Bad Boy Ink (Get Ink'd #5) - Ali Lyda Page 0,11

Internet. Like, it really drags, and I need fast data for my job.”

The man gave me a look that hinted that he wanted me to ask what kind of job he had. I didn't take the bait.

Instead, I fumbled through some of the basic things that we check when people bring their phones in, and nothing was out of place. But then when I opened the settings, I saw that he had his mobile data activated even when in a Wi-Fi zone.

“How much data are you allowed on your monthly plan?” I asked.

“I have 10G of data per month. They assured me it would be plenty for what I needed it to do.”

Honestly, that was more than enough data for just about anyone. Unless, of course, the person was using it for absolutely everything, all the time, including his social media accounts, as well as what looked to be several Tinder and Grindr style apps. If he was using all of them at once on top of the basic browsing and emails and internet searches? Yeah, that was a surefire way to burn through all your data before the month's end.

“The problem, sir,” I said as I pointed to his data management. “Unless you're connecting to Wi-Fi when it's available, you're using every single bit of that data. If it was just a work phone, I think that 10 gigs would be enough. But it appears you may also be using this for several other apps, which are staying active even when you aren’t using your phone. And if you're using them all at the same time, you're going to tax not just your data, but also your phone's capabilities.”

The man’s eyes widened, and I thought there was a hint of something like resentment to end them. This wasn't the kind of man who was used to being shown that he had done something stupid. In this case, something extremely stupid.

“I didn't even see that,” he said staring at the phone. “I wish the guys who sold me this and the service that went with it had told me.”

Again, customer service standards kept me from telling him that those were the basic kinds of knowledge that anyone who had a phone should know. I was fairly sure that even first and second graders had a basic understanding of how Wi-Fi differentiated from mobile data.

“I'm glad I was able to help you,” I said, handing him back his phone. “If you were satisfied with your service, would you please consider leaving a positive review?”

His smile took on a different tone, and he leaned close conspiratorially. “I'd be happy to leave you a good review,” he said. “I'd also be happy to take you out to dinner as thanks.”

I took a closer look at him, not surprised but trying to evaluate his offer. Maybe it was just him being nice and flirtatious. Maybe his interest was genuine.

But I doubted it. Everything about him thus far had been straight from the “I’m a Rich Asshole” playbook. At dinner I’d get to hear all about him. He’d make sure I knew how important he was. And how clever. And how anyone would be lucky to be his boyfriend.

Hard pass.

My world from a young age had been steeped with the understanding that money meant power. But I was finished with people assuming that because they had a large bank account, they held power over me.

I was beholden to no one. I’d made sure of it.

I managed a regretful smile as I shrugged my shoulders. “I'm sorry, but I’m not allowed to date customers.” And just in case that wasn't enough for somebody as smug and entitled as this guy seems to be, I added, “Besides, I'm too busy right now with school and work to date.”

Something cold flashed in his eyes, but he gave a half-hearted smile. “Too bad,” he said. “It was worth a shot.”

Was it, though? I watched him leave and felt the rush of relief that always accompanied space after interactions like that. Men like him were wolves, just like my father. They were determined to make sure everyone knew how dangerous they were, sitting at the top of the food chain.

They looked at the rest of us like we were rabbits.

But I was no bunny—I was as clever as a fox and as solitary as a skunk. Just because I didn’t flaunt my alpha strengths didn’t mean I didn’t have them.

It was exhausting trying to balance all these different facets of