He smiled as his hand moved a little farther up her thigh.
“I want you, Juliana. You’re my ticket to break free from Pierce. I’m tired of him.”
She shook her head.
“Please just leave me alone. I have a life here and friends. I won’t do what you say.”
“Oh, yes you will do what I say, or I’ll call Pierce immediately. I think that you and I can work something out.” He leaned closer to her neck. She felt his breath against her skin, and his tongue touched her there.
“Your little secret is mine, sweetie. Pierce is interested in this dance hall. It’s quite the success. He asked me to check it out, but seeing you makes it so worth my while. My God, Juliana, he is going to go wild when he finds out you’re alive and well.”
“No. Please, don’t tell him, Robert. Please. He’ll kill me.”
“He’ll kill anyone who stands in his way of having you.” He inhaled against her neck. “You’re all grown up.” He kissed her neck, and she shuddered in disgust, but she couldn’t fight him. She had to play his game right now. Once she was away from him, she’d run. She didn’t have a choice.
“What the fuck is going on over here?”
The sound of Richie’s voice penetrated her body, and she jerked away from Robert only for him to wrap his arm around her shoulders and squeeze her to him. She couldn’t look at Richie. If she did, he would see her fear, and she would also let Robert know that Richie meant something to her. Richie and Carl would be as good as dead.
“They’re having a private conversation, asshole,” the guard stated. At least that was what Juliet thought the three goons were. Suddenly, there were others gathering around. Robert smiled then pulled her crossed legs closer to his thigh.
“And who might you be?” Ro
bert asked, and Juliet refused to look up at him.
“I’m in charge of security here. Juliet is one of our employees, and she’s not supposed to be sitting, she’s supposed to be working,” he stated. She glanced up at him, and his black, angry eyes held hers. Did he somehow know that she was in trouble? Oh God, please don’t say you’re my boyfriend.
She widened her eyes at him, pleading for him to go away.
“Juliana, tell the man you’re fine and that we’re old friends, lovers,” Robert whispered then leaned against her neck and caressed her chin. The tears stung her eyes, but she swallowed hard.
“Please leave us alone. I’m fine, and I’m due for a fifteen-minute break, which I’m taking right now.”
Richie’s eyes widened, and she could see the daggers in them as Robert continued to touch her.
“Thank you for doing such a great job. Now be gone,” Robert stated, and Richie walked away.
She felt like vomiting.
“I hope that isn’t a boyfriend or lover, sweetie.” She shook her head.
“You’re not lying to me are you, Juliana?” He pressed his hands beneath her skirt and caressed her thighs. He was trying to part her legs, and she wouldn’t allow it.
“Open for me, or I’ll call Pierce right now.”
“No, please don’t do this to me. Not here. Please.”
The tear rolled down her cheek. She couldn’t stop it.
“Shhh, baby. Don’t get all teary eyed. I’m just reminding you about what happened to your last boyfriend,” he whispered against her neck.
“No. Oh God, no. Please, Robert. I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Oh, so that guy is your boyfriend?”
“No. He’s just a friend. I don’t date.”
“A knockout like you doesn’t date? I find that hard to believe.”