Seven

The club was almost empty when one of Barry’s men came up to Lucy. The man was tall, quiet, and his face showed nothing. He simply said, “Boss wants to see you. Now.”

Lucy’s heart skipped. She wiped her sweaty hands on her short skirt and nodded. There was no use asking why. When Barry called, you went.

The man led her through a side door and up a narrow staircase that creaked under their steps. At the top, he opened a door and motioned for her to go in. Then he closed it behind her, leaving her alone with Barry.

The office was big but cold. Dark wood walls, a long desk, and large windows that looked down over the club. Barry sat behind the desk, dressed sharp in black. His hair was neat, his face hard, his eyes like ice. He didn’t smile.

“Sit,” he said, pointing to the chair across from him.

Lucy sat, her back straight, hands folded tight in her lap.

For a moment, Barry just watched her. His gaze felt heavy, like he could see right through her. Lucy tried not to look away, but her heart beat fast in her chest.

“You worked the floor well tonight,” Barry said at last. His voice was low, smooth, but there was no warmth in it. “No fights. No drama.”

“I’m just doing my job,” Lucy said quietly.

Barry’s lips curved into the smallest smile. It wasn’t kind. It felt more like he found her answer amusing. “Good girl,” he said. “You’re learning fast.”

Lucy didn’t like the way he said it. Like she was some pet that pleased him. But she kept her face still.

“You’re smart,” Barry went on. “Smarter than the others. You didn’t take the bait from that loud-mouthed blonde. I watched you.”

Lucy blinked. “You… you were watching me?”

“I always watch what’s mine,” Barry said simply. His eyes locked on hers. “And you, Lucy, are mine.”

Lucy’s throat felt dry. She tried to speak, but no words came out at first. When she did find her voice, it shook. “I didn’t ask to be yours.”

Barry chuckled softly, but it wasn’t a nice sound. “No, you didn’t. But that’s not how this world works. You walked into it the day you stepped into my club. The day you agreed to pay off your brother’s debt.”

“I didn’t have a choice.”

“There’s always a choice. You chose this. And now, you belong to me. The sooner you understand that, the easier this will be for you.”

Lucy clenched her fists in her lap. She hated the feeling of being trapped, of being owned. But she didn’t say anything. She just stared at the desk between them.

Barry leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. His voice dropped lower. “I didn’t call you up here just to talk about your work tonight.”

Lucy looked up, her heart racing faster. “Then why did you call me?”

“I wanted to see how you handle yourself. And I wanted to tell you what I expect from you.” He paused, letting the words hang in the air. “You’re not just another girl on the floor, Lucy. I have plans for you.”

“What plans?” Lucy asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Barry’s eyes darkened. “I could say you’ll be my mistress. But that would be too simple. It’s more than that.” He stood and walked around the desk, coming to stand beside her chair. “I want you close to me. Where I can keep an eye on you. Where no one else can touch you.”

Lucy shrank back a little, but Barry reached out and lifted her chin with two fingers. His touch was light, but firm. “You’ll have everything you want. Clothes. Jewels. Safety. But you’ll belong to me. Only me.”

“I don’t want that,” Lucy said, her voice breaking.

Barry’s smile was cold. “It’s not about what you want. It’s about what I want. And I want you.”

Lucy’s heart pounded so loud she could barely think. “Why me? You have all those other girls. Why me?”

Barry’s eyes softened for just a second. Just long enough to confuse her. “Because you don’t want it. That makes it more real. I’ve had women throw themselves at me. I’m tired of that. I want someone who doesn’t fake it.”

“I’m not a prize,” Lucy said, pulling her chin from his grip. “I’m not some trophy for you to show off.”

Barry’s smile faded. His face turned serious. “No. You’re not. You’re more. That’s why I’m offering you this place at my side. You’re smart. You’re strong. I see that. But don’t mistake this for kindness. If you cross me, I’ll break you.”

Lucy stood, her legs shaking. “You can’t just own people. I don’t care how powerful you are.”

Barry raised a brow. “Can’t I?” He stepped closer, close enough that she could feel the heat of him. “Watch me.”

Lucy took a step back. “What if I say no?”

Barry’s grin came back, sharp and cold. “You won’t. You need protection. I’m the only one who can give it to you. You think the other girls will let you breathe easy? You think my enemies won’t try to use you to get to me? You’re safer with me than against me.”

Lucy wanted to scream. Wanted to run. But she knew he was right. As much as she hated it, she was stuck. She had no one. Nowhere to go. Barry had built walls around her, and there was no way out.

She dropped her eyes, feeling the fight drain out of her. “What happens now?”

Barry’s voice softened, but the edge never left it. “Now, you go home. You rest. Tomorrow, you’ll have new clothes waiting. You’ll sit at my table. You’ll learn how to act like the woman at my side. I’ll make you into what I want.”

“And if I refuse?”

Barry’s smile disappeared. His voice turned hard as stone. “Then I’ll remind you who owns you. And I won’t be gentle about it.”

Lucy bit her lip to stop it from trembling. “I hate you,” she whispered.

Barry laughed, low and dark. “Good. That means you’ll stay interesting.” He reached out and brushed a lock of hair from her face. “Go now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”