I swear, some days . . . if she wasn’t so good at being my right-hand . . .
“Good night, Shelby.”
Clicking the phone off, I hope she’s able to get back to sleep. She isn’t wrong. All of this could’ve waited until morning. I’m just too excited—not that I’d admit that to anyone—and needed to share the news with someone I know would care.
It’s pathetic that the only person I have in the office to tell is my assistant.
You pushed them all away because of her.
I turn for the door, eager to push thoughts of my past from my mind. There’s no room for that when something so positive has happened.
A celebration is in order, but not tonight. There’s too much to do, and I need rest. My turn of the door handle is met with resistance.
“What the fuck?”
I jiggle the handle again, but the door won’t open.
My hands drift blindly over the only thing standing between me and sleep. There’s a keyhole on this side of the door. Meaning it’s a double-cylinder lock, and I’m officially stuck.
Son of a bitch.
Fist banging against the metal, I call out to anyone close enough to hear, but I know it’s no use. The hallway was empty and secluded from the main club. Nobody is going to hear me. Not until the music ceases its deafening level or the club closes for the evening.
Either way, my much-needed night of rest won’t be happening unless Pax decides to actually check his phone for a change. When he’s “entertaining,” his phone is practically a paperweight.
“Fuuuck.”
I make my way to the back, lighting the area with my mobile’s torch feature, remove a chair from the stack, and take a seat before sending off a quick text to Pax.
Me: Locked in cloakroom. Back hallway. Need help.
It isn’t until after I hit send that I realize how ridiculous this situation is.
Things better go off without a hitch tomorrow. My entire career rides on it.
The door handle jiggles, and I smirk.
“Thank God.”
Paxton found me. I may actually kiss the bloke.
When the door pushes open, it’s not Paxton’s large frame shrouded in light but the backside of a woman backing into the cloakroom as though she’s hiding from someone or something.
A mass of blonde waves stops mid-back, and the light streaming in overhead creates a halo effect that has me transfixed. Blinded by the beauty before me, I miss my opportunity to catch the door.
The door clicks shut, and an audible sigh escapes the woman and me simultaneously.
“Well, isn’t this an unexpected turn of events?”
5
Raven
Five minutes earlier . . .
I’m not sure why I thought the line to the ladies’ room would be any less ridiculous this time around. But here I am again, still waiting. And those extra shots didn’t help.
Such a high-class establishment really needs to work on its flow.
With a huff, I admit defeat. I might as well just go home. It will probably take less time to get there then for one of these damn bathroom stalls to be free.
I step out of line and turn, running straight into a firm chest. The man grunts at the impact, and for a few quick moments, I see stars. Shaking it off, my eyes move up, meeting a pair of hazel eyes rimmed in blue.
“Hello there,” he says, smiling down at me.
I recognize him instantly as one of the men outside the VIP room. He’s very attractive but a bit too playboy for my liking.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good flirt, but this guy looks like he’s brokering hookups in his sleep. The charisma oozing off him screams player with a big ole capital P.
“I’m sorry. Per usual, I wasn’t paying attention.”
I offer him my most dazzling smile, and it seems to work. He’s grinning ear to ear.
“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” His eyes remain locked on me, and I have to refrain from rolling my eyes at his lame attempt at conversation.
I lean in conspiratorially, ready to ruin his game. Guys like this are typically easy to chase away. All you have to do is make them uncomfortable.
“Well, you see . . . this setup isn’t working for me,” I say, gesturing to the restroom and line. “So, I figured I’d find a dark alley. It’ll be faster that way.”
His head lolls back, and he barks out a laugh.
Not what I was expecting.
Typically, when you talk to guys about anything bodily, they run for the hills.
He wipes under his eyes. “You’re funny.”
I shrug. “I was only half teasing. That bathroom line is ridiculous. Guess it’s time to call it a night.”
“No alley in your future after all?” His eyes sparkle with mirth.
“No. I’m not the dark alley sort of girl.”
I can’t help but wonder where his friend went. Which girl is he currently entertaining? Why am I even thinking about a guy I’ve never seen up close?
I need help.
“That, I’m glad to hear. It’s not safe for any woman.” The man’s tone is serious, as though he needs to warn me further.
It makes me curious about this guy’s story. What has he seen or been a part of to have such a reaction to a strange woman joking about heading to the alley?
“Noted. I’ll refrain from loitering in dark alleys. In the meantime, I need to find my friends so they can escort me to less unsavory places. Like my apartment.”
His stoic features soften, and a smile spreads across his face.
“Good luck finding your friends. I’ll be sure to tell Mathis you’re not a fan of the restroom situation.”
I shake my head. “Silver is incredible. It’s just the clientele doesn’t understand the concept of in and out.”
“Fair point.” He grins. “Be careful not to bump into anyone else.”
I chuckle. “I shall endeavor to pay attention.” I offer one last smile and turn to leave.
“Miss,” the man calls out, and I turn with one brow raised.
He takes a step toward me and leans in. “There is another private restroom just back off that hall. It’s for VIPs.”
My eyes narrow. “Is that a thing?”
He nods. “At Silver, there is.” His hand lands on my shoulder, twisting me in the opposite direction. “Just past those stairs is a hallway you’ll miss if you blink. Go behind the wall and look for the metal doors. Those are the bathrooms.”
My head bobs in confirmation that I’m following his directions.
“Don’t let anyone see you.”
It occurs to me that I don’t know this guy and having him send me off to some deserted hallway sounds suspect.
I raise a brow. “Why exactly aren’t you using this uber-secret VIP restroom?”
“Guys understand in and out.”
“Touché. But if I end up being dragged into a back alley and stuffed into a van due to this tip you’ve offered, I will curse you for eternity.”
“You are something. No kidnapping will ensue. You have my word.”
I narrow my eyes playfully at the man. “We’ll see.”
He chuckles. “But truly, don’t let anyone else see you go that way. Mathis wants that hallway to remain a secret.”