Masters at Arms - By Kallypso Masters Page 0,71
thing she hadn’t worn full stage makeup. She’d look like a raccoon right now. Just as she had when she’d cried for Adam in the Chicago bus station all those years ago.
“Sorry. I’m just really tired. I only arrived from New York early this morning.”
“Well, the club won’t be open again until Friday night. Your first set will be at seven o’clock. Get some rest between now and then.”
“You mean, he wants to hire me?”
“I am hiring you, Karla. But Master Adam asked me to send you to his office to fill out the paperwork so we can get you on the payroll PDQ.”
Master Adam. The title caused warmth to spread into her stomach, then lower. She realized she didn’t really know much about Adam at all. How had he lived this separate life and not even intimated at such in his letters?
Because he still thinks you’re a kid.
Master Damián extended a hand and helped her to her feet. His grip was firm, warm. When she swayed, he steadied her by holding her elbows with both hands.
She wished Adam’s hands were holding her. Another tear ran down her cheek. He obviously wanted to have nothing to do with her. How could she stay here?
How could she leave?
“Could you point me in the right direction?”
“Better yet, I’ll take you.”
“Is it okay if I leave my bags in the entryway for now?”
“Sure. They’ll be safe there. I’ll be locking up after I take you to Master Adam’s office.”
As they started toward the hallway where Adam had disappeared, Master Damián discussed what was expected of her as far as a new wardrobe.
Oh, dear. “I’m sorry, but I…I don’t have any money for new clothes yet. Would it be okay if I wore my dresses from the Soho club until I get a couple paychecks under my belt?”
“Talk to Master Adam. He’ll probably advance you some money for appropriate clothing. Where are you staying?”
She bit her lower lip. “I’m going to find a motel when I leave here.”
“I think we can do better than that.”
Karla wasn’t sure what he meant, but by then they’d arrived at Adam’s office. She preceded Damián into the office and saw Adam seated at a large walnut desk, staring intently at some paperwork before him. He dominated the room, which was decorated in dark wood and black leather. When she hesitated, Master Damián took her elbow and led her to one of the leather chairs in front of the desk. But she chose to remain standing. Looking down at Adam gave her a sense of power she needed to feel right now. She wouldn’t stay if he didn’t want her here.
“Sir, Karla’s just gotten to town and doesn’t have a place to stay. She’ll need one of the rooms upstairs.”
Sir. Had Master Damián served with Adam in the Marines? He certainly had the body and stature of a Marine. Then Karla noticed Adam’s hand had tightened on the pen he held.
Adam doesn’t want you here.
She blinked rapidly and swallowed past the lump in her throat. Don’t let him see you cry. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and rose to her full height. She still only reached to Master Damián’s chin. The man intimidated the hell out of her, but she needed to stand up for herself and stop being led around by him as if she were a puppy.
“That won’t be necessary. I’m staying at a motel.”
Adam looked up at her, his piercing green eyes short-circuiting her bravado. “Nonsense. You’ll stay here.” His gaze sent a thrill down her spine at the same time as it caused her heart to come to a halt. She’d yearned to see Adam again for so long. Now that she was here, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to run to his arms, or run out the door.
To Damián, he said, “Take her things to the guest room on the east end of the house.”
Master Damián chuckled. She wondered what was so funny, but couldn’t ask. What had she gotten herself into? Live here with Adam? That was just wrong on so many levels. She just wanted to crawl back to New York and forget about this whole hare-brained idea. When Master Damián left, she remained standing as Adam stared up at her as if he didn’t have a clue how to deal with her.
“I was worried about you.” His voice came out in a husky whisper that washed over her as if he’d gently stroked a finger down her