Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
I whip my gaze back to Maddox. “Or more?”
He shrugs. “Aces has a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy when it comes to what happens in the private spaces. But rest assured that Seven is being tipped well for any service she may provide.”
I drop my jaw. “You mean the patrons can…solicit the waitstaff?”
Maddox nods. “Yeah. Part of the deal. You have to pay extra, of course. But Rouge encourages it. It’s part of the experience. ‘Pick a card, any card,’ she usually says.”
“But that’s prostitution!”
Maddox frowns. “No, it’s not. The waitstaff are allowed to refuse services of any nature to any patrons. It’s all consensual. Of course, if they refuse a proposition, they won’t get the tip.”
He’s really all right with this? “How can you think this is okay? These people probably came to this country with nothing.”
“And Rouge is giving them the opportunity to make something of themselves. Start fresh. The American dream.”
“Whoring yourself out to the Chicago upper crust is hardly the American dream.”
Maddox scoffs. “You have two degrees in music. You were hoping to monetize your natural gifts and talents. What’s so bad about them doing the same?”
I stand quickly. “You can rationalize it whichever way you want, Maddox. But these people are being used for sex.”
“No one’s forcing them. They probably enjoy it.”
I gasp at his words, and before I know it, I’ve picked up my martini glass and thrown its contents in his face.
“What the fuck, Alissa?”
“What the fuck yourself, Maddox.” I grab my purse, along with the note Seven left behind. I can’t believe I thought I was falling in love with this jerk. “I’m out of here.” I take a few steps away but then turn back to Maddox. “I thought you were different. But no, you’re just like every other creep I’ve dated in this godforsaken city.”
“Alissa, wait—”
But I’m already storming out. I ascend the staircase and knock three times at the door.
Chet opens the door. “Ah, Miss Wonder. Leaving so soon?”
“You bet your pinstriped arse I am.”
Chet cocks his head. “Trouble in paradise?”
“You don’t know the half of it.” I place a hand on the knob of the black door that leads to the alleyway and look back at Chet. “Or maybe you do. Whatever the hell kind of a business you’re running here, I won’t have anything more to do with it.”
“Miss Wonder—”
But already I’ve slammed the door behind me. I walk into the brisk Chicago night.
More than brisk. The sun has been down for a few hours now, and even though it was a nice day, it’s gotten much colder.
And I’m wearing nothing but this tight little dress and fedora.
God, this fucking fedora, which I bought to please Maddox. There’s fifty bucks I’ll never see again. The thrift shop where I purchased it has a strict no-return policy.
I’ll get out onto Randolph and hail a cab.
Except…
Damn it all. My credit card is back at the bar. I insisted on paying for Maddox’s drinks tonight. More money I’ll never see again.
But I can’t go back in there, not after the scene I just made.
I’ll call the credit card company and get a new card tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ll just use Apple Pay on my phone, and I’ll order an Uber home.
Except.
Damn it all again. My phone is dead.
Guess I’m taking the L. I can just jump the turnstile. People do it all the time, often in full view of the police. I’ll just pay twice the next time I use it. That’ll even things out.
At least I have my keys in my purse. I’ll be able to get into my apartment, to my warm bed, and I can charge my phone.
All that matters right now is that I get the fuck away from Maddox Hathaway and Aces Underground.
Which way to the nearest Red Line stop?
Normally, I’d get out my phone and check, but I don’t have that luxury.
Christ. I’ve lived here for years now. How have I not memorized the lay of the land?
I guess I’ll just walk along main streets until I see something. Hopefully I’ll find a stop before I freeze my—
“Lost, pretty lady?”
My heart drops in my gut. A gritty voice just whispered into my ear. I turn around and see a ratty-looking man wearing a leather jacket.
“Who are you?”
“I’m Mouse.” He gestures toward the shadows. “Come on, Dodo, Eaglet.” Two other men, also wearing leather jackets, emerge.
Dodo is heavyset with a large nose, and Eaglet is tall with long limbs.
I swallow. “I was just leaving. Nice to meet you all.”
Mouse grabs my arm. “I don’t think you were.”
“Let go of me!” I try to pull my arm out of Mouse’s grasp, but he’s holding tightly.
“I don’t think so,” Mouse says. He cuts a glance toward Dodo and Eaglet, the corner of his mouth twitching as a glint of darkness flickers in his eyes. “Can I interest you two in a race?”