chapter26
“Finish this bottle, and the bill is on me,” drawled Gage Slater. In Jindale City, the name Slater carried weight, but Gage was the dark shadow behind it—a man known for his predatory nature and a reputation that made decent people cross the street.
Elysia, who had never encountered someone of his ilk, blinked in confusion. “Me? You want me to drink this?”
“Every last drop. Don't leave a single one behind.”
“But… sir, this bottle is worth a fortune. Are you sure?” Elysia tried to remain professional, though his lecherous gaze, roaming unashamedly over her, made her skin crawl. She realized she had walked into a trap set by a lowlife. Forcing an apologetic smile, she tried to decline. “I’m sorry, but I took some cold medicine earlier. I can’t mix it with alcohol.”
Gage’s expression soured instantly. “Then take the bottle with you. We’re done with it.”
Elysia was stunned. “The bar rules are clear, sir. Once a bottle is opened, it cannot be returned.”
“Heh, did I ask you to open it? You did that on your own. If it can’t go back, you’re footing the bill.”
Elysia felt the anger rising but kept her voice steady. “You instructed me to open it. There are security cameras in this room that can verify that.”
The room erupted in mocking laughter. “Cameras? In a private lounge? Honey, people come here for privacy, not a documentary. You really don’t get out much, do you?”
The mockery continued as someone else chimed in, “You should be grateful Mr. Slater has taken a shine to you. Drink up. Keep him happy, and you could be set for life. Do you even know who he is? He could make or break you with a snap of his fingers.”
Elysia looked at the bottle—a hundred thousand dollars. It was more than she could earn in a year, yet to these people, it was just the price of a night’s amusement. If she were forced to pay, her life would be over.
After a few seconds of tense silence, Elysia managed a different kind of smile. “My mistake, Mr. Slater. It’s far too loud in here for a proper conversation. Why don't we find somewhere quieter to… chat?”
Gage’s interest piqued, a lecherous chuckle escaping him as he stood up. “Now you’re talking. Let’s find a nice, secluded spot for a deep conversation.”
The room hooted with crude suggestions as Elysia led him out. She felt sick to her stomach, her heart hammering against her ribs, but she kept her composure as she walked through the service door.
Tarquin stepped out of the elevator just in time to see Elysia slip through the heavy safety door, followed closely by Gage, who was muttering crude endearments under his breath.
Behind that door lay the dimly lit corridors of the bar—places where stories unfolded away from the public eye. Lowell, standing beside Tarquin, looked uncomfortable. “That’s Ms. Thorne and Gage Slater…”
Suddenly, a sharp, piercing scream shattered the silence.
Lowell’s face turned pale. “Tarquin, she might be in trouble.”
Tarquin frowned. He was reluctant to get involved in the messy affairs of the bar, but the thought of Elijah made him quicken his pace toward the source of the commotion. He pushed through the safety door, expecting the worst.
Instead, he witnessed a scene that defied all his expectations…