“He told me you own a flower shop.”
I was relieved with the change of subject. “Yes, I’ve been running it for a few years.”
“That’s really cool,” he said. “What made you get into that?”
I shrugged. “I love flowers. I’ve been making arrangements since I was little. My brother and cousin both went to university, but I was never interested in extending my education. I always knew being a florist was what I wanted to do.”
“Not too many women own their own business. That’s awesome.”
“Well…my father helped me a lot.” I couldn’t pretend I did it all on my own. Without his money, it wouldn’t have been possible. He was the one who believed in me and put his money on the table. Now I was paying him back, month by month.
“But you’re the one who handles it every day by yourself?”’
“Yeah.”
“Then that sounds like you’re running the business—he’s not.”
“But he gave me the money.”
“Then he’s an investor,” he said. “Don’t downplay your qualities. You’re one cool chick. I liked you the moment I heard you tell off my brother.”
I grinned. “You would have liked anyone for telling off your brother.”
He smiled but shook his head. “No, I’m loyal to my brother. If someone talks shit to him, I’ve got his back. But you’re a special exception to that—because everything you say is true. You’ve straightened him out. This is the first time I’ve seen him happy in over five years.”
“How do you know he’s happy?”
“That’s easy,” he said. “The guy actually smiles—once in a while.”
Just when I smiled, I spotted a woman in a dark blue dress pass in the background. In sky-high heels and with black hair, she walked across the room like she owned the casino. Covered in diamonds similar to mine, she looked like a beautiful queen. I recognized her right away—Ruby.
Ronan followed my gaze and glanced at her before he turned back to me. “Do you know her?”
“Do you?” I countered, feeling the jealousy spike in my muscles. I hated that slut. Just looking at her pissed me off all over again. She had a prominent cleavage line because her girls were on display for everyone to see. I was certain there was only one man she was trying to attract—mine.
“I see her around.”
“Who is she?” I asked. “A member? A stripper?” She was the only woman on the floor who wasn’t in a cage. She dressed like she had money and power. She didn’t seem to fit into any category.
“Neither,” he said with a chuckle. “She’s a gold digger.”
That sounded about right.
“She likes bedding rich and powerful man in exchange for a luxurious life. She takes her spoils then moves on.”
“So she’s basically a prostitute?”
Ronan shrugged. “I guess, but not quite. She’s pretty selective.” He studied my face, seeing the rage in my eyes. “You really don’t like her, huh?”’
“No. I’m not a big fan of skanks.”
He laughed. “Bosco must have told you about her. You don’t seem like the kind of person to tear down another woman for no reason.”
No, Bosco never had. “I know he slept with her for about a week.”
“It was his longest fling before you, but it was still very short. I wouldn’t look into it too much.”
Easier said than done. “She came to his penthouse and practically threw herself at him.” I kept staring at her, wanting to rip that pretty hair out of her scalp. “Bosco told her he was seeing someone, but she didn’t care. She unzipped her shirt and let her tits pop out. If that’s not slutty, then I don’t know what is.”
Ronan raised an eyebrow. “When did this happen?”
“A few weeks ago…” I probably shouldn’t have said anything since Ronan might mention it to his brother, but I was too angry looking at her to care. If I had to see her down here at the casino, then I wouldn’t be able to keep my cool. Imagining Bosco screwing her again after I was gone filled me with such dread I felt sick to my stomach.
“What did he do?”
“Told her to leave. Said she didn’t have class…like I do.”
“Wow.” Ronan watched her for a moment before he turned back to me. “I guess that doesn’t surprise me. He’s so hung up on you, why would he care about her? Besides, she only wants him for his power. You seemed to want him despite his power.”
That was true.
“So don’t let her bother you. He doesn’t care about her. He only cares about you.”
We came home after two in the morning.
I was exhausted from being up so late. I had to wake up in a few hours, so I quickly washed my face and brushed my teeth before I got out of the skintight dress that reeked of cigars.
I got into bed without waiting for him, putting on one of his t-shirts before I slid under the sheets.