She Rogue

5. Into the Den

I couldn’t believe my luck. I had walked into this club dreading the worst, and now I had a real job—one I actually came here for.

Sure, it was temporary, but it was something. Maybe this was just the beginning. If I proved myself, who knows what opportunities might open up? And the best part? I wouldn’t have to do something I wasn’t ready for.

A grin spread across Gabriel’s lips, and I had to look away for a moment, the weight of his gaze making my stomach flip.

“I’m glad we can help each other out,” he said, extending his hand for a handshake.

This time, I didn’t hesitate. I placed my hand in his, his firm grip enveloping mine. Warmth radiated through me as he held it just a moment longer than necessary.

“I know it’s a long first shift,” he continued, his voice smooth, “but I need you to be on time—and, if possible, early. We’ll need to finalize some paperwork.”

“Paperwork?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “For a temp job?”

“Yes, Atria, it’s necessary,” he replied, his tone sharpening slightly. “You’ll need to sign a confidentiality contract. There are things you might see here… things I can’t afford to have leave the walls of this club.”

His gaze lingered on my lips for a moment, and I caught the flick of his tongue against his own before he looked back into my eyes like nothing had happened. My breath caught in my throat.

“Do I need to know anything else before I start?” I managed, trying to ignore the strange pull I felt toward him.

“Just be on time,” he said, his smirk returning. “Wear comfortable footwear—but not sneakers. We keep things classy here. You’ll receive a uniform when you arrive. Bamby will show you around, and Robert will train you at the bar.”

“All clear,” I said, nodding.

“Good. Get proper rest tonight.” His tone softened slightly, though his eyes remained as intense as ever. “Do you have any commitments this evening or tomorrow morning?”

“None,” I admitted. “I can rest.”

“Perfect.” Gabriel leaned back slightly, his gaze still fixed on me. “I’ll have the kitchen prepare something for you, and Mark will arrange a ride home.”

“There’s no need,” I protested.

“Nonsense.” He waved a hand dismissively. “You’re working a long shift tomorrow, and we have VIP guests arriving. You’ll need to look and feel presentable. This place operates like a big, happy, kinky family, Atria. Everyone here knows each other and trusts that they’re safe. You’ll be under a lot of scrutiny as the new face. I need you at your best.”

“I understand,” I said quietly

.

“Good. It’s been a pleasure, Atria.” His voice dropped slightly, and for a moment, it felt like the room held its breath. “Go to the bar and tell Robert I sent you. Relax, have a drink, and wait for Mark.”

“Okay,” I replied, realizing there was no point in arguing with him.

Gabriel pressed a button on his desk, and the door opened. Mark stepped in, his towering frame filling the doorway.

As I walked toward the bar, I couldn’t help but feel Gabriel’s gaze lingering on me, its weight almost tangible.

*******

“What the hell happened to Elias?” Gabriel barked the moment I left the room.

Mark’s expression darkened. “He crashed his motorcycle. Rough condition, but we both know this wasn’t an accident.”

“Someone’s sending a message,” Gabriel growled, his jaw tightening.

“No kidding.”

Gabriel stood, pacing behind his desk. “Find out who dared to mess with us. You know who we’ll have to answer to if tomorrow’s event goes south.”

“On it,” Mark said.

Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “The girl,” he said, changing the subject. “She starts at the bar tomorrow. I want you to see where she lives when you drop her off. Pick her up for her shift. And get the kitchen to send some food with her—she looks like she hasn’t eaten in days.”

Mark hesitated. “At the bar?”

“Yes, the bar,” Gabriel snapped, his tone sharp before softening slightly. “I need information on her, Mark. Where did she come from? Who told her about this place?”

Mark tilted his head. “People know this club, Gabs. I assumed she came through the agency.”

“She didn’t,” Gabriel said, his voice low and dangerous. “And that intrigues me. She’s a rogue—clearly—but there’s something different about her. Find out everything.”

Mark smirked. “So, I guess you wish she was from the agency.”

Gabriel’s eyes darkened, and his smirk was cold. “Don’t worry, old friend. She’ll be mine when the time is right. For now, we have more pressing matters to handle.”

He turned away, his expression hardening as he added, “And Mark, tell Bamby to send the agency girls away. We won’t need them.”

Mark gave a low whistle. “Got it, boss.”

Gabriel stood alone in his office, his expression thoughtful as he stared at the closed door.

Who is this girl? he wondered. How did she find her way here?

She was just another rogue, or so it seemed. But there was something about her. Something he couldn’t ignore.

He clenched his fists. Between tomorrow’s VIP event, Elias in the hospital, and this girl, his patience was wearing thin.

Whoever was trying to mess with him would regret it. That much was certain.