Page 21 of Submitting to Them

There’s still half an hour left of my shift, so I try to shove those thoughts aside so I can focus on waiting tables.I’m coming back from dropping off drinks at a six-top, ready to load up some food that just got put on the counter for another of my tables, when Nicholas stops me.

“The restroom needs attention,” he says.

“Again?I just cleaned it up.”

“People have to go,” he says.

“That’s not fair,” I say.“I cleaned it last.You should take a turn.”

“I didn’t ask what you think about my managerial strategies.”

I feel like I’m in some kind of surreal altercation, where things aren’t making sense.He has to see that he’s making unreasonable demands.He has to see that he isn’t treating me fairly.Then again, why should I feel differently after the shit he pulled, stealing my Saturday game night shift?

I notice his hands are damp and they smell like the bathroom soap.Pointing at them, I say, “Didyoujust come out of the bathroom?”

He smirks.“Maybe.”

“Then why didn’tyouclean it?”

“Because I’m telling you it’syourjob.I’mthe manager.Idecide.”

I wouldn’t be surprised if he pissed all over the floor on purpose, just to make me clean it up.And the very idea that I can’t trust hewouldn’tdo that, makes my skin crawl and sends pulses of rage through my limbs.

“You, sir, are a twatnugget,” I say, before removing my apron and dropping it on the ground.

“Hey!”he shouts.“You can’t quit like that.”

“Watch me.”

“You can’t leave me with your clean-up duties!”

“Can and will,” I mutter to myself as I retrieve my bag.

Nicholas follows me.“You’re going to regret this.No one else will hire you.Don’t even bother asking me for a recommendation.”

I snort.If I wanted a recommendation, Nicholas is the last person I’d go to.

From behind him, Natasha gives me a thumb’s up.I’m not worried about her—he wouldn’t dare ask her to clean the bathroom.And as I walk out of the pub, several of the patrons give me encouraging smiles.

I did the right thing.

And even though I’m going to be worried about bills for the next week or two until I find something else, it feels so fucking good.

Even better?When I leave the pub, Kingston’s car and driver are waiting at the curb for me.

“Mr.Tyler is hoping you’ll agree to meet him at his penthouse for dinner,” Garth says.

I smile.It’s about time I got to hang out with my other daddy.

Ella

The elevator lifts me up to Kingston’s apartment, and I step out of it and into a room flooded with candlelight.Scattered rose petals litter the floor.At my gasp of delight, Kingston looks up from the couch and stands to greet me.He wraps his arms around me and tugs me against him.

“Ella, sweetheart,” he says, his voice a low rumble that sends a flash of need sparking through my body.

“Hey, Daddy,” I say into his warm chest.“I tried to get in touch with you earlier today.”

“Sorry I wasn’t available,” he says, and I can hear the frown, the regret in his tone.“There’s a lot going on at work.I always want to make time for you, though.What did you need?”