The manager held up six fingers in front of Debra.


    That was no small change. Debra felt a surge of anxiety mixed with curiosity about Drake''s true intentions, but for now, she had to y it by ear.


    Not long after, the manager led Debra up to the lounge area on the second floor. Along the way, she felt the lustful stares of several men and shifted ufortably.


    In the lounge, she found Drake leaning against a pool table.


    The manager announced their arrival, "Mr. Lowe, she''s here."


    "Good," he replied, his voice smooth butcking warmth.


    The lounge was thick with haze, the sharp scent of cigars hanging heavily in the air. Debra instinctively held her breath.


    Drake set down his cigar and scrutinized her from head to toe.


    "The dress is a bit too loose," hemented.


    "That''s Miss Sharp''s dress. I''ll have some new ones made for Ms. Frazier tomorrow," the manager said.


    Debra searched in her mind for anyone bearing that family name and then grasped something faint.


    In her past life, Drake''s wife seemed to be a Sharp. But in this life, she hadn''t heard any news about his engagement.


    She guessed they were still in the early stages of a rtionship.


    "Debra."


    Drake''s sharp voice sliced through her thoughts, making her flinch.


    She looked up to see his dark expression.


    "Yes, Mr. Lowe?"


    "I''ve called out three times. Is there something wrong with your ears?"Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    "Sorry, I spaced out."


    Drake brushed it off, standing up to extinguish his cigar.


    "Your new job is to sit at that piano and y."


    "For how long?"


    "For as long as I say."


    As Drake''s words hung heavy in the air, the manager chimed in, "Ms. Frazier, we''re open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. 12 hours a day."


    Debra narrowed her eyes. "Drake, are you messing with me?"


    The manager''s eyes widened in


    shock at her audacity. No one


    Orkgate dared to address Drake by his full name, let alone challenge


    him.


    Drake''s hand shot out and grabbed her chin. "You wanted to be a pianist, so I granted your wish. What are you backing out now?"


    Debra


    diffice he was making things twelve hours straight, her ho


    her. If she yed for


    would be ruined in no time


    She sneered, knocking off his hand. "Alright, since you''re so generous, I''ll dly take it."


    "That''s more like it," Drake said, waving his hand. "Take her out. Let her y."


    "Yes, boss," the manager replied, leading Debra to the piano.


    Positioned for all to see, she took her seat and nced at Drake, who was watching with a smirk.