I’m close enough to hear him now.
"—terrible business about the gala," James is saying, his voice dripping with faux sympathy. "Ryder can be impulsive. But you know how it is, my dear. Men have needs. Perhaps if you had been a bit more accommodating…"
Blair stiffens, stepping back. "Excuse me?"
"I’m just saying," James continues, taking a step toward her, boxing her in against the tree. "You’re a beautiful woman. But you’re damaged goods in this town now. No one’s going to want to touch Ryder Hollis’s leftovers."
I see Blair’s hands curl into fists.
"However," James lowers his voice, his eyes raking over her in a way that ensures his future funeral will be closed-casket. "I’ve always had a soft spot for strays. I have an opening in my PR department. We could work out a private arrangement. You help me relieve some stress, and I help you rebuild your little business."
The rage that explodes in my chest is white-hot and blinding. It’s not the cold, calculating anger I’m used to. This is the violent, primal urge to tear a throat out.
With my fucking teeth.
"James," I say.
My voice isn't loud. I don't have to yell. The single syllable cuts through the winter air like a guillotine blade.
James spins around. His eyes widen when he sees me standing five feet away.
"Gabriel," he stammers, the oily smile slipping. "I didn't know you celebrated Christmas, let alone picked out your own tree."
I step past him, placing myself directly between him and Blair. I turn my back to her, shielding her, facing the threat. I tower over him. I let the monster I keep on a leash in the boardroom slip free, just enough for him to see the teeth.
"I’m not surprised you never noticed," I say, my voice low and deadly. "Considering how busy you are whispering inside my son’s head."
James’s expression falters for a second but he recovers quickly, straightening his coat. "I’m just offering the boy some guidance, Gabriel. Someone has to. He feels unappreciated at Hollis Properties."
"He feels entitled," I correct. "And if I find out you’re feeding that entitlement to make a play for my company, I will dismantle your life brick by brick until you’re living in a cardboard box in Mulberry."
James chuckles, but it sounds nervous. "No need to be so dramatic. I was just offering Ms. Ashby some employment. She seems to have fallen on hard times since Ryder discarded her."
He glances past my shoulder at Blair.
I step closer, invading his personal space until he has to crane his neck to look at me.
"Blair is handling some private matters for me regarding one of my properties," I lie smoothly. "She’s under my employment. And my protection."
James raises an eyebrow. "Is she now? Cleaning up your son’s messes, Gabriel?”
"Careful," I warn, my hand twitching at my side. "The only mess here is the one you’re about to make of your future if you don’t walk away.”
He holds my gaze for a second, looking for weakness. He finds none. He clears his throat and steps back.
"Fine. Enjoy the holidays, Gabriel. Give Ryder my best. We have a lunch scheduled next week to discuss his future."
He tips his head toward Blair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Think about my offer. The position is always open for a girl with your talents."
I clench my teeth as he turns and walks away, disappearing into the trees.
The desire to see his blood spilled across the pristine white snow that fell overnight is overwhelming, but I’m not one of the Savage Six. I can’t get away with murder out in the open in the daytime the way they can, so for now, I let him go.
I watch him until he’s out of sight. Only then do I turn to Blair.
She’s pale, her arms wrapped around herself. She looks furious and humiliated.
"He’s disgusting," she whispers.
