“Watch your mouth, Paul,” I growled, pushing Jessa behind me. “The bartender confirmed it was an accident.”
“Bullshit. She?—”
“I said, watch your mouth.” I seethed and stepped closer, voice dropping to something lethal. “Or would you prefer I explain to everyone in that meeting how you tried to corner my fiancée while she was getting water?”
Paul’s eyes narrowed. “Your fiancée? You’re slumming it West?”
My hand shot out. Grabbed his collar. Yanked him close enough that I could smell the beer soaking into his pants.
“Say one more word and I’ll make sure every bank in this city knows what you did to the Whitmore account. Try me,” I threatened.
His face went white.
I released him, and waved over the club manager, who’d been hovering nearby.
“Mr. DeSoto was just leaving. Permanently. I want him barred from this club,” I demanded, straightening my tie.
The manager nodded crisply. “Of course, Mr. West. Right away.”
Paul shot me a venomous look. Then turned and stormed toward the exit, trailing beer and humiliation behind him.
He was always a rat, since the early days when we were both recruited from college to work as junior analysts for a large hedge fund. Dad had required I get some real world experience before joining West Games under him. I got to see first hand some really underhanded dealings, including Paul’s as he tried to rise too fast in the company.
I turned to Jessa. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” She met my eyes. Something fierce flickered there. “Promise.”
Before Sam could emerge from the meeting space, I took Jessa’s hand and led her around the partition.
Everyone looked up as we entered. I didn’t know how much of the altercation they’d heard.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” I said smoothly. “Thank you for your time tonight. The presentation and projections speak for themselves. If you have any follow-up questions, please reach out to Sam or my office directly.”
I squeezed Jessa’s hand, giving her a look of a appreciation.
“Now I’m going to take my lovely fiancée home for the evening. I look forward to continuing our conversations soon.”
Richard stood, extending his hand. “Excellent presentation, Griffin. We’ll be in touch.”
A few others followed suit with handshakes and nods. A few curious glances at Jessa, but nothing more.
I guided her out into the cool night air, my hand never leaving the small of her back.
Behind us, I could hear Sam’s voice picking up the threads of conversation. Keeping the momentum going.
Good. Let him handle the cleanup.
I had more important things to focus on.
The car ridehome started in silence.
Jessa stared out the window. Hands folded in her lap. The ring catching streetlights as we passed.
Then she laughed.
Soft at first. Then louder. Until she was shaking with it.
I glanced over. “What’s so funny?”
