Page 27 of Risking it All

I immediately thought about the position that was left vacant when we got rid of Darius. So far, Nicholas and Reed had been ping-ponging his tasks. Z’s pretty ass would be perfect for the job, especially dealing with bullheaded men and their demands. If it weren’t for her trying to hide, I would have offered her the job on the spot. I knew it wasn’t a good time for her to be in the forefront, so there was no use in me even bringing it up.

“This might seem hard, but we will take it one day at a time. How about that?”

“OK. One question, though. When do I start working? I need something to occupy my mind.”

“Give yourself a day or two or a week to rest. I’ll let the laundry department know to expect you in a few days. I figure since it’s located on the back side of the elevators on the basement floor, you won’t have to see anyone you don’t want to run into by being out in one of the restaurants or show rooms.”

“Makes sense. Plus, I’m used to working with clothes. It shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Good. You ready?”

She grabbed my arm to stop me before I could open the door. “One more question, boss.”

I chuckled as I settled back in my seat. “I’m not your boss.”

“Is it too late to discuss my salary? I’m perfectly fine with working for room and board, but since I’m starting over, I’ll need to buy a lot of stuff in the near future. Eventually, I would want to move out of here.”

“I get it. Room and board are complementary. Our staff is compensated fairly, but I’ll get the paperwork together for that department.”

“OK,” she said, finally reaching over to open her door.

“Z, if you open that door, I will tear your ass up.”

Her eyes bugged as she whipped her head over to look at me. “What?”

“I’m not gon’ put my hands on you, ever, but I got something for your ass if you open that damn door. I don’t allow women to open their own door in my presence. Have you opened a door since we met?”

She squinted as she seemed to ponder my question. “Now that you mention it, I haven’t.”

“Don’t think you’re going to start now. Especially now that I know what I know.”

She rolled her eyes playfully but placed her hands back in her lap. “Yes, sir.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Although there were only a few of us with access to the underground parking deck, I scanned the lot as I got out of the car and walked around to open Z’s door. I reached for her hand and helped her out of the car. I couldn’t miss the way she clung to me as we moved to the private entrance. It felt good that she trusted me to keep her safe. As long as I was around, she didn’t have a thing in the world to worry about. As we walked toward the door, she stumbled, tripping on my feet. I put my hand on her to steady her.

“Sorry. I’m walking so close to you I’m about to trip both of us,” she said, putting some distance between us.

“You don’t have to apologize. I like having you under me,” I told her, scanning my hand to let us into the building.

She grinned. “Why do I feel like that has a double meaning?”

“Because it does.” I winked.

“Then why are you making me stay here at the hotel instead of with you?”

“I feel like with everything you’re going through, you need a little space. I don’t want you to feel obligated to me or to do anything you’re not comfortable with just because I’m helping you. Besides, I stay here most of the time anyway. I’m not leaving you, mama. I wouldn’t dare.”

Once again, I scanned my hand, letting us onto the executive elevator.

“Let me find out you’re married to your career.”

“Oh, I thought that was already apparent.”

“Thank you for that, too, I guess. That means you won’t be too far if I need you.”

We stepped off the elevator on the floor right below the penthouse suites. There was executive housing for those of us who didn’t want to go home. Like I’d told Z in the elevator, I had pretty much taken up permanent residence here. There were six suites. Three of them were empty since one was mine. Chris and one of the high roller dealers occupied the others. I pulled out my wallet and removed my universal key card to let us in the room.