Page 64 of Nails

He laughed, still smiling as he walked beside her.“With that face and sweet personality?You might cause more than you intend.”

She forced a little laugh, feeling her cheeks flush, though she wasn’t sure if it was from the compliment or the discomfort.

Before she could respond, Adam guided her into the main room of the club.It was still a bit early before the doors opened, but the music was already pulsing through the speakers, and the lights were swirling over the stage.The main lights had been dimmed to make sure that the stage was the main focal point.

Even though the place was empty, she could already feel the energy building, like the place was about to come alive.She couldn’t believe how different it looked compared to when she was in there yesterday.

As they headed toward the main bar directly across from the stage, she scanned the room, hoping to see Nails, but he was nowhere to be seen.

As they approached the bar, she spotted a man dressed in black slacks and a grey button-down dress shirt.He was leaning against the bar, speaking to a petite redheaded woman with bright green eyes and a nose ring.When they got closer, the man turned, and Riley caught his eyes immediately.

She tried not to cringe as his gaze slid over her.Adam’s large hand settled on her lower back, and Riley had to fight the instinct to step away.

“Riley, this is Audrey.Audrey, this is our new girl, Riley.”

The redhead lit up with a friendly smile.“Well, hey there!”

“Hi!It’s nice to meet you,” Riley said with a smile as she reached over the bar and shook Audrey’s hand.

“Girl,” Audrey said, giving her a once-over, “you’re stunning.The other girls are gonna need to step it up tonight.”

“Thank you,” Riley said with a slight laugh.

Going off first impressions, Riley sensed nothing fake about Audrey.She might be someone Riley could squeeze some information from.

Adam then gestured to the man beside her.“This is Erik.He is our head bouncer and general manager.When I’m not around, Erik is in charge.”

General Manager?Riley wondered if Nails knew that.He didn’t mention that at dinner last night.

Erik stepped forward and extended his hand.“Pleasure,” he said.His voice was low and smooth like aged whiskey.

Riley took his hand, giving him a firm but polite shake.His grip was strong, and his dark eyes bored into hers in a way that sent a chill up her spine.Danger practically oozed from him.He reminded her of the quiet but deadly type.

“Welcome to the team,” Erik said.“If you needanything, just holler.”

Something about the way he said the word “anything” made her skin crawl, but she didn’t let it show.

“Thanks,” she said with a small smile.“I’m excited to be here.”She withdrew her hand as quickly as possible without being obvious.

“Well, we will leave you with Audrey for now.She’ll show you how everything works.Then, once things get going, I’ll check in and, if you’re comfortable, have you shadow one of the hostesses for a few hours.How does that sound?”

“Sounds great,” she chirped, trying her best to sound and look like she was excited, though inside her stomach twisted into a knot.

Adam’s gaze raked over her one last time, and he smirked.“Have fun, beautiful.I’ll see you a little later.”

“Bye,” she said, adding a little shyness to her tone.

When she turned back toward the bar, she found Audrey watching her with a mischievous grin.

“What?”Riley asked.

Audrey chuckled, leaning on the bar.“You caught both their eyes.”

Riley’s eyebrows shot upward.“What?No.They’re just being nice because I’m new.I’m sure they’re like that with all the new girls.”

Audrey rolled her eyes playfully.“Listen, I’ve worked here for three years, and I have never seen Adam look at one of us the way he looked at you.I mean, if I knew he wouldn’t get pissed, I would’ve offered him a napkin to wipe his drool.”

Riley gave a shy smile and waved it off.“I really think he is just trying to be welcoming.”