“Planning a late night visit?” she smirked. She sat on the edge of my desk, and the flicker of pain across her eyes was captivating.
“Don’t count on it,” I said. “That littlethingearlier was most definitely a one-off.”
“That little thing? We had sex, Andy. Wefucked. You fucked me.”
“I know what we did, Faye.”
“I enjoyed it.” Her eyes flicked to my crotch. “So did you.”
“I enjoy a lot of things that are hazardous to my wellbeing. Doesn’t mean I’m in the habit of indulging them.”
“If that’s what you want.” She folded her arms.
“We should talk. Practicalities. Are you on the pill?”
Her answer was instant. “Yes.”
“Thank fuck for that.” I met her eyes. “Anything I should know? Are the itchy and scratchies going to turn up for me? Is my dick going to grow another head? Shrivel up and drop off?” My laugh was dry and humourless.
She rolled her eyes. “I got tested in Italy.”
“You needed to, then? Fuck your way through Venice, did you?”
Her gaze was piercing. Steady. “I was clean.”
“Was.We’d better hope Sergeant Dumb-fuck Sin keeps his filthy fucking cock clean.”
“He used a rubber, had it on the whole time we were on stage. I’m not a total fucking numbskull.” She gestured to the door. “I’m going to head out, get something to eat before we open. You could come, or we could order a pizza and compare bruises.” She laughed. “Your cock just actually twitched, do you know that?”
“No, it fucking didn’t. You’re a prick, Faye.” Her laugh was contagious. I had to fight back the urge to smile. “Fuck off and get some dinner.”
“Yes,sir.” She mock saluted. “Topaz and I are heading over to the grill around the corner if you change your mind.”
“Topaz and you? Bosom fucking buddies now, are you?”
“She’s nice, like I said.”
“Nice and fired if she doesn’t watch herself.”
Big brown eyes challenged me. “You wouldn’t fire her. She’s too good.”
“I’d fire anyone with questionable loyalty. No second chances.”
“I get it. You’re still angry. No need to rub it in my face every five seconds.” She stood to leave.
Her comment pricked harder than it should have. I felt it flare in my gut. “You have no idea how fucking angry I am.”
“Keep me on bar for the next ten years if your stupid little power trip makes you feel better, it won’t make any difference.” She smoothed down her skirt. Deliberately. Spreading her thighs at just the right angle for me to see her bruises. “It’s a good job I came back. You keep good staff unmotivated, that’s going to change.”
My eyes narrowed. “What shit are you talking now?”
“Topaz. The pretty green-haired girl who brings you coffee. Seems you don’t even acknowledge she exists. That’s not a good management style, Andy.”
“Here we go.” I felt my heartbeat in my temples. “And what the fuck do you know about management style?”
Arms folded, smug smile. “I’ll bet you don’t even know her name. Herrealname. When was the last time you spoke to her, properly?”
“Topaz told you all this crap, did she?”