Million Dollar Devil

9.

There's a lighter energy in the office without Mr. Hayes' presence. The usual tension melts away like warm butter, and for the first time, I let myself really take in the view.

The rain falls hard outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, blurring the city into a canvas of lights and mist. It feels like I'm perched in the clouds, watching the world move beneath me.

"Lucky me," I murmur to myself.

And for once, I actually mean it.

I settle into my leather chair, wrapping my hands around a hot latte, savoring the slow burn against my cold skin. I dive into my work. Scheduling, follow-ups, sorting out the fallout from the meetings Mr. Hayes missed. I slip into a rhythm, and for a while, everything fades away except the quiet hum of rain against the glass.

By noon, I confirm his driver's pick-up for 9 p.m.

The rest of the day breezes by, and at precisely 6 p.m., the driver is waiting outside for me. His black suit matches the large black Escalade he stands beside. I tighten the scarf around my neck as I exit the building.

"Hello, Miss Wright," he says as he opens the door for me. I slide into the car, already noticing the seat warmers radiating heat through my shivering body.

"Hi, Antonio, how are you?" I ask politely.

"Very well. I love driving in the rain," he smiles gently, his soft voice full of pure positivity.

"Me too," I smile back.

"You are lucky, then," he adds, glancing at me in the rearview mirror. "Your car is as good as new. The mechanic dropped it off at your apartment complex."

My heart lifts instantly. "Seriously?"

He chuckles. "Mr. Hayes covered the mechanic bills. He also filled your gas tank. But keep my number, I'm always one call away if you ever need a ride."

My throat tightens. Gratitude, sharp and unwieldy, fills my chest.

"Thank you, Antonio. Thank you so much." I blink against the unexpected warmth behind my eyes and nod, murmuring another thank you as we ride through the rain-soaked streets in silence.

Sure enough, my little Honda sits proudly in the lot, gleaming wet under the streetlights. I grin like a maniac before rushing up to my apartment, eager to soak in my tiny victory.

Inside, I'm met with a blast of freezing air. I yank on another jacket, wrapping my scarf tighter around my neck. The bucket beneath the leak in the ceiling is nearly full again. I dump it into the sink with a sigh, promising myself I'll deal with it tomorrow. 

The buzz of my phone pulls me out of my thoughts.

Hey babe, thanks for covering tonight, I owe you one. Don't forget it's red night.

I groan, dropping my forehead onto the counter as I regret my kindness. Alex's brilliant idea to make the girls color-coordinate. Like it was going to "elevate the brand" or whatever excuse he fed us. More like another way to control every inch of us.

Still, I dig through my drawers, pulling out a red mini skirt, a lacy bralette, and the tallest red stilettos I own. A little red lipstick. A winged liner. Armor. By nine p.m., I'm back in the cold, heels in hand, making my way into Lilacs.

____

Jack greets me at the back door, a cigarette glowing between his fingers. He holds the door open with a soft smile as he sends a greeting nod in my direction.

"Have a good shift," he says, his gruff voice turning to vapor in the frigid air before he takes a long drag from his cigarette.

"Thanks, Jack," I rush in, unable to bear the cold another minute.

I peel off my layers, revealing my red lingerie, and touch up my hair and makeup in the mirror. Surprisingly satisfied with the way I look tonight, I step out from behind the purple curtain. 

I'm instantly swallowed instantly by the pulse of red lights and the low thump of bass. The music rattles my bones.

Sweat slicks my chest as I slide down the pole, my body moving in practiced rhythm, slow and controlled. Men cheer and whistle from the front rows, eyes glazed with cheap beer and cheaper fantasies. I don't hear them, not really. I only see the roof repairs, the overdue rent, the gas tank.

The music bumps, and the red lights shining on the stage reflect off the latex worn by the dancer next to me. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Alex leaning against the bar, beer in hand, watching us with a critical eye. He nods once when our gazes meet, a silent approval.

I turn away before he can see the disgust twist my mouth.

As the end of the night rolls around, I re-bundle myself backstage. With my coat wrapped around my body and heels in hand, I make a run for my car. I slide into the driver's seat, fumbling to put my keys in the ignition and turn on the heater. The heater whirs weakly as I drive home, my body aching for sleep, my mind already half-unconscious.

Stepping out of my car, I make my way up the stairs with tired eyes and a yearning to crawl into bed and sleep for days. 

"Lillian."

I freeze.

I look up and there he is.

Leo Hayes, standing in front of my apartment door. Suit still perfectly pressed. Hair damp from the rain. Hands casually tucked into his coat pockets.

I blink, stunned, for a beat too long.

My eyebrows knit in confusion as I respond, "Uh, Mr. Hayes?" My voice squeaks slightly. "What are you doing here?"

"You aren't answering your phone," he says in a serious tone, "I need the paperwork from today's meetings so I can draw up the contracts."

His eyes suddenly meet mine. He scans my face, taking in my appearance. His gaze shifts, slowly, from my eyes down to the red stilettos dangling from my fingers.

I feel the heat rise in my cheeks before I can stop it. His jaw clenches, the muscles ticking once, sharp and hard. His eyes rake over me, the glitter on my lids, the too-bright red lipstick, the hem of my coat barely covering the lacy scraps underneath.

His face darkens. Not with disgust, exactly.
Something heavier. Something dangerous.

I want to say something. To explain. To vanish.

But I can only stand there, dripping rainwater onto the concrete, trapped under the weight of his stare.

And for the first time since I met Leo Hayes...
I feel truly, completely seen but in the worst way possible.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Thank you so much for sticking with this story! I am so excited for it to unfold. Please don't forget to vote if you are enjoying it! Votes and comments really encourage me to continue this story and give it my all.