The Bargain of the Billionaire's

rm summer air. She glanced at her reflection in the club's polished glass doors. Her blonde hair was tied back neatly, her makeup applied with a careful hand to make her look older, more con

lden light spilled from sconces on the walls, illuminating the rich dark wood paneling and the plush velvet seats. The air was thick with th

drink with effortless grace. He looked up as s

ni glass onto the counter for a waiting c

ily replied, trying to sound

That's the spirit. Come on

memorize everything as quickly as she could. Rick was patient, walking her through the steps of making a basic cocktail, then l

drinks alongside her. "Be polite, smile, and if

first, but Rick helped her through it, and soon she was handling orders on her own. As the night went on, she found herself getting into a rhythm

as he passed by her to grab a

money she needed, pay for her father's treatment, and then she could figure out what to do next

nearing midnight when things took an unexpected turn. A man, well-dressed in a tailored suit that screamed money, sidl

ning closer than was comfortable.

olitely, taking a step back.

n't be like that. Just one. W

o keep her tone light. "And I

? I could buy this whole place if I wanted

s busy at the other end of the bar. The man reached out, grabbing

said firmly, trying

s eyes narrowing. "You're going to

im back. Lily stumbled away, her heart pounding in her chest. She looked up to see a new man standing there, his expression har

, blinking in surprise.

And I own this club. You're going to leave now, o

and staggered toward the exit. Michael watched him go, then turned his gaze to

ght?" he asked,

nds still trembling

int smile. "No need to thank me

to steady her breathing.

ping an eye on things, but I'll make sure he knows to watch

bit shaken. "I will.

Ramsey makes me sound like my

said. "Lil

if testing the name on h

ever find yourself in a situation like that again, or if you ha

ore slipping it into her pocket. "Than

the crowd. Lily watched him go, her heart still pounding. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her

ay?" he

fine. Just a little shak

nt guy, despite what people say. You handled your

nsisted, forcing

l trembling slightly. The rest of the night passed in a blur, but Michael's card in her pocket felt like a lifeline. As the c

unknown tonight, faced a moment of fear, and come out the other side. Whatever tomorrow brought, she knew one thing for sure: