Page 49 of Royal Desire

“Let me guess,” I bite out my words. “Reid is an adversary?”

“That’s too mild of a category for Ansel Reid,” Brand says.

“Fucking great,” I mutter. “Who exactly does he work for?”

Brand tries to placate me and the entire fucking situation. “He might have a legitimate business of his own, but he’s still a soldier. We make it our business to know the heavy hitters. The Vitales have a reputation, too, and he’s in our territory. As long as he behaves, we can overlook it. I’m sure he never thought he’d run into a Vitale in a place like this. Invest his money, take your percentage, and keep throwing weekends like this. Just don’t invite him next time.”

“You still didn’t tell me who he works for. The Vitales are different. I know Art. But that doesn’t mean I want to specialize in investments for organized crime.”

“Whoa.” Art is offended. “Back that up. The Vitales are not the Carusos.”

I freeze.

He uttered that name at the same time Ruby ended a song so slow, there was a hushed moment of silence that fell over the lounge. I lower my voice. “Caruso?”

Brand nods. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m willing to do some shit when push comes to shove or when there’s a threat to my immediate family. But if you knew how fucked-up they were, you’d know not to lump us in the same category.”

I turn to look at the man who made up approximately six percent of my revenue last year—that’s how big of a client he is—only to find out he works for the same family Ruby is running from.

Ansel is still staring at Ruby, but now he’s doing it while talking on the phone.

I turn back to Brand and Art. “I assume it’s too far of a stretch to hope Enzo Caruso is a member of a different Caruso family than the one Reid works for?”

Brand frowns, and his hold on Aria tightens. “You know Enzo Caruso?”

Aria doesn’t miss a beat. “I’ve heard of Enzo, and Brand shields me and the kids from everything when it comes to family business.”

Tess points at Aria with her drink. “I’ve heard of him too. He’s notorious.”

This conversation has taken a turn straight to hell, but my attention turns to Ruby who makes an announcement. “Ladies and gents, Blake and I are going to take a little breather. But don’t you worry, I’ve got all the tunes lined up for you. I suggest you go to the bar and get a refill. After all, I hear Payne is footing the bill for this party, right?” My clients roar with applause. “That’s what I thought. Drink up, and we’ll be back!”

I watch Ansel stand and slide his phone into his pocket. He never takes his eyes off Ruby as he makes his way around the table and through the crowd. Ruby goes to the bar and leans in to order a drink.

She’s clueless.

My feet move before I know what I’m doing.

Art calls for me. “Where are you going?”

I ignore him and everyone else in my path. The only thing I can focus on is the sinister look in Ansel’s eyes as he moves toward the bar.

I mutter excuse me as I walk past the very people I spent a fortune to suck up to all weekend. Ansel Reid approaches from the other side of the room and is at least four paces ahead of me. I hardly know anything, but I know enough that I’m not about to allow anyone to get close to Ruby who she doesn’t want to be around.

Me being the only exception.

She has no clue what’s about to happen. She and the bartender are chatting with one of my clients—a client who has made his fortune with his wife importing flowers and selling them wholesale. A legitimate business—not the Mafia. At least I don’t think they are, but what the fuck do I know. But I also didn’t think Reid was either, so who am I to judge where their money really comes from?

Ansel reaches out and grips Ruby by the biceps and yanks her around to face him. Her expression is a mix of agony and shock.

The sight of it makes me want to tear the fucking manor down, throw her over my shoulder, and run away with her.

Ruby’s shocked expression quickly shifts from her arm to Ansel. “You’re hurting me.”

He opens his mouth to speak, but I get to her before he has a chance to utter a word. I grip his wrist so tightly, he immediately lets her go. My other hand claims Ruby’s hip, and I turn her to me.

Her eyes widen when she realizes who’s touching her, but she doesn’t stop me or pull away.

Good girl, Red.