Chapter 35
Rip
“Rip, we have a problem,” Mysandre says. I shake my head. The doors haven’t opened yet, so I don’t know how the fuck we have a problem already. I know everything is running as it should. According to Mysandre, our liquor supplier made a delivery this morning. We are fully staffed, and the place is ready to go.
I stare at her without a word. When she doesn’t speak, I raise my eyebrows.
“There’s someone by the name of Lexi demanding to see you. She’s making a scene by the front door.”
Mysandre knows never to call the police. I handle any problems myself. The cops are a bunch of useless thugs, as far as I’m concerned.
“She refuses to leave,” Mysandre whispers, smirking.
I glare at her, but she’s always been one of the few people I’ve ever met who has never been intimidated by me. She might be small, but she’s braver than most men.
“I can beat her ass myself,” she offers. “Take a page out of your book.”
I stand and head out. “I’ll deal with it.”
When I get to the front door, Lexi is pointing a finger at one of the guards.
“You lay one hand on me, and I’ll stick my foot up your ass,” she threatens.
The guard, who is well over six feet tall and broad, snorts at her. I tilt my head at him, and he leaves without another word.
Lexi stands straight, probably thinking her little tantrum worked. She walks the few feet to where I’m standing, swinging her hips from side to side. I know why she’s here. I should have expected it and dealt with it before it got to this point, but I’ve been preoccupied with another woman. And that other woman will be here in less than an hour, so I have to deal with this first.
I don’t say a word. I’ve said it all already. Not in word, but in deed. I’ve paid her apartment for the next three months, but after that, she’s on her own. The car I got her is hers, and I won’t take that away. Not unless she pushes me.
She attempts to put her hands on my chest, but I step back. She tries again.
“Don’t.” My words are soft, but they’re a warning, and I think she knows it. Her bravery slips, and so does the fake smile she had on her face.
“I’ve been away for a few days,” she says.
I don’t answer. There was no question, and she should know that I don’t answer questions.
“I come back and the entire town is saying you’re with Eden Rose.” She says the name as if disgusted.
Again, not a question. She has one minute before I have her escorted out of here.
“I know I fuck you better than that two-bit, goody whore.” She tries to touch me again, but the look I give her stops her in her tracks.
“Shut the fuck up,” I warn.
Her face crumbles at my rebuke, and her eyes fill with unshed tears.
“Don’t you ever talk about Eden like that.”
Lexi’s tears fall, and I feel something for her for the first time. I feel annoyed, so I turn my back to head inside.
She manages to land two punches on my back before I turn around and wrap my hands around her wrists. If this were a man, I’d have broken both wrists and probably his neck, but all I do to her is push her back before I let go. She stumbles and falls on her ass.
“Why her?” she asks to my retreating back. “What does she give you that I can’t? You kept me a secret, but you’re out eating fucking ice cream with her. She gets to ride on your bike. You never even let me in your house.”
Ignoring her tantrum, I return inside.
“She’s never to step foot in this club,” I say to the head of security. “Have someone follow her home.”
