Run.

Distraction.

WARNING: MATURE SEXUAL CONTENT.

"You know it's been a week since the great rejection, if you're feeling down, I'm sure I can find a way to cheer you up." Chuck's eyes glistened with mischief and for a moment I considered his offer until Emilia's betrayed face popped into my head.

"Tempting, but I told you, that's never happening again." I winked and jumped up from the sofa, walking to the fridge to raid the liquor inside.

"You know, I own a bar, but you still prefer to drink these cheap little hotel testers." Chuck was beside me in an instant. "So what are we doing all day? Because for the past four days, all we've done is watch heartfelt films and you refused to talk about the elephant in the room."

"And that is?" I down the contents of the small vodka bottle in one gulp and turned to him.

"You rejected your mate." He stated, the words causing a pang of hurt to pass through me before I tucked it away.

"It was mutual." I argued.

"Oh don't bullshit your way out of this, she adored you the moment she knew who you were."

"I don't want to talk about Mia." I stated bluntly and grabbed his hand. "You said you owned a bar, let's go!"

The walk to Chuck's bar wasn't far and I was surprised to find it open as he always seemed to be the only one in the place when I went in.

"I hired work when I found a new friend." He shrugged with a devilish cocked eyebrow.

"Anybody ever tell you that you're too handsome for your own good?" I perched myself on a bar stool.

"Of definitely, but doesn't hurt to hear it again." The bartender was a girl and he ushered her over as he said the words. "This is Cassidy Diamond, gorgeous, isn't she?" Chuck introduced his dazzling blonde barmaid.

"Very, what are you paying her for her services?" I raised my brows. "Because surely she's bring in more customers than you ever did and a pay check weekly will not suffice." I looked to Cassidy. "I can pay you double, no triple, to work for one of my places, you'll certainly bring in more income."

"Hey!" Chuck put his arm in front of my face as he noticed Cassidy's interest in what I was offering her. "One, I got her first, don't offer job promotions. Two, I didn't even know you owned anything that brings you income. And three, don't you dare use your feminine charm on my employees again."

"You'll do well not to tell me what to do." I moved his arm away. "As for my businesses, they stay exactly that, my business."

"Yeah, I know, you and your privacy." Chuck muttered. "Cass, get is a few shots of tequila, will you?"

"Back in a sec." Cassidy smiled and enthusiastically got back to her work.

"At least she has a spark." I admired.

"She should if she wants to keep working for me." He eyed her sinfully.

"You be nice to her, I'll kill you myself." Cassidy returned with six shot glasses and filled them to the brim with the clear liquid. "So Cassidy, where are you from?"

"Mississipi originally, but I moved to California when I was four and moved here a year ago, I've been between jobs a lot." She handed me a shot glass and slid one to Chuck.

"What made you decide to work for this clown?" I asked her as I dipped my head back as I took the shot.

"He's hot." She shrugged and eyed him deviously.

"And don't you forget it." Chuck winked.

"You really shouldn't boost his ego, it's big enough already." I warned her.