Page 85 of Save Me
She smooths her fingers through her tousled platinum-blond locks. “They have fires daily on the beach, and there’s no way they’re getting permits for those. I letit go up until now, but we’re opening, and I will not have nightly parties outside our ocean-view rooms.”
“They’re notrightoutside those rooms?—”
“They’re close enough,” she snaps.
She doesn’t give a shit about the fires. What Belinda cares about is that not only did I reject her, but I did it because I’m hooking up with the one person who dares to stand up to Wolf Hotels. Then, I strolled into this hotel with Sloane on my arm. I basically threw it in Belinda’s face.
But now, she’s kicked a proverbial hornet’s nest. “That wasn’t the best decision.”
“I disagree.” Her smile is smug.
“I thought you wanted the signs down for the media opening.”
“And they are, thanks to you.”
“When do the journalists arrive? Tomorrow morning, for that tournament? Plenty of time.” I check my watch. “This is gonna be good. Henry will be thrilled.”
Her amusement fades. “She doesn’t know it was me who called.”
“She knows it came from the hotel. Whether she thinks it’s you or Henry doesn’t matter. But Henry’s gonna love being out there on the green tomorrow. We’re paired with the editor forCoastal Luxe Escapes, right?” A highly influential magazine for the area. “Hope it was worth it.”
Belinda’s expression has soured. “Given you two are so close, I’m sure you can convince her to uphold her end of the deal.”
“I could try, but I don’t think I will.” I’ve regretted my part ever since I learned about Henry’s plans.
“I don’t have time for these games, Ronan.”
“Then you probably should have left her alone.”
Belinda’s thumb clicks the top of her pen repeatedly while she sizes me up. “I strongly suggest you ensure yourgirlfriendbehaves. Otherwise, I have no issue digging up the names of those hires we passed on and offering them the positions they should have had. I assume these people still work for her at the Sea Witch?” Her groomed eyebrow arches knowingly.
Someone’s been doing her research. Belinda didn’t even care to know Sloane’s name before yesterday.
The threat has me closing in on her desk, my anger finally reaching its boiling point. “Leave Sloane and her business alone.” It’ll be bad enough when those officials show up with paperwork behind that eminent domain bid. She doesn’t need to lose her staff too.
“I could try, but I don’t think I will.” She winks as she throws my words back at me.
“Belinda,” I begin, restraining my fury but struggling to remain calm as I glare down at her. “Leave Sloane the fuck alone.”
“Or?” she taunts.
“Or I will make sure every last Wolf employee knows all about you and Connor, and you and me and Connor. In graphic detail.” I can’t believe I’m using that as leverage. It’s a shit move, and I’m a shit human for doing it, but if it protects Sloane, I’ll toss my conscience aside. Henry was right—people are capable of lashing out in unexpected ways.
My palms rest on Belinda’s desk as I lean in. “They will know how far down your throat we got, how much you love being on your knees. They’ll practically be able to hear you come every time you walk past them in the hall.”
Her eyes flash with panic, but they harden in the next beat. “You do that and you can consider your employment with Wolf terminated.”
My laugh sounds downright evil. “Do you think I give a shit? I punched Henry in the face last night in front of everyone,” I remind her as my phone chirps with another text.
Frank has sent another picture, this one of Sloane balancing on a ladder, her back to the camera as she hangs a bright orange “Fuck You!” sign in a tree.
She’s going to fall off the damn thing. Why is Frank allowing this?
“Let me be crystal clear: If even one of Sloane’s employees quits on her, I will sing like a fucking soprano on opening night.”
Belinda’s throat bobs with a hard swallow.
With that threat delivered, I rush for my car.
