She searched his face. Saw the hunger there, and a flash of something softer. “Deal,” she said.
Nico pulled out his phone, tapped twice, and sent a text. “Car will be here in fifteen. Finish your shift if you want. Or walk out now. Your call.”
Ava looked around the bar…. sticky counters, half-drunk patrons, Jess pretending not to eavesdrop from the other end. She untied her apron and dropped it on the bar.
“I’m done.”
He put a hand on her lower back as they headed for the door. She didn’t pull away.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at One57, and he led her through the private elevator, hallway, into the same bedroom.
“Welcome home, Ava.”
Nico locked the door behind them. The click echoed.
Ava stood in the middle of the room, still rocking that black dress from the bar. She watche
