She opted for the truth. It didn’t reveal her real motives but would also get Julian off her back. The man seemed astute, and there was a chance that he already knew Gastone had shown interested in her.
He regarded her and nodded slowly. Whether he believed her or not, couldn’t be said for sure. Without another word he returned to the main area, leaving Inéz all alone. She sighed going into the changing room at last and pulled out her phone. The girl only knew about Julian the most basic information that had been needed once she’d started working in the club, but at the present time, she wanted to know if the man would become a problem and rat her out. She sent a message to Isaac to check his past for any unusual behavior.
§ § §
Following her routine rehearsal, she took a quick break to hydrate. With ease and grace, she slid down the pole, taking a deep breath. Her back was hurting a little from overexertion, so she needed a few minutes before going back to creating a new dance routine for her upcoming performance.
She heard clapping and raised her head. Gastone was sitting in his usual booth with a few files spread on the table in front of him. However, he didn’t seem interested in them at all. His eyes burned with desire as he watched her.
How long has he been there?
"I must admit, hiring you was one of the best decisions I’ve made recently," he said as he checked her out.
It made Inéz uncomfortable as usual. Her shoulders slumped, in an attempt to make herself smaller. Gastone smirked, patting the space next to him, inviting her over. A refusal rested on Inéz’s lips, but she had to swallow it down and hesitantly moved to the booth. With a frightened expression, she tried to calm herself down, so that theCapodecinawouldn’t realize just how much his closeness affected her. She didn’t look up into his face, but could easily feel his eyes traveling up and down her body. At that moment, Inéz wished she was wearing something different than a flimsy tank top and a pair of shorts. Too much of her body was exposed for her to feel at ease.
"We didn’t get a chance to talk last time. I apologize for having to leave," he drawled.
Inéz was far from being sorry that it happened. Frankly, she’d never been more grateful to anyone than she had been to Alberto when he’d appeared in the office. But it wouldn’t always be like that. Not everyone wanted to save her from her boss, and sooner or later he would get his way. The girl could only pray that by that time she would have enough information on him to walk away.
She nodded.
"How are you doing so far? From what I’ve seen, you’re one hell of a dancer. The clients have started asking me whether you’re available for the VIP rooms."
"I..." she stuttered.
"I said that you’re too precious to be allowed after-work activities." Gastone took a gulp of his whiskey, his grin as terrifying as it could be.
"Thank you," Inéz whispered.
No way theCapodecinahad said that to protect her from other men, but rather to keep her for himself. So, there was no thankfulness in her voice. Just a simple white lie that might prevent her from getting too deep, too fast in this sticky situation. However, Gastone hadn’tcaught it. He put his arm around her waist and gripped her hip.
"I should go back to rehearsing," she said, trying to get up but the strong hold dragged her back down. She was unable to leave the man’s side.
His face flashed with anger which suggested that he didn’t like when the girl attempted to find an excuse. But in that exact moment, one of the soldiers called his name, and soon they both disappeared backstage.
Inéz sighed with relief and got up to return to the stage. Her eyes darted to the files lying on the table. Those didn’t look like bills or taxes related to the club’s operations. She ensured that Gastone hadn’t come back and reached her hand to grab the documents and see whether there was anything that she could use.
"Don’t," someone warned her in a low, dangerous voice.
Flavio Falcone took a few steps and effectively blocked her way. With a disdainful look, he grabbed her wrist and shoved it away from the table, his eyes narrowing at her. Displeasure flickered in his eyes.
"There are cameras here. Do it and we might as well go to war with these people," he murmured.
The girl swallowed but believed the man and didn’t check around to see whether he was telling the truth. It would look suspicious if anyone saw the recording later. She could only hope that no one realized her intention to read the files.
"If you’re ever left in Conte’s office alone, then you can search through them. Not here," he added. "Isaac looked Julian up and he’s clean. Why did you need the information?"
"Because he caught me listening in on Gastone and Alberto by accident. I had to know whether he would just believe my excuse or go tell on me," Inéz confessed.
Another flash of displeasure passed through the Underboss’ expression. He pursed his lips and walked away from the girl with a small nod. He disappeared backstage but quickly returned with the twins, the three of them soon leaving the club.
CHAPTER 30
The Las Vegas dojo was a vast property where most soldiers were used to spending their free time to train and fight as they pleased. It was usually filled with men, however today there was no one. For some reason, the gym had been closed off to all others.
Drew glanced at theCapocuriously. Ever since they started their training it had never been the case. But then again, Noah was hardly there,
