King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Four

Sephie

When I walked back into the meeting room, it was completely empty. Everyone had vanished. I can’t say I was disappointed by this development. I busied myself with gathering up the empty glasses and the few plates I hadn’t managed to clear already to take them to the kitchen. I hear Max whistling as he’s walking down the hallway toward the back room.

“Hey, why did everyone leave in such a hurry?” he asked as he walked in and started to help me clear the tables.

“No idea,” I said. I kept my gaze down, as I was once again on the verge of tears, trying desperately to keep them in so I wouldn’t cry in front of Max. I hated crying in front of people.

“That was weird. I saw two of those giant bodyguards that came in last take a very drunk guy out front and beat the living sh it out of him, then walk back inside like nothing happened.”

I dropped the glass in my hand and looked at Max, wide-eyed.

“They did what??”

“Yeah, it was comical. And somewhat sad. But mostly comical. I think it was one of the guys you said was always an as*shole to you, so I may or may not have cheered as the bodyguards came back in the restaurant.”

“Max, you have to be careful. You know who these people are.”

“I know, I know, but I was cheering for the Karma that guy was clearly receiving. Hey, wait a minute – what the he ll happened to your arms?? And your neck??”

“This was the reason for the Karma.”

“Holy sh it, Sephie! Are you okay? What happened? Why didn’t you come get me?”

guy is always handsy, but he took it to a new level tonight. I might’ve provoked him slightly

any of the blame on yourself. That guy is a di ck and he had every

guess you’re right. I just want to close up so I can go

don’t you just go? I’ll close

leave you here by yourself, Max. You might be

argue with the

“True story.”

his head and laughed as he grabbed the last

got everything cleaned up, put away, and ready for tomorrow’s lunch shift. We’d both been working at the restaurant for a few years now, so we had a routine down and worked together seamlessly. It always took us less time than everyone else to get our list of chores done in the restaurant before closing. We usually laughed and picked at each

waited while he locked the back door, then we walked to our cars together. I was so busy looking at

texting whatever girl he was planning on hooking up with that night. He walked a few steps

wha….” he said as he turned to find me frozen in place, a look of horror on my face as I was hoping the person in that SUV was not who I thought it was. Max looked at my face and then spun around to see

couldn’t see over Max’s shoulder and I was

brave for me,

excellent service tonight,” a deep and very calm voice said, his Russian accent evident. I

my hand on Max’s back and said, “it’s okay, Max. He helped when…you know, Karma.

not gonna di e tonight,” he

and

I got you,

walked toward my car and