I was ready to challenge her to explain it to me, but Marlene interrupted. “Bella, knock it off. April, come with me.”
Wondering what the hell that chick’s problem was, I was more than willing to get into it, but didn’t want to jeopardize my job before I even started. I turned my back on her and followed Marlene into a small office in the back.
“Sorry about her.” Marlene shook her head as she closed the door behind us. “Bella always gets threatened when new girls start. Doesn’t matter if they dance or not. Next time, just ignore her. This is no place for bitch fights. Have a seat.”
The space was cramped, and Marlene had to squeeze around the side of a large desk that had been shoved into the corner. As I sat in the battered metal chair across from her, I took the time to really study the woman in front of me. How much did she know about the MC? Was she just involved in the club, or did she know what went on behind the scenes? Was she close to Joshua Vorn?
Though she wore a tight jacket that covered her arms, I could see tattoos traveling up her neck. I wondered if she took the jacket off if I would see the Hell’s Seven tattoo on her forearm or not. Would it be just smooth blank skin? Or would I find the familiar ornate “H” with the almost serpent-looking “7” weaving its way through the design?
“Have you been the manager here for very long?” I asked casually as she started to shuffle through the items on her desk.
“A little over a year. But I’ve worked here a lot longer.”
“Were you a dancer?”
Marlene smirked. “I appreciate the ego boost, but no, I wasn’t. I was a bartender.”
“From bartender to club manager. That’s pretty damn impressive.”
“Thanks. I like to think so, too.” She handed me a stack of papers to fill out and sign.
I kept my mouth shut as I did, mulling over the thoughts racing through my head. I highly doubted she would have been made manager if Joshua Vorn didn’t trust her, which could only mean she was indeed connected to the Hell’s Seven. I imagined he would want somebody on the inside who could keep things business as usual while he handled everything else.
Now more than ever I wanted to meet him. I still didn’t have any solid proof the Hell’s Seven operated out of the lounge, but I could feel it deep down in my bones. I was definitely onto something.
“I know you’re the manager, but who owns the club?” I asked innocently as I handed Marlene the completed paperwork. “They’ve done an amazing job building this place up over the years.”
“Yeah, Mr. Vorn is quite the businessman,” Marlene agreed. “He owns the place.”
“Is he a hands-on owner? So many businesses I’ve worked for had upper management who’d never even set foot on the property.”
“Oh, yeah, he’s here now and then. He likes to be around in case of emergencies.”
Or if he has to meet with his fellow club members.
“Great.” I gave her a wide smile. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
“I have no doubt you will.” Marlene steepled her hands together, her elbows resting on the desk. “All right, before you get started, we have a few ground rules to cover first.”
“Okay.” I inclined my head.
She leveled me with a penetrative stare. “The first is never, under any circumstances are you allowed to get drunk while on the clock. Sure, you can have a couple drinks, but that’s it. Second, if you need a break, you take it in the dressing room—never sit at one of our tables.”
I sat back in my chair and nodded my agreement. They seemed like straightforward rules so far.
“Wait until you get home to count your tips or money you’ve earned. Don’t do it in the club—it’s one way to have the other girls and even patrons take notice—also, it’s just distasteful. Just don’t do it. Understand?”
“Of course.”
“And one of the most important rules is to always keep your guard up, especially around groups of men who aren’t regulars. They may call you over, flirt, ask for your number, that sort of thing. Be nice but careful. They could be anybody from human traffickers to pimps. Just simply take their orders and move on to the next. If you ever get a creeper vibe, come see me or get one of the bouncers.” Marlene leaned back and crossed her arms. “That’s about it. Anything else, we just play it by ear. You think you can handle it?”
I felt my heart stutter a bit at the thought of human traffickers, but I knew I could do this. I’d always be aware of my surroundings, of that, I was certain. “Absolutely. Thank you for giving me a chance. I won’t disappoint.” I began to rise from my seat, but Marlene stopped me.
“Oh, and one more thing: grab your pasties before your shift starts tonight.”
My eyes widened and I felt as heat rushed to my face. Dammit. “What? What do you mean?”
She grinned almost devilishly. “It’s Topless day.”
I cleared my throat. “Topless day? I thought Topless day was only on Fridays?”
Marlene waved her hand. “It used to be. Now, it varies. Once or twice a month, check the list hanging in the dressing room. There’s also one where you clock in. Relax.” This time, she gave me a reassuring smile. “Waitresses and dancers get to wear pasties. I mean, you can go nude if you want, but I don’t think that’s a good idea on your first day.”
I swallowed. “No, it’s fine. I won’t forget. Thanks for the reminder. See you tonight.” I bid her goodbye and headed out the door.
Holy. Shit.
I guessed I’d be wearing pasties tonight. But, I’d gotten the job, and that’s all that mattered. I could deal with being uncomfortable, right?
Dear God, I just hoped they didn’t fall off. Did that even happen? I was in uncharted territory. I might as well be nude. Gah.
Just freaking great.
6
Vorn
I pulled my bike up to the MC, a couple blocks from the Sinner’s Lounge, pleased to see several of the guys were already waiting for me. I had to call a meeting because I needed to talk to them about Zahíno and his induction into the Hell’s.
Ty was among the ones waiting, along with Max and Ralphie. They nodded in greeting as I turned off my bike and pushed my shades up on my head.
“Hey, let’s go inside.” I motioned to the boys. “It’s hot as balls out here.”
The AC felt fucking amazing when we stepped into the garage. As the guys made themselves comfortable, I popped behind to the fridge bar to rifle through the booze.
“Who wants what?” I asked.
“Beer,” Ty and Ralphie answered.
Hunter waved me off. “I’m good.”
I got the drinks, and by the time I returned to the table, the others started to trickle in. Marlene, Ralphie’s daughter, walked in drinking iced coffee while checking her phone, Eric following close behind.
I watched as my key members got comfortable, greeting each other before turning their full attention to me. Gathering the heart of the club in one place was a stupid, dangerous move, and one I tended to avoid at all costs. That was why I’d called the meeting here (not in the club), and also why I relied on the six people sitting in front of me, seven including my sister Monica. Even though she wasn’t part of the club, and hated the Hell’s, that I’d restarted it, she was still my sister. She’d bust my balls if she heard me refer to her as part of the club, but “Cling together, swing together.” She was the daughter of Saro, and she was in—whether she wanted to or not. I guessed there were worse things. Anyway, she had to work, and I knew Ty would fill her in once she got home. They were the ones I trusted the most and knew would carry out my orders as well as pass along important information to the others.