Broken by His Hand - Piper Stone Page 0,47
enough.
I walked through the club, checking the various rooms. Why? Because I had a sense whoever the fucker was knew more about our business than we would be able to discover. I refused to allow anyone to harm what we’d worked so hard to put back together. While I remained uncertain if my decisions had been the right ones, Club Darkness was a part of all three of us.
When I’d finished exploring, I moved out into the parking lot, taking a deep breath and allowing the crisp night air to fill my lungs. One way or the other, I would flush out the jerk who’d descended on our family. And I would determine the identities of the inner circle. If even one of them were attempting to interfere with either our business or personal life, the asshole would face my wrath.
As I walked to the car, I thought about calling Sophia again. No, my desire to see her was far too intense.
Yanking the key fob into my hand, a sudden wash of electricity flowed into the back of my neck. There were no sounds, no screeching of tires.
Until the last minute. Swiveling, I reached for my gun as the headlights flashed in my eyes.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Chapter Nine
Sophia
“You are mine, period.”
I couldn’t get Michael’s words out of my mind. They seemed to echo, as if he’d just said them. They were also the last thing I should be thinking about after my performance earlier. I’d wallowed all day, hiding in my apartment until I couldn’t take it any longer.
“Wine. Just what the doctor ordered,” Clarissa said in a singsong voice as she bobbed out of the kitchen.
Trying to offer a smile, I wasn’t entirely certain wine was going to do the trick. “I appreciate you letting me stay here tonight.”
“What are girlfriends for? We’re going to have some rockin’ fun. Shame that you don’t want to go out tonight. I know a sexy little dance club. I don’t know why you didn’t bring a change of clothing with you, girl.”
Because I was trying to race away from my life.
When I didn’t say anything, she forced a glass of wine into my hand.
“I figured you wouldn’t want to go anywhere. I purchased all kinds of junk food, including chocolate.”
Now she made me laugh. “So, we’re going to drown my sorrow in alcohol and stuff our faces. Perfect.”
“Well, isn’t that what you do when a man is involved?”
I took a sip of wine, moving toward her window. “Not the right kind of man.”
“I told you that Michael Dunmore was dangerous.”
“This isn’t about Michael. I quit my job.”
“Wha... What did you say?” Clarissa flanked my side. Even in the reflection on the glass, I could see the look of horror on her face. “You’re not serious.”
“Afraid I am.”
“Okay, what the hell happened?”
“Let’s just say I had the kind of disagreement with my boss that warranted either ripping off his face or quitting.”
Coughing, she leaned against the wall, lifting her wineglass. “Well, since you put it that way, I think you made the right choice. I’m certain you had good reasons, but that’s not like you.”
“You know I can’t stand pompous assholes who think they’re better than everyone else.”
“Yeah, that much I do know. Whew, girl. What are you going to do?”
I tipped my head. “I’m not entirely certain.”
“There are plenty of other hospitals. Anyone would be crazy not to hire you.”
“Not if good old Drake has his way. I have a feeling he’s going to blackball me.”
Clarissa narrowed her eyes. “Why would he do that?”
“I’m not entirely certain, but he knew about something.” I realized I was trembling. Why? Was I actually embarrassed that I’d gone to Club Darkness?
“Something. Uh-huh. What?”
“I went to Club Darkness to meet Michael.” When she didn’t say anything at first, I glanced in her direction. “Go ahead, chastise me.”
“I’m not going to chastise you, Sophia, but don’t say I didn’t tell you to stay away from that club.”
“Why would it matter if I enjoyed kinky sex every night of the week as long as it didn’t interfere with my job? The bastard used that against me, putting me on suspension. That’s crazy.”
“The asshole tried to put you on suspension?”
I nodded, an overwhelming feeling of sadness washing over me. I’d worked so hard to get the job. “That’s not why I quit though and I honestly think Drake is very concerned about his position at the hospital. I could see the strain on his face, as if he’s being pressured.