“You don’t get to blame me for this, Ryker. Why did you borrow money from that guy in the first place? He doesn’t exactly seem to be an above-board businessman. Is he a loan shark?” she asked. Harlow knew that she was delving into personal issues that didn’t involve her, but now that she was in danger, she felt as though she had a right to know.
“I went to him because I needed money to keep this place going. I haven’t always owned the bar. When I became the Prez of the Smokey Bandits, I inherited this bar. Our last Prez was Ace and when he left, the club was left without a leader for a bit. When I finally became the Prez, the bar was already in debt. I wasn’t sure how to bring it back, but I knew that I had to try—for the guy’s sake. That’s why I started serving food and even hired you. I need a way to bring in more money to pay back Billows.”
“Do you have enough to pay him back on Friday?” she asked.
“No,” he breathed. She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. He pulled her hand into his own and stared her down. “But I’ll get it. You just have to trust me. You’re not safe now that you’re on Billows’ radar.”
“Trust you?” she asked. “I barely know you, Ryker. How am I supposed to just trust you?”
“I know,” he whispered. “I’ve given you no reason to trust me, Harlow. But now, I need for you to try. Your life might depend on it. Can you try?” he asked.
“Well, if my life depends on it, sure,” she griped. “Listen, we’ll talk about all of this later. Right now, I’ve got to get out on the floor. The new girl you hired started tonight and I promised to show her the ropes.” She pulled free from his arms and opened his office door to find Taz standing on the other side, in the hallway. “Were you waiting for me to come out?” she asked.
“Actually, I was giving you both some privacy,” Taz said.
“No need,” she sassed. “The last thing that Ryker and I need is privacy.” She turned and walked down the narrow hallway to the bar, not bothering to look back at either of the men. She knew what she’d find since she could feel Ryker’s eyes on her back.