Sold to the Hitman: A Bad Boy Mafia Romance Novel(92)
“Pssh,” Natalie dismisses, climbing down from the ladder and helping me fold it up. “I don’t need to wait for a special occasion, I can get some action whenever I want.”
Ashton snickers in the back while Charlie looks up with a grin. “Speak for yourself. Boss, I’ve been thinkin’ about this idea I’ve got, ‘kiss for a cover charge,’ kind of like a happy hour. You think tonight I could…”
“Alright,” I raise my voice, though I’m unable to hold back a smirk, “don’t forget we’re going to be WORKING tonight, everyone. Be ready to take numbers and get lucky AFTER we’re rolling in the New Year’s Eve income.”
The crew mumbles a vague assent, and the decorations proceed through the morning.
But every few minutes, I can’t help but check my phone. There’s a lot at stake tonight, both for the club and for me.
* * *
Technically, the club has a maximum capacity. Tonight, I’m pretending like it’s at least double what it is every other day of the year. I’m the boss, I can do that.
The Amber Room is so packed I can hardly see over the crowds of people from the elevated stage on the north side of the club.
I’m in a short red dress for the evening instead of the usual black. It isn’t that different of a cut, but even while I’m staying professional, I want to start the New Year with something a little, well, fresh. My shoes are jet-black and my lipstick matches the dress, so between my heels and the platform, I feel like a queen surveying my dominion as I lean on the leather couch, having just greeted a couple of VIPs who are enjoying the stage. The VIP lounge was already booked up long before tonight.
I can almost feel the floor shaking under the rhythm of the dancers jumping to the DJ, who happened to be one of Brooklyn’s up and comers, if Natalie’s word was good. And it usually is.
That isn’t the only thing drawing the crowds, though. Some of that extra cash went to advertising, and I made sure not to hold back for tonight. This may as well have been a grand re-opening.
The bar is barely visible over the sea of people, now well into their drinks, but I can make out the top of Natalie’s head as she, and her new hires we were able to afford, frantically move around the bar. Under her watch, I know I don’t have anything to worry about on that end.
I feel a genuine smile break past my natural anxiety over the busy evening. I never realized how much that money would help, but it’s been more refreshing than I ever could have hoped. Even if its source does make me a little nervous when I remember it.
Midnight is approaching, and I’m admittedly a little excited to see how the partiers enjoy the light show. I had to go home to get ready for my appearance tonight, but Natalie stayed behind to rig a few surprises that even I haven’t seen yet.
Just as I’m thinking about trying to wade across the crowd to get to a drink, Ashton bustles up the stage, delivering a few martinis to the VIPs and winking at me.
“So, you pick out your New Year’s special for tonight yet?”
I give her a chiding smile. “Oh, I’m sure something will come along, just stay focused on raking in the tips for now.”
“Laaaame,” she says, scooting closer to me and leaning in so she doesn’t have to shout the conversation. “You know, there’s a truckload of models here tonight, and I just know a few of them are looking your way. Do you even know how gorgeous you look? You KNOW dozens of guys out there want to be the power couple with you tonight.”
She grins and I roll my eyes, but as I open my mouth to reply, I notice my cell phone light up in my purse, and I pull it out.
It’s a text from Ivan.
“VIP lounge.”
I look at the message for a few moments blankly before it clicks, and my eyebrows go up.
“Whassit say?” Ashton chirps as she sticks her head over my shoulder curiously, and I hide the cell phone against my chest.
“None of your business, that’s what!” I tease. She makes a pouty face that I imitate, and she cracks up before waving a hand.
“Alright, alright, just don’t let business be the first thing on your mind when midnight rolls around!” She disappears into the crowd, and I breathe a sigh of relief and look at the text again.
Casting a glance around at the crowd one last time, I discretely make my way to the VIP lounge.
My heels click through the illuminated hallway as I make my way to the lounge. It’s not as grandiose as the main floor is, but it’s a comfortable, reserved atmosphere. I’d assumed a private party had rented out the place in advance, so the lights were kept dim enough for an easy, familiar atmosphere.