“Tell them to send him up,” I said,“but only escorted by security.”
She nodded and relayed the message, but remained where she was, hands folded loosely in front of her.
“Do you want me to leave?”
She didn’t know who Eric was, but Ella was perceptive enough to sense the shift in tone.
“No,” I said, shaking my head.“But be warned—the man is utter scum.”
A flicker of discomfort crossed her face before she sat back down at her desk, composed once more.
I tugged on the wooden drawer, opening it just enough to see the grip of my gun. Ever since I’d refused his offer to supply drugs to my clientele, he’d behaved like a sulking child. He couldn’t come close to Dominion’s success, so instead he’d gone after Hustle—opening bookies in the surrounding areas, snapping at our heels.
The knock at the door made my jaw clench. I didn’t like having Ella exposed.
The security guard opened the door, and Eric waltzed in wearing an outdated pinstriped suit. His hair had thinned, more grey threading through it than the last time I’d seen him.
The guard lingered by the door until I nodded him away. Nick and Alec would be on their way shortly.
“Eric,” I drawled, gesturing lazily toward the chair opposite my desk,“what brings you to Dominion?”
“The usual,” he said, his gaze sliding to Ella.“Get me a drink, love.”
“We have a self-serve policy in my office,” I replied, my smile tight and humourless.
“That’s not what I heard,” he said, already moving toward the drinks cabinet.
I leaned back in my chair.
“Ah, Eric. When will I stop living in your head rent-free?”
He didn’t look at me, but I caught the sly curl of his mouth as he poured.
“How’s Sophie these days?”
“No idea. Employees come and go,” I said, glancing past him to where Ella was reaching for her water bottle.
“Pity,” he replied lightly.“It was amazing what she’d do for a few lines of coke.”
He turned then, glass in hand.
It didn’t surprise me. Alec had dosed her vaginally before—clinical, effective. Results-driven. The night had been wild.
“Is your new one any better?” Eric continued.“James said she was always skilled. Even as a child.”
My jaw tightened.
“And what’s that to you?” I asked, already cursing her father.
Ella went deathly still.
Then she gagged.
He took a seat, smiling as he deliberately ignored Ella.
“I thought you should have all the pertinent information about your latest… employee,” he said with a shrug.
“Why, thank you for your concern, Wardle,” I replied dryly.“What do you want?”
