Page 63 of Paging Dr. Hart
Just then, a large man with an earpiece approaches Stewart and whispers in his ear. Stewart frowns. “Tiffany, can you excuse me for a minute? They’re having problems with one of the gaming computer systems downstairs. It’s frozen, and they need me to access the administration software to fix it. I’ll just be gone a minute.”
Not understanding half of the computer jargon Stewart used, I nod. He quickly squeezes my elbow and then he’s gone, leaving me alone with his dad.
Feeling his eyes on me, I meet Johnny’s narrowed gaze. “If you are planning to stay in Nevada, I have some connections at the university. I could make a few phone calls—if you want, that is.” His eyes slide over to the empty spot that Stewart just occupied. Shocked, I realize that he’s trying to bribe me to date Stewart by dangling admission to college.
He continues coldly, “Or I could make the same phone calls and guarantee that you don’t get into any college.” I can see why he’s called the shark now. His eyes are black and bottomless. There is no emotion in them, only cunning.
His threat infuriates me. I’m already stretched tight with tension this evening. Johnny’s words provoke me, bringing on a quiet, fiery rage. My hands clench into fists by my side. “You would do that? Take away my only real chance for a future?” My eyes shoot daggers at him. I’m walking a thin line between my anger and the need to control it for Rafe’s and Shelly’s sake. “You must really care about Stewart to say that.”
There’s a flicker of surprise, maybe even admiration, at my reaction. Clearly, Johnny’s not used to people talking back to him.
His expression neutral, he says, “It’s true. I do care about Stewart. I also care about my business. My son is integral to running my casino successfully.I won’t have him distracted like a heartsick puppy.” Johnny’s look grows distant. “I’m going to need Stewart’s full focus over these next couple of years.”
I’m about to respond when our conversation is interrupted by Stewart’s return.
Sensing the tension in the air, Stewart asks, “You okay, Tiffany?” His face puckers with concern, his brown eyes bouncing back and forth between his dad and me.
My smile is bright, but false. “I’m fine.” Deliberately, I angle my body away from Johnny. I don’t want to talk to him anymore. Maybe he deserves to have his money stolen.
Without a clear thought in my head, I wrap my arms around Stewart and hug him, putting my back to Johnny. As I draw Stewart close, my hand slips into his front pocket and retrieves the slick plastic keycard. “Did you get everything fixed?” I ask as I pull out of the embrace.
A happy smile crosses Stewart’s face. “All good now.”
Johnny stares at me suspiciously before he excuses himself with a nod of his head and a “Nice to meet you.”
I don’t respond to him, still silently fuming as I slide the keycard deep into my pocket. I’ll fight for my mom and my future, even if that means taking on Johnny the Shark.
52
Isavor the bubbles that tickle across my tongue from the champagne. It makes me recall that night at the Starlight, the sour taste of the strawberry wine. The sweet taste of Rafe’s mouth rough against mine. Thinking about Rafe must magically conjure him because I look up to see his masked emerald eyes staring at me from across the room. I do a double take, doubting for a moment that he’s real.
Rafe is transformed, wearing a black tuxedo with his normally unruly hair slicked away from his face. He is clean-shaven, his usual stubble removed to reveal a sharp, angled jaw. He’s breathtaking…and he shouldn’t be here. Not yet anyway. With a false smile for Stewart, I ask him to hold my glass while I use the restroom. I snake my way through the crowd, searching the sea of unfamiliar faces.
Nothing.
Rafe has disappeared.
In the hallway that leads to the bathroom, I almost shriek when a cold-fingered hand grabs my arm and pulls me into an open bedroom. Rafe kicks the door closed. We’re locked away, alone together. His presence fills the room, menacing and sexy all rolled into one.
“What are you doing here?” I ask breathlessly, followed immediately by, “Is Shelly okay?” I look behind him at the empty room, almost expecting to see her there. “You aren’t supposed to get here until midnight.”
Rafe sits down on the edge of the bed, leaving me awkwardly standing above him. He leans back on his elbows, eyes lazily roving over me. “You look pretty tonight.”
“Rafe,” I warn, wanting answers.
A devilish smile curls one corner of his mouth. “Shelly’s still coming at midnight.”
“But what areyoudoing here?” I sit down on the bed next to him, keeping a distance. I don’t want to be distracted right now. Not with so much at stake.
Rafe sits up straight, matching my posture. “I was invited at the last minute.” Seeing my glare of annoyance, he explains. “Just got here. Didn’t have time to tell you in advance.” He stares at me, carefully considering his next words. “You know my work?”
I nod silently.
“The main dealer Johnny the Shark uses had an unexpected…complication and couldn’t make it to the party. They brought me here instead. I’ll supply the partygoers with everything they need. Don’t be fooled. There’s a lot more than just alcohol flowing tonight.” Rafe clasps his hands loosely in his lap, completely relaxed.
I regard him suspiciously. “What complication?”
Shrugging nonchalantly, he says, “An anonymous tip made the police take him into custody. He should get out in, oh…three to five years.” Again, the devil’s grin.
