Page 41 of Wild Card
“I’ll take something strong, no ice.” She looks to me, and I grab a glass and pour her a vodka.
“And what an appropriate color for my virgin bride,” I hear Brett mention, and when I look over and see him tapping his finger against the tip of Ruby’s nose, I try to hide the scowl from my face.
“Brett…” She blushes, looking mortified.
“Come on, darling, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about; it’s a shame more of the girls in town don’t have your standards.” The cunt’s eyes move directly to his sister, and when I see the look that passes between her and Hack, I get a little suspicious.
“Boys… I’m glad you could join us.” Brett smiles at Malice and Zander. “I don’t think we’ve met yet.” He offers each of them his hand.
“I’m Malice, this is Zan?—”
“And I see you brought along your deputy.” He moves on before Malice can finish. “Is your president not free to celebrate with us?” he asks Grizz in a voice so condescending, I expect Grizz to stand up and floor the fucker.
“It’s VP,” Grizz corrects him, not taking the time to look up from his phone screen, “and our prez got more important matters to deal with, like protectin’ this town.”
The way Grizz handles him makes me snigger, and when I look at Ruby, I can see that she’s trying to hide a smirk of her own.
“Guests will be arriving soon.” Brett clears his throat and quickly moves on. “I’m going to check in with the caterers.” He excuses himself and makes his way through the door into the kitchen. And when I see another of those looks pass between Hack and Esmé, I make a mental note to ask him what the deal is next time we’re alone.
“Him, really?” Malice looks across to Ruby like he’s questioning her judgment.
“He isn’t all that bad.” She puts on a brave face and starts heading to join me behind the bar.
“Hey, what are you doing? This is your big night, you don’t belong around here,” I tell her sarcastically, standing at the hatch to block her.
“I can help until people start arriving,” she argues, and I take a long, lingering look down her body, so I can appreciate that dress and the way it clings to her.
“Why didn't you tell me this was happening?” I ask, lowering my voice but not managing to disguise the hurt in it. It was shitty having to hear everything from Earl at breakfast this morning.
“Three weeks… Three weeks and you're gonna be that man’s wife,” I remind her of what she’s getting herself into.
“I know that.” She puts that barrier up again, refusing to make eye contact with me.
“We need to talk.” I go to take hold of her hand, but she shakes her head, her eyes glancing to the other side of the bar like she has to remind me that we’re not alone.
I don’t care what they see. I don’t care if the whole town sees it. Ruby needs to realize that she’s making a mistake.
“I’ll take a beer.” I hear Grizz’s rough voice come from the bar and realize that he’s now standing at it, with his stern, dark eyes homing in on me..
“I’ll get that for ya.” Ruby smiles at him, clearly grateful for the distraction as she moves around me to get to the beer fridge.
“Remember what you’ve been told, boy.” He points his finger at me before she returns with his beer, and he goes back to his corner.
It’s like having teeth pulled watching Brett show Ruby off. Holding her on his arm like she’s some kinda fuckin’ trophy. I notice the way she squirms every time he presses his lips to her cheek or rests his hand on her ass. I see that all her laughs and smiles aren’t genuine, and I can tell her friend is seeing the same thing I am.
“Fuck this.” Esmé shakes her head when she’s seen too much of it, storming outta the bar and onto the street. I’m a little surprised that Hack doesn’t follow after her; he sure looks like he wants to.
Ruby looks across the crowded room and notices her leave, and I can tell from the look on her face that she feels guilty. Hereyes move across to me, and when she realizes that I’m staring right back at her, she quickly gets back to the conversation she’s having with her fiancé, his father, and the woman who owns the deli across the street.
I can sense Grizz watching me like a hawk, and I swear he can sense my frustration. He’s still sitting alone, giving off the vibe he doesn’t wanna be bothered, but I decide to poke the bear.
Popping the cap off another beer, I head over to his table and place it in front of him.
“You don’t need to be here, I ain’t gonna cause no trouble,” I assure him, taking a seat without asking for an invitation. “I hear Prez is impressed with me.” I grin proudly, adding to the guy’s frustration.
“Byron just wants to get this shit handled.” Grizz knocks back his beer.
“Why do you hate me so much? Was it my dad? Did he do something to ya?” I ask. I shouldn’t let it bother me. But it does.
