She Rogue

6. Bubbles and Secrets

I left Gabriel’s office feeling like I was walking on air and sinking into quicksand all at once. On one hand, I’d secured a new source of income—legitimate, or at least close enough. On the other, I couldn’t shake the memory of his smirk, his gaze, and the strange pull I felt whenever he spoke.

The way he looked at me, the way he suggested that bizarre contract—it was infuriating. And yet, the butterflies in my stomach betrayed me. What is wrong with me?

Trying to steady my thoughts, I reached out inwardly. Aurelia, are you ok there?

Peachy as ever, my wolf replied, her tone amused.

Seriously? Why didn’t you intervene earlier? I thought I’d have to fight my way out of there!

But you didn’t, she said, dismissively. I felt you had it under control. Besides, it was… interesting.

Interesting? That’s all you have to say? I huffed, incredulous.

Relax, Atria. We’ll talk about it when we’re home. For now, enjoy the drink.

And with that, she went quiet again.

Great, I thought bitterly. My wolf was playing games now, too.

I walked back to the bar and was greeted by a young, blond man who looked up from polishing a glass. He was handsome in a boyish way, with a disarming smile that immediately put me at ease.

“Hi, are you Robert?” I asked.

“Hello, Atria,” he said warmly, setting the glass down. “I’ve been expecting you.”

“Nice to meet you, Robert.”

“The pleasure’s all mine, but please, call me Rob,” he said, extending a hand. I shook it, noting his firm but friendly grip. “So, you’ll be starting tomorrow?”

“Yes, at four,” I replied.

“Great. I look forward to showing you the ropes. Can I get you a drink to celebrate your new gig?”

“Umm… what do you recommend?”

Rob’s grin widened. “We’ve got most cocktails, wines, champagne, you name it. How about a glass of champagne? It’s a special occasion, after all.”

“Champagne?” I laughed nervously. “Isn’t that a little… extravagant?”

“Not at all,” Rob replied with a wink. “Gabs suggested it himself. What do you say?”

“Well, in that case…” I hesitated, then smiled. “I’ve never actually tried champagne before, so I’d be delighted.”

“Then we’ll fix that right now.”

He grabbed a fresh bottle from behind the counter, the gold foil catching the light as he expertly popped the cork. The sound drew the attention of a few patrons, but Rob didn’t seem to notice. He poured the bubbly liquid into a sleek flute and handed it to me with a flourish.

“Here you go. Let me know what you think.”

I took a sip, the bubbles tickling my lips and tongue in the strangest but most delightful way. The taste was crisp and light, unlike anything I’d ever had before.

“This is… really nice,” I admitted, smiling. “Thank you, Rob.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, leaning casually against the bar.

“So, what should I expect tomorrow?” I asked, setting the glass down and looking at him. “Gabs said it’ll be a busy night.”

Rob nodded. “It will be. Gabs mentioned you’ve worked in bars before, right?”

“Yes, but nothing like this,” I replied.

“Don’t worry. Start with what you know—wines, spirits, the basics. I’ll handle most of the cocktails until you’re comfortable. It’s all about teamwork here.”

I nodded, feeling a little more at ease.

“Oh, and you’ll want to be ready for the three floors,” Rob added, grinning at my puzzled expression.

“Three floors?” I echoed, confused. “I didn’t even notice two.”

Rob chuckled. “This place is bigger than it seems. The main floor is for regulars—the rogue crowd, mostly. The VIP areas are downstairs in the game room and upstairs on the balcony. That’s where the Elite like to play.”

“Play?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You’ll see,” he said cryptically. “But don’t worry, you’re in good hands. Just be ready to keep up with drinks and moods. Things can get a little wild past midnight, especially when the VIPs get… involved.”

I swallowed hard. “And it’s just the two of us serving?”

“There are other bars on the other floors,” Rob assured me. “But we’re responsible for this one. You’ll see—it’ll all make sense tomorrow.”

Just as I was finishing my champagne, a deep voice rumbled behind me. “C’mon, pumpkin, let’s get you home.”

I turned to see Mark looming behind me, his large frame making the space feel smaller.

“Thank you, Rob,” I said, standing.

“See you tomorrow,” Rob replied, but not before handing Mark the sealed champagne bottle. “This is hers.”

I blinked in surprise as Mark took the bottle without a word, nudging me toward the exit before I could protest.

*******

Gabriel leaned back in his chair, the silence of his office pressing against him. The chaos of the day was a slow burn beneath his skin, simmering into anger. Someone had crossed a line.

Elias wasn’t just his barman; he was in charge of special operations—a key player in keeping the club’s more delicate dealings running smoothly. Few knew the extent of Elias’s role, but whoever had taken him out clearly did.

This wasn’t random. It was calculated.

Gabriel’s wolf growled low in his chest as he pieced it together. The timing was too perfect, too precise. Whoever orchestrated this wanted to shake the foundation of his operations, and the only reason to do that was the negotiations tomorrow.

They know, Gabriel thought grimly. Someone knows.

He quickly tapped out a message on his phone, his fingers moving with purpose.

Elias had been more than an enforcer; he had been a trusted confidant, a silent operator who ensured Gabriel stayed one step ahead.

Losing him on the eve of something so critical wasn’t just inconvenient—it was dangerous.

Gabriel exhaled slowly, his thoughts shifting to Atria.

She was an unexpected complication.

She rogue had walked into his club as though fate itself had delivered her there. But while desperation and survival had driven her through the door, there was something else beneath the surface. Something he couldn’t ignore.

His wolf stirred again, restless, pushing against the edges of his control. Gabriel clenched his fists, tamping it down. She was a puzzle, one he wasn’t sure if he wanted to solve or preserve.

Why does she unsettle me like this?

He thought of the way her hand had felt in his—warm, trembling, but unwilling to fully let go. Her scent lingered in the air, faint but undeniable, a mix of earth and something sweeter. She wasn’t like the others who had come to him for refuge or work. She wasn’t afraid of him—at least, not entirely.

Who are you, Atria?

The sharp buzz of his phone cut through his thoughts. Gabriel picked up instantly.

“Alpha Draven,” he greeted, his voice steady.

“Is everything ready for the discussions tomorrow?” The Alpha’s voice was sharp, each word delivered with cold precision.

“Yes, Alpha,” Gabriel replied.

“Make sure the rogues stay on their floor,” Draven ordered. “We don’t need another incident.”

“It won’t happen again,” Gabriel assured him, his tone unwavering.

“It better not,” Draven said curtly before ending the call with a click.

Gabriel stared at the phone for a moment, his jaw tightening. Draven’s confidence was less a show of trust and more a thinly veiled warning.

Failure wasn’t an option. Not with Draven watching.

Gabriel leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk as his fingers steepled under his chin. Tomorrow wasn’t just about the VIPs or the deals being brokered. It was about control. Any sign of weakness, any crack in the foundation, would be exploited.

And whoever had targeted Elias clearly knew that.

Without hesitation, Gabriel dialed another number. The phone rang twice before a familiar voice answered.

“Max.”

“I need backup for tomorrow,” Gabriel said, his tone firm.

“You’re expecting trouble?” Max’s voice was gruff, but there was a hint of amusement in it.

“I’m ensuring there isn’t any. Bring your best. No mistakes.”

Max paused, then said, “Understood. I’ll handle it.”

Gabriel hung up, his mind already racing through contingencies.

The attack on Elias had thrown him off balance, but not for long. Whoever had dared to challenge him would learn what it meant to cross Gabriel.

And then there was Atria.

She was a question mark in a game that required precision. Her presence was unexpected, her timing suspicious. But she was also something else—something he hadn’t encountered in a long time.

The wolf inside him growled softly, impatient.

One step at a time, Gabriel thought, his gaze darkening. I’ll find out everything about you, Atria. One way or another.