Chapter 34
Fred looked up and saw Ray, his face going several shades paler. Everyone knew that if Ray and Jarrett were at Starlight, Byron was sure to be around.
“Mr. George, how can I help you?” Fred straightened up, his tone instantly respectful.
Ray rested his chin on his hand, his gaze cool. “Just a heads–up. Starlight’s customers aren’t your playthings. Got it?”
Fred’s face went pale, but it wasn’t Ray that unsettled him–it was the message. Everyone knew that Byron was the real force behind Starlight Pub. No matter how influential the patrons were they all had to follow his rules. Ray’s words were clearly a message from Byron.
“I–I understand… Ill leave right away: Fred scrambled off, looking like a scalded cat.
Ray smirked and turned to Byron. “He’s gone now. And weren’t you just saying she had nothing to do with you? So why’d you step in?”
“Who’s stepping in for her!” Byron swirled his drink, the ice clinking softly. His tone was cool and detached I’m just enforcing Starlight’s rules”
Ray chuckled, not buying it for a second “Right, keep telling yourself that.”
Fred had hit on plenty of girls before, and Byron had never bothered to intervene. But this time was different. Sorgething was definitely up
Ray was about to say more when Jarrett nudged him. “Save your breath. He’s already gone.”
Sure enough, when Ray turned around. Byron’s seat was empty Scanning the room, he saw Byron already downstairs. Maeve was slumped over the bar, clearly out of it. The bartender had nudged her a few times but couldn’t rouse her,
One
guy, pretending to help, trached out with the intention of groping Marve. But before he could lay a finger on her, long, strong hand clamped down on his wrist. Byron’s eyes were as cold as ice as he looked down. “Back off,” he said, his voice low and menacing
The man’s face went pale. Y–Yes, Mr. McDaniel, I’ll leave right nar«?*
Byron’s gaze lingered on Marve’s flushed cheeks as she slept peacefully, completely defenseless. A vein throbbed at his temple. Stupid woman, he thought
In the lounge on the third floor, as Byron Laid Marve on the couch, she stirred awake. Her face was a deep crimson, the effects of the alcohol giving her eyes a hazy glow. The tip of her hose was pink, making her look as enticing as a ripe peach..
Their eyes locked, and the air between them seemed to spark
“You…” Maeve blinked, her gaze fixed on his handsome face inches from hers. Fueled by alcohol, she yanked on his tic pulling him closer. “Why are you so annoying! I was asleep, and now you’re showing up in my dreams!” she shouted right
Byron was forced to lean down, her alcohol–laced breath brushing against his car, sending a strange tingle through him. “Who are you calling annoying?” he said, brushing her hand away with a hint of irritation
Whoever’s been yelling at me.” Maeve mumbled, leaning into hh chest as her head spun. “You’re like a dog biting the hand that feeds you ”
Byron’s face darkened Did she just compare me to a dog! He thought, his irritation mounting striding over to the bed. he
15:06 Fri, Dec 27 ti G
Chapter 34
unceremoniously tossed her onto it, his movements far from gentle.
“Ouch!” Maeve winced, her head spinning from the jolt. That hurts!”
“Good. Hope it hurts a lot,” Byron said coldly, standing over her with arms crossed and a frosty gaze. “How desperate are you for attention, coming to a place like this to pick up guys before your divorce is even final?” His words were laced with sharp, cutting sarcasm.
Maeve, still groggy from the alcohol, shot back without hesitation. “Yeah, I came here to pick up men. So what’s your excuse?
women?” Trying to pick up
Byron’s eyes grew icy. “Don’t you dare compare me to you.”
F
