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I had just put my phone back in my purse when a line of men began to walk down the stairs. I recognize Bash and Tristan coming down in front, whispering together. I see the tips of Blue’s hair behind the tallest man I have ever seen.

When he turns his eyes to me, I freeze.

My heartbeat speeds up, and my hands start to shake slightly in my lap, causing my breath to catch. He is the exact opposite of Bash. Dark from head to toe. His black hair is wavy, falling over his eye, catching on his eyelash, and brushing his shoulders. We stare at each other as they all, as a group, stop in front of us. I can’t look away. His eyes are a lovely shade of blue, but the unusual part is the ring of white at the edge. I’ve never seen anything like it. His presence is overwhelming with its intensity. The power it holds over me is startling.

My body decided this was an excellent time to kick start again for the first time in years. This man is so far out of my league. Why am I so drawn to him? I swore off men.

“Serenity?” The god says, or man, I mean Ryker, I assume.

“Yes?” I pant. Fuck. Not a good time to get turned on.

He chuckles, “I’m Ryker. I own the club.” He holds out his hand.

I jumped back and hit my back on the rail of the bar. His smile slips, and a scowl takes its place. “Sorry. You startled me.” I make an excuse; I can’t fuck this up just because he moved fast. I slip my hand in his and gasp at the vibration that travels from him to me. Something is happening, but I have no idea what. My attraction to him shouldn’t cause all of this. I should not feel this drawn to a stranger.

“I’m glad you came in.” He takes a step forward which makes me retreat as much as possible. A discrete cough from Harmony draws his gaze. He slowly steps back so he is standing between Bash and Tristan. “Can you start tonight?”

“Sure. I filled out the papers. Can I ask a question, though?” I ask him.

“Of course, anything.”

“Do you have to call my last place of work for a reference?” Please don’t make a big deal out of it.

“No. May I ask why?” He looks at me intently.

“I would rather not say. I did work there. I have the experience,” I assure him.

“Don’t worry about it. If you don’t want me to, I won’t.”

“Really? That’s it?” I ask and glance at Blue when he laughs.

“I hope someday you’ll feel comfortable enough to tell me why.” He puts his hands in his pockets. If he's trying to make himself look non-threatening, it’s not working. One look at him, the knives on his body, and you know he could do damage.

How did I land in this place filled with beautiful people? They all seem nice enough, but there is something under the surface I’m just not aware of. Do you know when you aren’t in on the joke? That’s how this feels.

The weird thing is I’m not drawn to Bash or Tristan the way I am to Ryker. I’m terrified of him but simultaneously want to be near him, touching him in ways I haven’t desired for a very long time.

“So, should you get her a uniform?” Harmony breaks the tension.

“Yes,” Bash says.

“No.” Ryker glares at Bash with his jaw clenched.

“Ryker, I’m sure Serenity doesn’t mind wearing one. She is getting paid to work here.” Harmony huffs and widens her eyes at him.

“I’m good with wearing what the other waitresses wear.” My eyes dart back and forth between them.

Blue is grinning at Ryker like a madman, Tristan is staring behind the bar intently, his lips twitching, and Bash is nudging Ryker subtly in the side.

“Of course.” Ryker’s smile is tight.

“Come with me, Ren. I know where they are.” Harmony breaks away from Blue and holds her arm out to me.

I take one more glance at Ryker and then let her lead. His burning gaze is hot on my back, following me from the room. Even when we are out of view, I still feel the heat.

Chapter Five

Ryker