Hey, are you Okay ? I knew she was crying because Carter had threatened her job, and I was pretty sure that Darrell had taken it even farther after he followed her into the kitchen.
Yes, Ma’am.
I kept my voice soft as I approached her, You don’t sound or look like it. What did Darrell say to you ?
It’s nothing Ma’am. Please, let it be. I, I can’t afford to loose my job.
I walked to the sink and pulled some tissues from the wall and ran them under the cool water. I’m sorry for how Carter talked to you in front of everyone. Trust me, I know how much of an ass he and Darrell can be. I gave her a sympathetic smile. May I ?
Jenny nodded her head and I proceeded to clean the streaks of running mascara from her cheeks. After a few minutes, I had her face cleaned up and the streaks blended so that other than her red eyes, it would be hard for anyone to tell that she had been crying.
Thank you. Her voice was soft and full of gratitude. You’re not like the rest of the girls that Mr. Stephens has working for him.
I shook my head, That’s because I don’t, and won’t ever, work for him.
Jenny’s mouth twisted into an oh. I watched as her brown eyes lit up and she threw her hand over her mouth, Oh my God. You’re the Lea.
I furrowed my brows, What do you mean by the Lea ?
Jenny smiled and I let out a puff of air as she pulled me into a tight hug. She released me and stepped back, her eyes now glistening with amusement and awe, You are the Lea that Mr. Stephens has fallen head over heels for.
Carter’s P. O. V.
I watched as Lea left for the ladies room with Eva and her two guards. I was pissed, not at Lea, but at myself. I had gotten relaxed in my conversation with her and had inadvertently revealed that I owned the club.
She was smart and quick to pick up on my slip up. I had meant what I told her ; I didn’t want her to know anymore of what it was that I was involved in than was necessary. Just her being close to me, and me feeling for her put Lea at risk.
I leaned my elbows on the table and pressed the palms of my hands into my eyes and cursed myself under my breath.
I looked up as Darrell pulled out the chair to my left and sat down. What has she done to get under your skin tonight, Boss ?
She didn’t do anything, I blew out a breath, for once.
Darrell took a sip of the drink he had brought with him to the table. That’s a first. If it wasn’t Lea, then what has you pissed ?
Is it that obvious ?
Yes.
I ran a hand through my hair and spoke quietly. After Jenny left to place our order, Lea scolded me for embarrassing the girl in front of everyone. I inadvertently implied that Jenny was an employee and,
And Lea being Lea made the connection that if Jenny was your employee, you owned the club.
Yes. I leaned back in my chair and looked out over the club and my associates.
And why is that such a bad thing ? Darrell sat back in his chair and glanced around the room as well.
We might have been at one of the clubs that I owned, but that didn’t lessen the threats that we faced. If anything, it increased them. Even though it was a members only club, we knew that Miguel’s or Scarbrough’s men could gain access by posing as a patron. And even though we had security measures in place to help deter their entrance, they weren’t one hundred percent reliable.
Insomniac required an access code to enter the garage. Those codes, along with a surveillance photo of the driver, and the make, model, and licenses plate of every vehicle that drove through the gates, were stored into our data base and scanned against known affiliates of our two largest rival organizations.
You know why Darrell. The more she actually knows about what we do, the more she can be used against us if she is ever taken in. If that were to happen, I wouldn’t be able to keep Mother from issuing Lea’s death warrant.
No disrespect intended Boss, but don’t you think that was something you should have thought about before bringing her in our midst and falling for her ? She is going to find out eventually what all it is that we do, whether you tell her yourself or someone mentions a job in passing.
I knew that Darrell was right, he usually was. I know. But for now, I need to keep as much of that away from her as possible.
I looked up as the doors opened and Lea, Eva, and Paul and Samuel walked back in. The two girls were smiling as they talked. Once they reached our table, Eva gave me a nod.
She’s a keeper Boss.
Glad you approve Eva.
Lea shot me a questioning glance as Eva walked back to her table. Was she some kind of test ?
Darrell excused himself, as did Paul and Samuel.
Yes.
Damn I’m good, Lea mumbled as she took her seat. Lea caught my questioning glance and shook her head, Nothing.
Jenny walked out a few minutes later balancing a tray in one hand and struggling with a fold out stand with the other.
Here, let me help. Lea quickly stood and took the stand from Jenny.
You don’t have to Ms. Lea. I can..
Lea cut Jenny off, Nonsense. It’s the least I can do to make up for the way these baboons around here talked to you.
Jenny’s eyes went wide and I fought back a smile as I, along with half the dining room, watched Lea unfolded the stand and helped Jenny set the large tray down.
Thank you Ma’am.
You’re welcomed Jenny. Lea turned to take her seat but stopped as she noticed she was being watched. She looked around the room and threw her hands in the air. What ? You all act like you haven’t ever seen someone help someone else out before. Gees. Maybe you all should try it one day. It does the body good.
Laughter erupted from several of the tables as everyone returned to their meals. Paul and Samuel simply shook their heads at their charge’s outburst. Lea rolled her eyes and sat back down as Jenny placed our plates in front if us.
Jenny shot Lea a grateful look and nodded a thanks. Will there be anything else I can get for you, Mr. Stephens, Ms. Lea ?
No thank you Jenny. Lea looked expectantly to me as she spoke, Carter ?
I kept my voice steady as I spoke, No thank you Jenny.
I waited until Jenny left the room and turned to Lea.
Mind explaining why she went from looking like she wanted to blow you up with her mind, as you put it, to looking at you as if you are her hero ?