Page 73 of The Vengeance You Crave

"No, you don't need—"

"Peyton," he growls. "It wasn't a suggestion."

His eyes hold mine, his brows lifts and I know he's not going to allow me to walk back out there.

"Take the night off, get your head together and come back tomorrow fresh."

Tomorrow… Tuesday. God, I really don't need that again.

My heart sinks with what I already know tomorrow will hold and what will be expected of me from my favorite table.

Dread sits heavy in my stomach.

Taking this job was a mistake. This isn't who I am. But I think about the tips I've got stuffed into my bra, even from our quiet night and I remember why I'm here.

"Okay," I finally conceded, knowing that I'll need to bring my A-game tomorrow night.

"Good. You need me to walk you out?"

"N-no. I'm fine. Could you just… could you just make sure he's left. I don't think I can face him again tonight."

"Of course. I'll come and let you know if there's an issue."

"Thank you, Bry. I really appreciate it."

He smiles softly at me before spinning on his heels and marching from the room.

Bry's good people. I have no idea how he ended up here, I'm sure he's got a story of his own, but it's one he keeps close to his chest and I know better than to start prying where people don't want it.

I wash my hands and throw some cold water on my face, not giving two craps about the state of me, before holding my head high and walking out of the bathroom.

"It's all clear," Bry calls from the main bar when he sees me exit.

"Thank you," I say once again before slipping down the hallway and escaping through the back door.

The second I step into the darkness, I feel him.

"You have got to be fucking kidding me?" I mutter to myself, digging into my purse for my car keys in the hope I can be faster than him.

It's a futile thought though. I'd never outrun him and we both know it.

"Wait, please," he begs, stepping up behind me, although he doesn't get close enough to touch me which is a relief.

"I meant what I said, Luc. We're done."

"I know, I just…"

It's the defeat in his tone that forces me to turn around and I instantly regret it when I get a look into those eyes once more.

"M-my dad's in town and I—"

My entire body jolts at his confession.

"And what, Luc? You thought you'd come here and take it out on me."

"No. I needed—"

"I don't care." I throw my hands up in frustration. "I don't care about what you need, and I certainly don't care about your father. He can rot in hell for all I care." Something flashes across his face but it's too quick and I don't have the energy to dissect it right now.