Page 2 of 12 Days of F*ckmas
The door slammed open.
What the fuck?
I spun around.
Rudy stormed in. “Why the hell are we closed?!”
What is he doing here so early?
Cindy and Amy hurried away from the tree. Brandy dropped ornaments on the floor and went to sit by Vicky.
I cleared my throat. “I thought it would be a good idea to let everyone relax for—”
“I don’t pay you to think.” He stabbed his chubby finger in the air. “I pay you to count the numbers and open up the place while I’m gone—”
“Speaking ofpay.” I held the star in front of me. “My check is two weeks late, Rudy—”
“I don’t have it this week, but be sure that next week I will—”
“Rudy, youdohave it. I’m the one that counts the money. Remember?”
“Several emergencies came up this week that—”
“I need my money, Rudy. You know that most of my checks go to my father to help pay for my mother’s nursing home bill.”
“Listen, Mariah. I can’t pay you right now. There are things that are outside of my control.”
I was about to counter that argument when I spotted a tall man stepping through the opened door. His designer suit barely concealed the bulk of his muscle.
I raised my eyebrows.
Who is this?
Power and danger radiated from his huge frame. His short black hair waved and curled. His blue eyes were cold and hard like the center of an iceberg.
Fuck.
He scanned the room like a predator searching for prey.
Then, he locked those deadly eyes on me.
Oh no.
I gulped in fear.
Although terrified to be his gaze’s target, I could not deny that he was absolutely gorgeous. He had the high cheekbones of a prince—sharp and sculpted. His mouth looked soft, yet authoritative like those lips could stop wars.
I froze like a dear trapped in headlights.
Two men entered behind him. Tall and fierce. Dark hair and dark eyes.
Not knowing the men were behind him, Rudy continued to argue with me, “There’s these guys that I owe money to, so you will have to take a number and stand in line, Mariah.”
The man in the doorway spoke, and his voice was warm silk on my eardrums. “That’s right, Mariah.”
My body shivered at his saying my name.
The man moved his view to Rudy. “Get in line.”
