Page 127 of The Toy Maker

“Course.” He scooped some ice into a new glass and started working his magic. “It’s hard to forget the girl who had Jason’s fingers up her pussy in front of my bar.”

My cheeks burned, but I pushed past the embarrassment. “You know him?”

“Yeah, he was a regular.” He poured something amber-colored over the ice, giving the glass a slow swirl. I felt like an idiot. I realized then that I was never different from the rest. Jason had probably brought dozens of women here, played the same games, whispered the same filthy words in their ears.

The bartender must have noticed my silence, because he leaned in and said, “I don’t know what you’re packing down there, but it must be pretty damn special.”

I gave him a funny look. “What?”

“He usually just sits over there and watches the show.” He nodded to a corner in the back.

I followed his gaze, my heart quickening when I spotted the empty booth. The leather seating, the vantage point of the entireroom—it was perfectly placed for someone who preferred to observe rather than participate.

The bartender slid a drink toward me, interrupting my thoughts.

“What’s this?” I examined the creamy-colored drink.

“A Screaming Orgasm.” He grinned before turning away to help someone else and leaving me to sip on my orgasm alone.

But that was until I heard my name being called from across the room. I turned to see a half-drunk Latina weaving through the crowd.

I prepared myself for the beatdown of the century and chugged as much alcohol as I could before she got to me.

It wasn’t long enough.

Before I could make out one word, Jade tackled me.

“Why don’t you answer my phone calls?” She smacked my shoulder and glared at me. Her eyes were lined with a smudged wing of eyeliner, and her glossy lips were slightly parted. She looked hot—like she’d been dancing all evening.

“I just needed some time,” I mumbled.

“Yeah.” She plopped down onto the barstool next to me, her face softening with sympathy. “It really sucks what he did. Over an expired contract?”

That’s what he was telling people?

Was it so awful to admit that there was something happening between us?

I scoffed, “Understatement of the fucking century.” I waved the bartender over for another drink.

Jade nodded and started to peel the label off her beer.

“What’s up?” Whenever Jade was quiet, I knew something was wrong.

“Were you and Jason…” she trailed off. “A thing?”

My fingers tightened around my glass. I glanced up at her. “Where did you hear that?”

“Amy’s been running her mouth. You know how she is.”

I stared at myself in the mirror across the bar. My eyes were dark and distant; even I wouldn’t recognize myself.

“They’re just rumors, right?” Jade pressed, searching my face for reassurance. “You didn’t actually sleep with him?”

I tipped my head back and took a long, burning sip before I admitted it. I screwed the boss.

Jade’s eyes widened. “Oh my God, you didn’t.”

“I did.” I shrugged my shoulders in defeat.