“Yes, it crosses the line. The one I set for you. It’s all good. Don’t worry about it.”
“Ruby,” he says with a sigh.
“Go home, you need to sleep,” I say, trying to add some warmth to my voice after my icy tone.
“Yeah,” he says and turns me to face him. “I’m sorry. It was just a question. I wasn’t being an overprotective wanker.”
I snort. That word gets me every time. “I know it will take some getting used to.”
“I’ll head out and see you later,” he says, kissing my mouth lightly. I want to devour his lips with mine, but Layton is sitting in the corner so probably not the best time. I wonder if they’ve spoken about it this morning.
I wave Ramsey off and march straight over to Layton. He has a mug of something in front of him and I sit. “Did Ramsey tell you about us?”
“He did,” Layton says.
“Did he also tell you that he is fine with our arrangement?”
“He did.”
I nod slowly. “Got anything to add?”
“Nope.”
“Didn’t think so,” I murmur and stand up.
“Wait,” he says before I walk away. “I need to keep working for you. Scott expects me to be on that door. If I’m not, he’ll know something is up.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “I know. Are you okay with that?”
“Definitely. It means I can keep an eye on you.”
I pause and then say, “I told Ramsey that he wasn’t to worry about me and jump into the crosshairs. You, on the other hand, may be required to insert yourself into the line of fire.”
“Figured. Don’t worry about me, sweetheart. I know the score.”
“Okay,” I say with a smile. “You should probably also head out. I need you back here later.”
He nods and picks up his mug. He says, “After I’ve finished this.”
Feeling decidedly better about today after a rocky start, I head back to my office to find Declan has returned and is sitting in my chair, his feet up on the desk as if he owns the place.
“I still think we should just get rid of Scott,” he says idly.
“No,” I say. “Getting rid of him will open a vacuum that will need filling. The weaker factions will fight for the right to take his place and that will only lead to entropy on the streets. This is my city. My home. I will not let a battle break out because I took out one of the bigger gang leaders. His actions haven’t reached that point. Not yet. We sit on this until – if – it comes to that. Do not, I repeat, do not do something rash thinking you are helping.”
“You’re thinking of the bigger picture,” he states. “I get it.”
“Do you?” I ask, needing confirmation that he will not go rogue.
“I do. You impress me, Princess.”
“I find that extremely insulting, asshole,” I growl.
He chuckles and stands up. “Can I see the rest of your operation?”
“Ask David to show you. I have work to do.”
He trails his hand slowly down the length of the desk to the corner of pleasure. “Enjoy your work,” he murmurs and saunters out of the office, looking all sexy in his expensive suit. He gives a whole new meaning to tall, dark and handsome.
I forget about him and everyone else as I pick up the folder David left on Giselle and get to work reading how far up the river without a paddle she really is.