The private room was hazy with smoke. Under the colorful strobe lights, a group of oddly dressed men lounged carelessly. One sported garish blonde hair, another had menacing tattoos snaking up his arms, while a third exhaled thick smoke through his teeth.

At the center of the leather couch sat a bald man with imposing presence. His black muscle tee clung to his frame, revealing the faint outline of a dragon tattoo on his left arm. A gold earring glinted sharply from his earlobe. Most striking was the voluptuous woman draped across his lap, his fingers tracing slow circles along her waist.

Jenna Roland stood at the doorway, her palms damp with sweat. She forced a professional smile. "Good evening, sir. I'm Jenna. It's a pleasure to serve you."

Tony Lombardi studied her through narrowed eyes. The woman was tall, her black pencil skirt revealing a glimpse of pale calf. He licked his molars, grinning. "New here? You're quite the looker."

"Yes, sir. This is my third day." Her voice remained soft, but her nails dug into her palms.

Tony patted the empty space beside him. "Come sit."

Jenna's breath hitched. The spot placed her dangerously close to the bald man, but refusal wasn't an option. She perched on the edge, maintaining distance, yet his overpowering cologne invaded her senses.

"What's good tonight?" Tony suddenly asked.

Relieved by the distraction, Jenna smoothly listed their premium selections. Her crisp enunciation and flawless terminology earned approving nods.

"Two bottles of the twenty-six thousand dollar one," he decided, then leaned in until his alcohol-laced breath warmed her ear. "But you'll drink with me."

From the corner of her eye, Jenna saw Fiona Valrose shooting daggers at her. She smiled coolly. "Won't your lady friend mind?"

Tony gripped Fiona's chin, his expression turning glacial. "Would she dare?"

Fiona instantly forced a simper. "Don't tease me, Tony."

A chill ran down Jenna's spine. This man's moods shifted like quicksilver—clearly not someone to cross. She stood, her skirt trembling slightly. "I'll retrieve your order."

Outside, Jenna pressed against the hallway wall, gasping. The mirrored surface reflected her ashen face. For one terrifying moment, she'd glimpsed genuine malice in Tony's eyes.

Back inside, Tony shoved Fiona aside and smirked at his lackeys. "This one's got spirit. Everyone stay sharp."