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Little does she know, this is perfect timing for that contract termination I had drawn up, which states she will still be paid for her time at Diamond Lounge without having to physically work. It was the only way for me to pull her out of having to dance every night. The only way I was going to stop her from being the subject of men's lustful gazes every night.

“Diamond Lounge will be closed until further notice. You’re not fired. You don’t have to worry about that,” Jac’s bored tone carries through the room. “Xander, I need to speak to you.” He walks outside, shutting the door behind him.

“Stay here. You’re safe in here. I promise you.”

I meet Jacques outside. He’s leant up against the wall, flicking a coin using his thumb and catching it perfectly every single time.

His tied-back hair is slightly dishevelled.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Did you know Camila’s signature colour is green?”

“I could lie to you and say no.”

“But you’re not going to. I know you better than you know yourself.”

I nod once.

Truth.

“I’m sorry. For the shit my fucked-up head caused.”

Jac huffs out a laugh, his chin falling to his chest. “It’s a good thing you’re my best friend.” He turns, leaning his elbow on the wall and facing me. “But I swear to fuck if you don’t screw your head back on right about now, I’m going to beat your ass.” His voice lowers as he points his finger into my chest.

“I will,” I swear.

After the night Camila and I had, I don’t think there’s going back for us. It’s only forward from here.

“You have a problem in the basement you need to deal with,” he says pointedly. He glances at me, a playful look painting over his face.

“You’re sick, you know that?” I chuckle.

“Get Camila to the mansion. If anything is going to lure those fuckers, it’s her.”

Alarm bells blast in my head. Without thinking, I grab his shirt in my fist, slamming him against the wall.

“Are you using my girl as your fucking pawn?” I grit, my face inches away from his.

“You want to keep her safe? This is the fucking way to do it, asshole. He’s coming for her regardless of where she goes. And as much as I hate to admit it, she’s safe with your obsessive ass.”

I let go of him. “Fuck you, Jacques.”

He huffs a laugh. “I called a staff meeting next week. We need to shut DL until all this shit is blown over. I’m not risking the pigs here again.”

I nod once before returning to the bedroom.

Camila is pacing around the room, biting on her manicured fingernail.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

She pauses mid-step. “I didn’t hear you come in. Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

I close the distance between us, gripping her waist and pulling her into me. The smell of my shampoo hits my nose, and satisfaction brushes over me.

Mine.