Page 29

Charley stopped at the curb in front of her apartment complex. She looked to the right, then the left, and again to the right. She crossed the street and headed up the walkway to The Bowery. At least it was only across the street.

With spending all of her time at Nash’s, it was by crazy coincidence she happened to be home when Keely called with a desperate plea.

“The guy I matched with on the app asked me out.” Her tone hiked, and she squealed. The high pitch was enough for Charley to pull the phone away from her ear. “Can you believe it? He’s so hot!”

Charley chuckled, pressing the phone to her ear. “That’s great, Keely.”

“I know. Right? So, I need to borrow that green top you have. You know, the one from Elle’s store?”

Charley knew exactly which top she was referring to. It was a beautiful shirt, slightly low-cut without being too revealing…on Charley. However, Keely was blessed in a department where Charley lacked. Her A cup compared to Keely’s C cup would look a lot different in the shirt.

“Are you sure? It’s really low cut.”

Keely burst out laughing. “Why do you think I’m asking to borrow it?”

Charley chuckled and walked to her bedroom. “Do you want me to drop it off at your apartment?”

“I’m actually running behind.”

There was no surprise in that statement. If being late was an Olympic sport, Keely would win Gold every time.

“Can you meet me at The Bowery in an hour? My shift starts at six, and I’ll get it from you then.”

“Okay.”

*

Promptly at five fifty-five, Charley walked over.

There were a few cars pulling into the lot, but they had to be employees.

She’d come to learn her new neighbors didn’t open their doors until seven, and the line wouldn’t start forming for another half hour.

The Bowery didn’t have the same crowd as the X-Lounge, but it was busy every night they were open.

She grabbed the door and walked inside. There were a few people pulling chairs down from tables as she glanced around. It was her first time in the club. It had a similar vibe of the X-Lounge but not quite as big.

“Can I help you?”

Charley turned toward the male voice and locked eyes on the guy behind the bar. She gave a short wave as she made her way across the room. He had his hands pressed on the bar and offered a welcoming smile.

“Hi. I’m meeting my friend. She works here and asked me to drop something off.”

“Who’s your friend?”

“Keely.”

He stilled and stared back at her. She was seconds from offering Keely’s last name when he broke out in a smile.

“You must be Charley.”

She was taken aback but nodded.

He laughed and reached out his hand. “Heard a lot about you. I’m Killian, Keely’s brother.”

Charley rushed forward and shook his hand. Keely talked about her brother all the time. While there were a few complaints, there was no doubt of her fondness.

“It’s so nice to meet you. She talks about you all the time too.”

He let go of her hand and straightened. “As Keely’s best friend, this should come as no shock. She’s late.”

Charley snickered. “I’m not surprised.”

He smiled and pointed to the stool. “Have a seat and you can…”

“What the fuck do you mean it’s not there?”

Charley jumped back and followed the voice. A man in a dark gray suit had the phone up to his ear, his hand on his hip, and a glare harsh enough to make anyone run for cover.

“Yeah, I suggest you fucking find it, motherfucker. ’Cause if I gotta come down there, you ain’t going home tonight. Or fucking ever!”

What the…

The man ripped the phone from his ear and started to the stairs, but for some reason whipped his head around and caught her staring.

Charley immediately looked over at Killian, who appeared just as tense as she felt.

She refused to look back at the man, but when she heard the footsteps, she cringed.

“Who the fuck are you?”

Charley looked up to the most menacing pair of eyes she’d ever come across.

“Rogue, this is…” Killian never got to finish the introduction. Rogue jerked his head and glared.

“Am I fucking talking to you, Kill?”

“No, sir.”

“Then, shut the fuck up,” he snapped and turned back to Charley. “I gotta ask again?”

Oh shit.

She licked her lips, prepared to acknowledge his question, but she wasn’t quick enough.

“Who the fuck are you?”

“Charley Hudson.” She blurted.

He furrowed his brows. “Charley Hudson?”

She nodded.

“Well, Charley Hudson . I don’t fucking know you, so why the fuck are you in my club?”

“Rogue.”

Her gaze darted to the man approaching. He was slightly younger with dark hair. His scowl was aimed at Rogue as he came to stand next to him. Rogue ignored the man, keeping his glare on her.

“I was dropping something off for my friend.” She hooked her thumb over her shoulder and started to back up. “I’ll wait outside.”

“The fuck you will. Get your ass back here.”

Charley froze and clutched the bag.

“Rogue,” the man scolded and leaned closer, whispering something Charley couldn’t hear. Rogue’s gaze sharpened, and he lifted his chin. His gaze dropped down her body, inspecting. It lacked any ounce of interest and was laced in suspicion.

The man next to him stepped forward. He was equally intimidating but somehow not as scary.

“I’m Trey, a friend of Elle’s.”

Oh, thank God.

“I believe you work for her?” Trey asked.

“Yes, sir.” Charley nodded. “I’m the manager at The Boutique.”

His gaze softened. Rogue’s did not.

“Why the fuck didn’t you say that?” Rogue snapped and walked to the bar. He tapped it, and without saying a word, Killian rushed to the liquor wall, grabbing a bottle of bourbon. Keely’s brother was quick, placing the glass in front of Rogue in record time.

Charley hadn’t answered him, but he didn’t seem to push for more. She watched as he grabbed the glass and took it down in one mouthful. He slammed the glass on the bar top, never looking away.

“Work for Elle?”

“Yes.”

“She send you down here?”

“No.”

His brows dipped in a tight scowl. “Then why the fuck are you here?”

“I was dropping off something for Keely. We’re friends. It’s just a shirt she asked to borrow.”

Rogue eyed the bag.

She started to retreat again. “I can wait for her outside.”

Please. Let me leave.

“Or?” Rogue raised his brows, which felt almost mocking. “You can wait at the fucking bar. Sit your ass down.”

Charley rushed over to the stool and sat. What the hell is happening? Who is this man? They were only curious thoughts. Though, she wouldn’t dare ask.

Rogue pointed to Killian. “Get her a drink.”

“Yes, sir,” Killian said.

She peeked over her shoulder and watched Rogue and Trey walk away. When they reached the stairs, Rogue looked back, and she immediately swiveled in her seat, giving him her back. It was another few seconds before anyone spoke.

“Rogue’s the owner, along with Trey,” Killian said with a smile. “And believe it or not, that was polite for Rogue.”

Really?

Charley settled into her stool, sipping her soda and chatting with Killian until Keely arrived.

Twenty minutes later. Charley didn’t mention the confrontation and just fed off Keely’s excitement as she went on about her upcoming date.

Charley was eager to listen, but after fifteen minutes, her brother reminded her she was on the clock.

“Alright. I’m gonna walk Charley out.”

Killian tossed his rag on the bar and leveled his eyes. “Keely.”

“What?” Keely shrugged. “It would be rude if I didn’t.”

Charley battened down her snicker and waved to Killian. It was clear Keely was stalling on starting her shift and using every excuse. Charley wouldn’t call her out on it. I’m sure Killian will later.

She opened the door, holding it for Keely as she passed through.

Keely held up the bag with the shirt. “Thanks for the loan.”

“Anytime,” Charley said as they stepped on to the sidewalk. “Have a great…” She clamped her lips when a car slowed down passing them. There were three people inside, but she was solely focused on the driver, who stared her down. Charley’s heart raced, and she stilled, watching it slowly pass by.

Zeke.

One or two run-ins could’ve been deemed coincidence, but clearly he wasn’t just passing by. He’s following me.

“Fucking creeper,” Keely said, completely unaffected.

Meanwhile, Keely was on the verge of having a panic attack. She rubbed the center of her chest as her breath labored.

“Hey.” Keely grabbed her arm. “What’s wrong?”

Charley was completely prepared to brush it off. The last thing she wanted was to drag her best friend into her colossal mess of a life.

“You’re about to lie to me.”

Charley spun around, and Keely grasped her forearms. “I can tell. You’re gonna give me some bullshit story about how it’s nothing, and I shouldn’t worry.”

What the… How the heck did she know that?

“You’re my best friend, Charley. Don’t lie to me.”

Shit. Her shoulders sagged, and she drew in a breath. The car had made a right at the corner and disappeared from sight. For now.

“Remember that night when you came over to get ready for the X-Lounge?”

“Yeah.”

“And that guy that was there?”

Keely looked down the street then back to her. She shot out her arm. “Was that him? Is he following you?”

“I don’t know,” she muttered.

“Well, who the hell is he?”

Charley swallowed the knot in her throat, knowing once she told Keely, her friend would go into panic mode. “Cody’s dealer.”

“What?” Keely widened her eyes.

“That night when you came over, he was there because he says Cody was holding something for him, which I can only assume was drugs. He tore up his room but couldn’t find it.

And I swear, when I moved, there was nothing there.

But this is the second time I’ve seen him since then. I think he’s trying to scare me.”

It’s working.

“Have you told Nash?”

Charley was taken aback by the question.

“No,” Charley blurted.

“Why not? If this guy is threatening you, you should tell Nash.”