card from my hand.

  “Amber, you’re taking Cherry’s private room,” Neil calls out to the passing waitress.

  A weird jealousy hits me, and I clench my jaw to keep from saying anything.

  “Awesome.” She winks at me as she takes the credit card from Neil. “Oh, a black card,” she coos, fanning herself with it.

  Neil grabs me by the chin, making me look up at him. Amber looks at us funny but walks off toward the private rooms. Neil has crossed too many lines, but what can I say? If he heard everything that was said in the private room between Rogue and me, then he could fire me on the spot. I have to put up with this because I need this job. It took me two months to find it and then get trained. I can’t go without working that long again. My savings are all dried up, and I’m flat broke.

  “Go home,” he orders.

  I jerk back when he tries to brush his thumb against my bottom lip. He glares at me for a moment before I turn and walk as fast as I can in heels off the casino floor. I pass by the poker room and see all of Rogue's friends staring.

  My eyes sting with tears, and I don’t know why I want to cry. It has to be a mix of everything. Being caught and then Amber taking my room sent me over the edge. I’m never going to see Rogue again, and Neil just put his hands on me. I’m pissed off, and all my emotions are on edge.

  This might be for the best. I lost all rational thought around Rogue, and I can’t put myself in that kind of position.

  I stop at my locker and grab my purse. I send Diamond a text to let her know I’m leaving early. I’m going to have to call for a car since I rode with her.

  As I walk out the back exit, I take out my phone and call for a car. Being at the casino, it doesn't take long for one to show up. I open the door to get in, but a feeling makes me pause. I should go back inside the casino and give Rogue my number or something. I can’t leave like this, but what if I walked in and he was in the middle of doing something with Amber? I know she’ll take him up on the offer. She picks up random shifts over at Scuttlebutt, and nothing is off limits there.

  I force myself to get in the car and close the door. I reach into my pocket and feel the stack of cash. I wonder if he’s going to be mad that I took the cash and never came back. Judging by the black American Express he had, I’m thinking five grand is nothing to him.

  “Thanks,” I tell the driver when I get to my apartment.

  Rogue exuded power, and it made me wonder what he did for a living. He thought he could buy any woman he wanted, and that helps cool some of those unnecessary feelings I was having.

  In that moment with him, I’d been so turned on I was literally willing to do anything. Now that I’ve gotten some space, the reality of it is hitting home. There’s no way I could be with a man like that. I’ve barely done anything sexually before, and Rogue knew what he was doing. If I had to guess, he’s doing it with someone new every night of his life.

  He’s beyond good looking, so I don’t know why he’s paying for it. It might be his kink or something. Around Vegas you see it all, but something in the back of my mind whispers that we’ve never seen anyone like Rogue.

  I let myself into my apartment and lock the door behind me. When I get to my room, the first thing I do is take off the corset and suck in a deep breath. I fall back on the bed and the throb between my legs that was slow and steady is now impossible to ignore.

  I kick off my heels and slide my hand into my panties, desperate for release. But even with Rogue’s name on my lips, I can’t get there. I’m left in a state of need that I think only he can fix.

  Chapter Six

  Rogue

  “What time did you go to bed?” Angus asks as he rubs the sleep from his eyes.

  “The better question is ‘Did you go to bed?’” I don’t look up from my phone as I take a drink of the coffee I ordered from room service.

  “I’m guessing that’s a no.” He walks over to the cart and makes a happy humming sound. “Bacon.”

  “Have you talked to Franky?”

  Angus shakes his head as she takes a seat across from me and digs into the food I ordered for us.

  We got a suite at the casino last night with the intention of staying in after poker and hanging out. Franky ended up getting smashed and going to clubs until who knows when. Angus bailed on the group at some point and came back here.

  “What happened to you after poker? I saw you talking to some guy at the bar, then I get a text from you an hour later saying you’re in the room and need privacy.” He raises an eyebrow at me as he drinks his Bloody Mary.

  “I didn’t feel like socializing.” I keep refreshing my emails, hoping that eventually the one I want will pop up.

  “You know I’ve never seen you chase after a woman before.”

  “I wasn’t chasing.” Refresh, refresh, refresh. Where the hell is it?

  “Call it what you will, but you were a dog last night and that girl was in heat.”

  “Watch it.” I snap my eyes up to meet his, and he’s smiling like an asshole.

  “Good morning,” he says brightly like this is the first time I’ve looked at him. Hell, maybe it is. “Tell me what happened.”

  I toss my phone on the table, deciding it’s like a pot full of water that’s never going to boil if I stare at it. “I asked for a private room so I could get her alone.”

  “Well done, brother, cheers.” He clicks his glass to my coffee cup that’s sitting on the table. “Tell me about her.”

  “I’m afraid that’s as far as we got.” I grind my teeth together, trying not to think about how she ran out on me.

  “She didn’t go for the brooding alpha-asshole type? I’m shocked.” He smirks and I throw a croissant at him. He catches it and then takes a bite.

  “I think her manager intervened. He kept trying to put up roadblocks no matter how much money I offered. So I called John and he gave the order.”

  “The head of security here?” Angus asks, and I nod. “Damn, you never call in favors.”

  “I hate owing.”

  “So you got the room, but she didn’t show?”

  “She showed long enough to take my card and then dip.”

  Angus tries but fails to hold in a laugh. “How much did she get you for?”

  I pause for a long moment before I finally admit it. “Five grand.” I shrug as Angus laughs harder.

  “That’s a nice little tip for serving you a few drinks.”

  “She never came back to the room, and when they sent in someone else, I left. The manager disappeared after that, and so did she. John went through the cameras last night to find out where she went, but he still hasn’t gotten back to me.”

  “So.” Angus leans forward and steeples his fingers under his chin. “What’s your big plan for when you find her?”

  “I haven’t gotten that far yet.”

  Angus goes to open his mouth, but my phone vibrates, and I snatch it up. I scroll through and see a message from John saying he sent the email with all the information on Ember he could find. Then he tells me I owe him, and although I hate having to pay back a favor, this one is worth that ten times over.

  I stand up and take one last drink of my coffee before I grab my wallet.

  “Are you leaving now? It’s not even seven in the morning.” Angus and I have always been early risers.

  “I’ve waited all night,” I say in answer, and after a second he nods.

  “Try not to be an asshole
.” He takes a huge bite of eggs and winks at me as I walk out the door.

  When I get to the front of the casino, there’s a car waiting for me. John said the guy would take me where I needed to go. I scan over the email as I get in and we drive toward Spring Valley. The neighborhood we’re going through isn’t great, but I remind myself she’s a waitress at a casino.

  In the email John lists out her name and address, along with her date of birth and known relatives. That section is almost as sparse as mine. There’s not much on Ember, and part of me is glad. John is a good guy, but he already knows too much. I’d like to keep the rest of this as private as possible.

  When the driver stops in front of her building, I get out. I run my hand through my hair and smooth down my dress shirt and tie. I didn’t bring anything but business clothes to the hotel so I’m dressed for work.

  There’s a rickety door with a buzzer, but I’m not sure it works. There’s a list of names on the side with buttons next to them. I don’t see Ember’s name listed, and I wonder if her apartment is under her roommate's name. Maybe a boyfriend? I had John search for that too, but he said there was no one significant in her life.

  I start to think I’ll just hit all of them until I reach her and the sound of the door opening surprises me. I look up and there she is, like I’ve summoned her before me.

  “Rogue?” She says my name softly like she can’t believe I’m here. That makes two of us.

  “Ember.” I start to say more, but I take the moment to drink her in.

  She’s got her dark hair piled up with a messy bun and she's wearing a T-shirt and leggings. She looks like she just got out of bed and she looks so fucking cute. I want to pull her close to me and see if she’s still warm from the sheets. Fuck, why can’t I control my reaction to her?

  “What are you doing here?” She looks around like the answer will be in the car parked at the curb. “If you’re here for the money, I’m not giving it back.”

  She crosses her arms over her chest, and I feel a smile tug at the corner of my lips. “No, that was yours to keep.” I lick my lips as I put my hands in my pockets and step closer. “But I want to see if you’d be interested in earning it this time.”

  She swallows, and her lips part just slightly as she looks up at me. She’s got on sneakers this time, and it makes her look so petite.

  “I…um…I’m on my way to the gym.” She points across the street, and I look in that direction.

  “Why?” My brows pull together in puzzlement, and I see she’s got a water bottle with her.

  “What do you mean why?” She laughs. “To lose weight, I guess.”

  “No.”

  The word hangs between us, and she blinks a few times. “What do you mean, no?”

  “I mean you don’t need to lose any weight. Did your boss tell you to?” I feel my face scowling and Angus in the back of my head telling me not to be an asshole. “I can have him fired.”

  “Too bad you can’t have him killed.” She smiles at me, and I contemplate if I can actually do that. “But I’m good for right now. If he keeps screwing with me, I’ll let you know.”

  “Have dinner with me,” I demand, and she shakes her head.

  “I like how direct you are.”

  “Why waste time?”

  “I can’t tonight, I’ve got to work.” To her credit she looks disappointed.

  I’ve got court that I can’t miss this afternoon, otherwise I’d take her out right now. “Are you wearing that corset again?” Just the thought of it has me hard.

  “Why? Didn't you like it?” She pretends to pout, and I hate how much I love that.

  “I fucking hated it.”

  “You were the only one.”

  “Are you trying to make me jealous?” I take another step closer to her, and she nods. “It’s working.”

  “Didn’t you enjoy my substitute last night?”

  “No. She walked in and I left.” A bit of her hair has escaped her bun and I reach out to touch it. “I was only after one woman last night.”

  “Come by the casino again. I’ll be working until midnight.”

  “Make time for me, Ember.” I look into her dark brown eyes and will her to give in to this electricity between us.

  “Okay,” she says softly.

  “Let me take you somewhere there’s no cameras.” I lean down just a bit more and touch my lips to hers. It’s a whisper of a touch, but her mouth is so goddamn soft.

  When I step back, I feel a rush of adrenaline, and I can hear my heartbeat in my ears. Her face is flushed, and she brings her fingers to her mouth like she can’t believe I just did it. That makes two of us.

  “I’ll pick you up after work,” I say, and I shove my hands in my slacks so I stop touching her. “Don’t work out.”

  She shakes her head as I get back into the car and leave her standing there at the curb. I decide to make a few phone calls on the way to work. One of which is to find out who owns property on that street.

  Now all I have to do is make it until tonight. Easier said than done.

  Chapter Seven

  Ember

  “Mom, I’m not going to your place.” I hold the phone between my shoulder and ear as I repeat myself for what has to be the fifth time. I know I don’t live in the best area, but no one is selling drugs out on the corner. The day I packed up my shit and left, I vowed I’d never go back there, and I meant it.

  “Tony isn’t even there.”

  My stomach turns at the mention of Tony. He and my mom have been off and on for years. He gives me the creeps, and it’s messed up that my mom knows I don’t want to be near him, yet she keeps seeing him. I’ll never understand her. I think she’s addicted to the drama of the relationship. The cocaine too.

  “I’ll bring it to your work on my way to the casino.” I look through my purse, making sure I have everything I need for work.

  “Oh, that works.” She perks up. “You know Lawrence always likes seeing you.”

  He’s a nice guy. Well, as nice as someone who owns a strip club can be. He keeps my mom out of trouble for the most part.

  “I’ll see you soon.” I end the call and check my app to grab a lift.

  “You’re not giving her money.” I turn around to see Diamond standing there glaring at me while still half asleep.

  “She has to pay her rent.”

  “Yeah, she has to pay her rent. Not you.”

  She’s right, but it's hard to explain. I know my mom is shitty, and I’m lucky I made it out without anything ever happening to me that I couldn’t come back from. I knew it was only a matter of time before that luck ran out. I packed up on my eighteenth birthday and got the hell out of there, but I’m still tied to her in so many ways.

  “I can’t let her get tossed on the street.”

  “She’s just going to snort it up her nose or worse.”

  “Maybe.” I shrug as I go back into my bedroom and open my dresser. I take out a few hundred of Rogue’s money and I’m thankful now more than ever that I have it.

  “Come on, Ember. That’s your savings for school. You'll never get to go if you let her eat away at it.”

  “I already told her I’d cover her this month. I told her this month and no more.” I shut the drawer and face Diamond.

  “You told her that a few months ago,” she reminds me like I don’t remember.

  “Dia. Please. I don’t need this thrown in my face right now. I get it, and I know I shouldn't be doing it. You know how bad I want to save my money to get out of this.” I motion toward my outfit. It was just as hard to get it on today as it had been yesterday.

  “Shit. I’m sorry.” She walks over, giving me a hug. “I just want the best for you. I hate to think someone is using you.”

  There is no think to it. I know she’s using me, but I can’t help myself.

  “I know.” I hug her back.

  “You’ll get there soon. House of Heavenly Cosmetology College isn't going to know what hit them.”r />
  “Thanks.” I smile as my phone chimes, letting me know my ride is here.

  I grab a coat to cover up my outfit until I get to work. When I get to the car, I check the time since I still have to meet with Neil before my shift. I’m dreading this day and excited about it at the same time. I don't want to deal with Neil, but I do want to see Rogue again. I’ve been thinking about him all day.

  I don’t know what’s gotten into me with him because I find myself pushing his buttons. I bait him for a reaction, and I have no idea why. I also feel bold with him, which is an unfamiliar sensation. All that talk about him buying me turned me on, and I think it surprised both of us.

  “Can you wait for me?” I ask the driver when she rolls to a stop in front of The Landing Strip. I hand her a twenty in cash.

  “Yeah. I’ll wait,” she says as I get out of the car.

  I want to get this over with. I hate this place and it’s been in my life for way too long. For years I’d sit in the back with all the girls keeping an eye on me between dances. It gave me a messed-up view of men.

  I’d learned to stay away from them, yet here I am toying with one. I loathe that men here think they can buy women, but when Rogue said it, my whole body lit up. I think something deep inside of me wants to be owned by the grumpy giant. To think that I could somehow tame the beast is a crazy thought, and I need to come back to reality.

  I pull open the side door, and thankfully it’s too early for the place to be busy yet. A couple of men sit in front of the stage and watch the only girl that’s on the floor right now.

  “Ember.” I turn at the sound of my name to see Lawrence sitting at the bar.

  “Hey.” I walk over toward him. “I’m meeting my mom.” He picks up his radio and calls back for her.

  “I heard you got a job at the casino.”

  “Yeah. I’m serving drinks on the floor.”