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“Of course,” the woman replied, before moving to the telephone. A minute passed, then she placed the phone back on the receiver. “I’m afraid he’s not answering.”
Fuck.
“Thank you for trying.” Kyler scraped a hand across his eyes, tension making his body heavy. He needed the asshole to go away. The stress of knowing that the man who abused Ella was in town ate at him.
Ella didn’t deserve this.
Kyler would be damned if he’d sit around and wait for Rory to act first. He lowered his hand and said to the clerk, “Please don’t alert Rory that the police are looking for him.” Especially because this wasn’t official police business.
“Of course,” the clerk replied with wide eyes. “Is there anything we need to worry about?”
Kyler shook his head. “This is a domestic situation, and nothing to be concerned with.”
Relief lifted the clerk’s voice as she replied, “Might I suggest you check out the casino before you leave? I have seen Mr. Snow spend some time there.”
Is that so?
“Thank you.” Kyler tapped his fingers on the counter, then turned toward the noise leading him into the casino.
When he entered the casino floor, he scanned the crowd, keeping the mental image of Rory in his mind. He didn’t see anyone matching Rory’s mug shot at the blackjack, poker, or roulette tables. Though Kyler suspected if Rory was in the casino he’d be in only one place.
On instinct, he headed toward the bar with the black glass on the walls. As he scanned the people sitting on the stools, his muscles went rigid.
There at the bar, Kyler spotted him.
He snorted and approached, dropping down onto the stool next to Rory. Kyler could see why Ella found Rory attractive. He had the good looks and an athletic frame. “For a man who shouldn’t be drinking, you’re doing a piss-poor job of it.”
Rory’s gaze jerked to him, and he scowled. “Excuse me?”
Kyler placed his badge on the bar, and Rory looked to it before his head lifted, some of the heat removed from his stare. Yeah, dipshit, I’m the wrong person to fuck with tonight.
The bartender came over, and she asked, “Can I get you anything?”
“Nothing for me,” Kyler replied, controlling the curtness in his voice. He turned to Rory and raised his brows. “I’m sure you’re up for another one.”
Rory gave Kyler a long look and asked through clenched teeth, “Who the fuck are you?”
The bartender’s eyes widened.
Kyler frowned. “Please leave us.”
The bartender didn’t need a further push and turned away, busying herself at the other end of the bar. Kyler inhaled deeply, fighting against the desire to push this asshole into the marble bar beneath his beer and leave him with a scar that matched Ella’s. “I know why you’re here.”
“Good for you.” Rory glowered. “Fuck off.”
“Not likely, Rory Snow.” Kyler kept distance between them, knowing if he got too close he’d make Rory never forget what he’d done to Ella. “I’ve come to give you the chance to be smart about this and leave. And I’m doing that for Ella.”
“How do you know Ella?” Slowly, though, awareness crossed Rory’s features and his gaze darkened. “You’re the new boyfriend.” He scoffed, shaking his head. “She’s dating a fucking cop.”
Kyler let Rory’s words roll off him. “Knowing that, it’s wise for you not to push these matters further than you already have.”
Rory blew out a harsh breath, wafting of beer. “She finds a fucking cop.”
The second jab stung, raising fury in Kyler’s chest. “This badge is the only thing that’s keeping me on this stool.” Rage and masculine fury invaded him. “Apparently, Ella wants things to go down a route that won’t land you back in jail, since she hasn’t already had you arrested. I’m following her wishes, but I’m telling you now, go back to Savannah.”
“She is my wife. She shouldn’t be dating anyone,” Rory bit off. “She belongs to me.”
“Was your wife,” Kyler corrected, looking Rory directly in the eye. “She’s with me now. The restraining order proves enough that she’s done with you.” Darkness filled Rory’s gaze, and Kyler suspected Ella had seen this look on him in the moments before he pushed her into a table. “Don’t fucking go there, buddy. Believe me, it won’t end well for you.”
