“His name is Luke Malone,” Ray adds, his tone turning sharp. “He’ll try to charm you. Don’t let him.” He waits a beat before adding, “He’s a wanker.”
The door swings open before I can respond and a man strolls in like he owns the place, full of confidence and arrogance. He looks to be the same age as Ray, maybe a little rougher around the edges.
His gaze lands on me immediately, slow and assessing. My skin prickles.
He shoves his hands into his jeans pockets and drops into the chair beside me. “You must be the new girl.”
“Her name is Wynter,” Ray says dryly. “Did you need something, Dale?”
Dale shakes his head, his eyes still locked on me. “Nope.”
“Then maybe you can step out so I can finish up here?”
“You didn’t mention she was a goddess,” Dale says, completely ignoring him.
Heat rushes to my cheeks and he groans softly, like he’s in pain, then drops his head back against the chair dramatically.
“Jesus . . . that innocent look you’ve got going on? That’ll kill me.”
“I’ll kill you if you don’t leave,” Ray says dryly.
“I work with Ray,” Dale tells me, flashing a grin.
“For me,” Ray cuts in. “You workfor me.”
Dale ignores him again, pulling his phone from his pocket and holding it out to me. “If you need anything, call me. I’ll make it happen.”
I hesitate, my fingers barely touching the device.
“Don’t put your number in that,” Ray says sharply.
I glance between them, completely out of my depth.
“Give him the phone back.”
I hand it over quickly and Dale chuckles as he takes it, pushing to his feet. “Just how you like them, boss. Quiet. Innocent.” Hisgrin turns wicked as he looks at me. “Is that why you warned me off?”
Ray doesn’t answer.
“I’ll give it to you when he’s not around.” Dale winks.
The second he’s gone, the room feels heavier.
Ray’s gaze snaps to me. “Do not fuck my staff,” he says bluntly. My cheeks burn with embarrassment at his bluntness. “Especially Dale.”
“I won’t,” I say quickly.
“I’ll fire you if you do,” he continues, his tone cold and absolute. “I won’t have you sneaking around when you should be looking after Anika.”
“Mr. Carmichael,” I say, forcing my voice to stay steady, “I can assure you, I have no intention of sleeping with any of your staff. I’m not looking for complications.”
At exactly two-forty-five, I press my key card to the elevator pad and breathe out a sigh of relief. Ray is too intense and the last thing I need is him seeing where I live.
I step out into the casino’s grand foyer, push through the glass doors and stop.
He’s already there. Leaning against a car. Watching me.
“Oh,” I mumble, guilt curling in my stomach.
