“I am a lawyer.” She shakes her head in amusement. “Miranda has been giving me these concerned looks lately. I’ve been slacking a bit—coming in later, leaving earlier. Taking actual lunch breaks sometimes.”
I laugh. “They’re worried because you stopped working seventy hours a week?”
“Pretty much.” Ruby laughs along. “I suppose there’s nothing wrong with bringing it back to fifty. I’ve decided to hire more people. I realize I’ve been working my team way too hard too.” She swirls her wine thoughtfully. “Another assistant to help Miranda, another paralegal, and I’m even thinking of bringing Sarah on. You met her.”
“Claire’s niece?”
“Yeah. She’s an associate at Gibson Dunn. Brilliant lawyer, super ambitious, and best of all, I trust her.” Ruby’s face softens. “If it works out, I may be able to leave now and then to have dinner with you before the clock strikes midnight.” She takes a bite of food, and her eyes widen with pleasure. “At the Greek food court,” she adds. “Oh my God, this is so good I could eat it every single day.”
“Whenever you want. Just come and pick me up from my office.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” Ruby leans into me and I drape an arm around her shoulder. “So how about you? How was your day? Break any kneecaps or collect any protection money, big, scary casino boss?”
I laugh and nudge her with my shoulder. “Please, that’s Tuesday’s agenda. I’m more of a ‘make them an offer they can’t refuse’ on Fridays kind of boss.”
“Noted. I’ll update my calendar.”
“Actually, I’ve been busy too,” I continue. “I’ve had tons of internal meetings regarding the announcement of Zara Nova’s residency.”
“That’s so exciting. It must be huge for the Olympus.”
“It is. Do you like her music?”
“I love her first two albums. Haven’t kept up with her latest stuff,” Ruby admits. “I haven’t really listened to much of anything in the past couple years. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”
“Well, I’ll take you to her opening night. Introduce you properly.”
Ruby’s face lights up with an excitement I’ve rarely seen from her, a girlish enthusiasm. “You would do that? I’d love that so much.”
“Of course. One of the perks of dating the big, scary casino boss,” I joke. “VIP access included.”
“Oh, I’m definitely keeping you around,” Ruby grins, settling more comfortably against me. She reaches for a piece of spanakopita, then breaks it in half and offers me a share. Small gestures. New habits. Humble beginnings.
FIFTY-THREE
RUBY
The doors slide open, and I step out of Athena’s private elevator. She sits behind a massive black marble desk, phone to her ear. She looks up and her serious expression transforms into a warm smile.
“I’m sorry. I’ll have to call you back tomorrow.” She gets up and steps around her desk to greet me. “There you are. How was your day?”
“Long,” I admit, letting my bag slide to the floor. “But better now.”
I turn in a slow circle, taking in her office for the first time, and whistle through my teeth. “I need your decorator for my firm. This is spectacular.”
Athena laughs. “My decorator was me, actually. With some help, of course.”
I wander to the windows, looking down at the casino floor thirty-eight stories below. Tiny figures move among the tables and machines, waitresses weaving through the crowd with trays of drinks, dealers shuffling cards.
“Wow,” I breathe. “It feels fucking powerful being up here. Like watching your own private kingdom.”
Athena comes to stand beside me, her shoulder brushing mine. “That was the idea. Though I rarely think of it that way anymore.” She turns to me, head tilted in consideration. “Have you ever seen the whole Olympus?”
“Just the Parthenon.” I shoot her a flirty smile. “Will you give me a private tour?”
“That can be arranged, Counselor.” In one smooth motion, Athena lifts me onto her desk and steps between my legs. “Let’s start with my office, shall we? This is my desk. It’s Greek marble and as sturdy as they come. I had it stress-tested to support the weight of my ego, so we should be perfectly safe.” Her hands slide around my waist as she leans in to kiss me properly this time. I melt into her touch, my hands finding their way into her hair, dislodging her white fedora that falls forgotten to the floor. We’re getting carried away, but I can’t bring myself to care. My legs wrap around her waist, pulling her closer.
A sharp knock at the door breaks the spell. Athena chuckles as she steps back, wiping traces of my lipstick from her mouth.
