Chapter13
Roman’s apologetic voice cut through the tension, “Ladies, I’m sorry, but please, you have to leave.” He ushered them out, and I caught Rose’s conflicted glance as she hesitated, her confused eyes locked on me with mutual surprise.
I was still seething, my body shaking with anger, struggling to contain the most intense rage I’d ever experienced.
I yanked out my wallet, pulled out my credit card, and handed it to Dexter, my voice barely above a growl, “Pay whatever is necessary. I need some time to cool off. I’ll hail a cab.” Dexter took the card without a word, his eyes wide with a mixture of perplexion and understanding. None of them protested or tried to stop me, they’d never seen me like this before, and they knew better than to push me further.
“As I was passing the long corridor, I stumbled upon a heated confrontation. Taylor’s guests had Rose cornered, their voices booming in anger and blame.
“You’re going to get us fired, Rose,” one of them shouted, her hand grasping her arm tightly.
“We told you to just go along with it, but no, you had to screw it up,” another woman, a blonde added.
“All you had to do was go with the flow for a few hours Rose, you danced so well.” The brunette among them speaks but her tone is softer than the others.
“Fucking timid bitch,” the blonde spat angrily at Rose.
Rose’s eyes flashed with defiance, her lipstick smudged, her mascara running down her cheeks like tears. “I dance well, but I’m not a club dancer, certainly not some plaything for entertainment!” she shot back, her voice trembling.
“‘And to think shaking and trembling wasn’t enough to show your distaste,” the tall woman sneered, her voice dripping with venom. “Your Sugar Daddy had to go and beat the living hell out of our client. Unbelievable! At that Rose expression worsened with misery.
“He’s not-” she hesitates unable to form the right words.
“Just so you know if we get fired because of the stunt you pulled, you’re in trouble.” The blonde seethed, before she turned and stormed off with others following her leaving Rose shaken and alone.
She wiped her nose, hiccupping, and made a quick escape through the back staircase door. I followed her, my curiosity piqued by the mystery surrounding her. Why was a girl from a wealthy and influential family working as a dancer? The question echoed in my mind, drawing me to her like a magnet.
I pushed open the door and found another staircase leading up to the roof. I followed the frail silhouette I had glimpsed, my footsteps echoing off the walls. “Rose?” I called out, my voice carrying on the wind.
She spun around, her eyes wide with surprise and embarrassment. “Ke–Keith,” she stuttered, her hiccups interrupting her words.
I took in our surroundings, the rooftop bar under construction, the building mess, and the scattered tools. But my attention was drawn back to Rose. I spotted a few stacks of water bottles and grabbed one, offering it to her. “Here,” I said, my hand extended,
Still shaking, she took the bottle from me, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made me feel like I was the only person in her world. Her gaze was like a dream she was afraid to wake up from.
She gulped down the water in one swift motion, her thirst evident. Her shaking subsided, replaced by an awkward silence between us. I was lost for words, and she seemed just as tongue–tied.
Finally, she spoke up, her voice soft. “Your hand is bleeding.” I glanced down, noticing the blood for the first time since the glass shattered during the fight.
“I have a medical kit in the makeup room,” she offered timidly.
I waved it off, but she persisted. “There could be glass stuck. I caused the fight, I can at least help you bandage it.” Her words were mixed with guilt and concern.
My mind began to wander, a bloody knuckle wasn’t something I wanted Karissa to see. I hadn’t called her in a while, and she’d be furious if she found out about the fight and the dancers. This wasn’t how I envisioned our bachelor’s night. Chapter13
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“Keith,” Rose said, snapping me back to reality. “Please let me help.” Her pleading eyes locked onto mine, and I nodded silently.
I followed her to the room at the end of the corridor, where she had been confronted earlier. Inside, I saw a vast space with several
makeup tables, a single bed, a couch, and an attached balcony.
“I can do it,” I assured she sighed and I plucked the few chunks of glass, cleaned and dressed the wound. Once done I turned to her, unable to hold the questions rushing inside my mind.
“What happened, Rose? Why are you working here? And as a…?” I trailed off, unsure how to finish.
“I’m not a dancer, I’m a Manager,” she expressed, her eyes meeting mine. I was taken aback. “I work at the Tazer nightclub, and the dancers were sent here on special request, A dancer Cheryl was sick so I was ordered to fill in.” She clarified, making me clench my fist. I have no doubt that it’s Taylor’s doing.
Chapter 13
