ChapterThirty-Three
Ruby
Grabbing Declan’s hand, I lead him from the dancefloor and through to the offices at the back. With a sexy smile, I look over my shoulder to make sure we haven’t been followed and then push the button at the end of the corridor to open up the downstairs. We slip through quickly and I close the door behind us. I stand on the platform and look down, seeing it full to capacity. I nod in satisfaction and catch Layton’s eyes. He is standing just inside the downstairs door in full work mode. He gives me a nod and then his eyes go back to the floor.
I spot David and lead Declan down the stairs, pulling up next to David, who is a busy bee checking the hidden cameras on his iPad for any cheating or nefarious workings.
“Hey,” he says, his eyes lighting up in a way that I have never seen before. “How’re you feeling?”
“Better,” I say and take a hold of his tie to pull him closer.
He grins and kisses me, cupping my face and delving his tongue between my lips. “You look ravishing,” he murmurs against my mouth.
“Thank you,” I say, accepting the compliment in a much humbler way than Declan’s. “I’ll catch up with you later. I want to speak to Beth.”
He nods and I finally, reluctantly, let go of Declan to stride over to Beth.
“Hey, Boss,” she says.
“Can we talk?” I ask.
She gives me a curious look, but bobs her head and follows me to the corner of the bar where it is quieter.
“I want you to tell me everything about what happened the other night with Jake,” I say.
Her expression goes wary. “It’s fine,” she says, brushing it off.
“No, it’s not. I need to know, Beth.”
She huffs out a breath. “He cornered me here at the bar and shoved his hands under my top to grab my tits. That’s all.”
“Did he threaten you at all?” I ask.
She purses her lips. “He said he would make work shitty for me if I fought him. He grabbed my hair and licked my face.” Her revulsion is evident, and I don’t blame her. I’d vomit all over my expensive shoes if his tongue came anywhere near me.
“You should have told me all of this before,” I say gently.
“I didn’t want to cause trouble,” she mumbles. “He hasn’t been back, so it’s all good. Besides, the new guy is shit-hot at stopping any sign of flirtation gone too far. Actually, he is just shit-hot. Where did you find him?” She gives Layton a doe-eyed look that fires up my green-eyed monster.
“It’s no trouble,” I say, drawing her attention back to me. I have no doubt that Layton has seen how pretty she is. He has eyes, after all, but the thought of them doing anything together makes me feel slightly ill. “I need to know this stuff so I can keep you safe.”
She nods. “Honestly, now that he isn’t coming around, I’d forgotten about it,” she assures me.
I nod and let her go. I don’t think she is as fine about it as she is letting on. I call David over.
“Get private security on her, will you? I’m not convinced that Jake is done with her yet.”
David nods and pulls out his phone. My eyes wander over to Declan at the bar, taking in his gorgeous self. I just watch him for a few moments, enjoying the sight as David arranges to have Beth watched over twenty-four, seven.
“Done,” he says.
I tear my eyes away briefly and nod, looking back at Declan quickly, a frown falling over my face. Something isn’t right.