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“You expecting any visitors tonight?”
There’s humor in his voice but also a knowing expectation. He can’t possibly be talking about Damon. Patrick is never upstairs unless there’s a problem. Lately, there haven’t been any problems.
Stopping in place, I look down at my feet and back up at him.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t.”
He wraps an arm around my shoulders to block my attempt to step around him and walk inside.
“You know that guy has problems, don’t you.”
“Granger? Of course I know.”
He laughs.
“Not Granger, although you’re right…He has his own issues and I’m not judging you for whatever it is you’re doing with him. I’m talking about that rich asshole who likes to cause trouble. Damon or whatever. The one with a twin brother and a bad attitude.”
My heart sinks. Of course, he knows Damon. Patrick was the person who tackled him the night of the fight.
Still, denial runs through me, driving my need to continue playing the game and keep up appearances.
“Why do you think I know some guy named Damon? Granger never lets me in the back rooms, much less out of his sight. I have no time to meet anybody while I’m working.”
Patrick laughs, a deep belly chuckle that vibrates his body against mine. His fingers tighten on my shoulder.
“Yeah, except there are times Granger isn’t around to watch you. And I make a lot of money to ensure those times happen.”
Fuck.
Damon’s been paying off Patrick to spend time with me. I try not to think about how much he’s been shelling out between the two of us.
Fine. I’ll admit the truth. My voice is weak when I do so.
“I know Damon has issues. But I’m not doing anything with him that’ll cause problems.”
Another squeeze of his fingers on my shoulder.
“Not worried about the club, Ames. I’m just reminding you that a man with the kind of issues Damon carries makes him a dangerous playmate in those rooms. Be careful is all I’m saying.”
Nodding my head, I take a breath then plaster on my best smile. My eyes meet his. “No worries. I can handle myself.”
Voice low, he releases my shoulder. “Yeah, Ames, but can you handle Damon if he loses his shit again? I barely got him under control when he was fighting in front of a crowd. I hate to think what he could do to you if he loses control in private.”
The same concern has already rolled through my thoughts several times. Hell, the concern practically screams in my head every time I’m alone with Damon.
But that doesn’t mean I can stay away.
“I doubt he’ll show up again. Our last … session … didn’t go so well. He didn’t even pay me.”
Stepping forward, Patrick opens the door for me. “Yeah, okay. But when he shows up again, do you want me to distract Granger?”
Understanding that he’s asking me if I consent to Damon’s presence, I nod my head.
“Yes.”
One bark of a laugh escapes me. “Maybe he’ll even pay me this time.”
