Chapter Five

Rowan

The great thing about Cuffed, other than being the place I was almost guaranteed to make huge tips and actually be able to pay my rent without scrimping, was that it was within walking distance of my apartment.

I made sure to get to the club a half hour before my official start time because one of my dads had drilled into me from a young age that on time was late and early was on time. We were that family who arrived fifteen minutes before an event and read a book until it was time to go in.

"Good evening, Rowan," Samuel greeted me at the employee door. "You showed up early. Good man. Let's move to the table over here. I have everything you need."

There was a bit more pep in my step tonight as I followed him.

It was definitely the clothes. Artemis said I looked like a million dollars and whistled as I turned around. He said if he wasn't only into dominant alphas, he might make a move on his roommate.

I took it as a compliment.

"Sorry we didn't have this ready when you were hired. There was a hangup with the tech. Here is your badge. Please wear it around your neck at all times. It will get you into the computers at the bar as well as clocking in and out and access to the employee entrance. Oh, and the employee break room and bathroom. Looks like we aren't missing anything in your files. You've been given the tour, I heard?"

I nodded. Blushing already. Talon had an effect on me that never faded.

"Good. Everyone else isn't as prompt as you, but I'm starting the daily lineup in five. Any questions or concerns before we start? About anything you heard or experienced last night in the training?"

"No. I have this, and I know how to pour drinks. I should be fine."

I had been emailed the menu the night before and had memorized it to the best of my ability but was also told there would be a cheat sheet at the bar, especially since it was the first day for us and the club.

After Samuel gave his briefing, we learned that three employees had quit and so, while they expected a hectic night, it would be even more because of the shortage.

I couldn't take my mind off of Talon. Waiting for him to walk in. Maybe order a drink from me. I wondered what his favorite drink would be. What he did while he was in that back office, the one we were forbidden to enter.

Gods, why was it that the words "forbidden" and "Talon" together made me even more hungry to know him?

Insane didn't even explain how my shift was going. I kept my eyes mostly on my work but couldn't help but notice the things happening around me.

I'd had to sidestep grabs and pinches despite the leather cuff, while trying to help some waiters catch up on their deliveries. After that, I stayed behind the bar. Some people came in with rings on their right hand, differing fingers. I'd learned from a fellow bartender that the rings meant different preferences. All silicone rings. Red. Gold. Silver. White. One that was turquoise. It meant the person was open to anything and everything. They'd gone over some of the ring meanings the night before, but the teal-colored one hadn't been mentioned.

I found it all fascinating. People came here because it was safe. Because they could express their interests without judgment or the sneers and rejections of others.

Talon and his partners had created a bubble of freedom.

My phone buzzed. Unlike other jobs, we were encouraged to check texts for updates and important messages about work. I checked the message from an unknown number.

Bring a Dark and Stormy to Talon's office. His personal request. Delivered by you.

Immediately I scoffed. Sure, the message outlined one of my fantasies about bringing Talon a drink to his office and him drinking me up instead, but I wasn't falling for this bullshit. This was a test. It had to be a test.

And I needed this job too much to be that gullible.

I stuffed my phone back in my pocket and got back to work. The tips were piling in and the computer system kept track of the servers and how much tips they were earning like a competition board. Samuel said it encouraged all of us to be better to earn more money. I supposed a little healthy competition never hurt anyone and he was right. We all checked the numbers…a lot.

I leaned back against the counter and took a breath and down an iced coffee. Servers could have anything nonalcoholic on shift.

"You're doing well," Samuel said, sidling up to me.

"I'm trying." I shrugged.

"You really are doing well. In fact, I have a note from one of the owners. He called me in and gave me this himself."

I took the folded piece of paper and opened it. The words shocked me.

Bring me a drink. Your choice. I want it delivered personally, Rowan.

Talon.

"This has to be a joke. I'm not falling for this. We're not supposed to go into Talon's office. At all."

Samuel nodded and moved a bit closer than he had been before. "Trust me, Rowan. It's okay. We don't really say no to one of the owners but especially Talon. He never requests anything like this."

"Okay," I relented. If they tried to fire me, I had this note as proof, and Samuel would back me up.

I hoped. I made the Dark and Stormy that so well fit Talon and walked toward his office.

My stomach balled up in knots as I raised my hand to knock on the door.

"Enter," he barked, and instantly my channel became slick as though he were talking to that part of me specifically.

I walked in slowly, waiting for the reprimand. I knew better. Damn it. I knew better.

"It's okay, Rowan. I gave permission for you to bring me a drink. It wasn't a test. You're not in trouble."

I stayed put, feet frozen in place.

"Rowan, look at me." I did. Gods, he knew how to command me. "Bring me my drink."

Shaking my head, I rounded his ginormous desk and offered the drink to him. He lifted the glass to his lips and took a sip. "This is delicious, Rowan. Just perfect. You did an excellent job. Not only with the drink but at following the rules." His eyes roamed me, and I shivered. "So, so good."

I swallowed, absorbing every breath of praise from him. His words and worship struck me in the chest and filled me with heat. Tears began to well in my eyes but I demanded they retreat. I would not cry in front of this strong alpha.