Page 98 of Master of My Heart

“We have to tell Martin!” Jayson exclaimed, reaching for his phone.

Chase reached out to stop him. “I was going to go over and talk to him about it in person.” His eyes narrowed. “And then, believe me, I will speak directly to Aiden.”

“Speak?” Ethan growled.

Chase glanced at his friend. Ethan was a very laid-back guy. Not a lot got him riled up. Texas born and bred, he took everything in stride and rarely showed excessive emotions. Chase saw the fire burning in his eyes now, though. He glanced at Jayson. “We’ll take care of it, Jayson.”

“She’s my friend, too,” he protested. “I’ve watched the whole fucking thing while you weren’t here.”

“Do you really want to see what we do to guys like him?” Chase asked, eyebrow raised. Chase and Ethan were the unofficial protectors of the dancers. A few years ago, one of the corps dancers had been raped as she walked home. They’d hunted the attacker down and took care of him.

Jayson hesitated. “Are you going to kill him?”

“No.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Depends on how much convincing he needs to realize his wrongs.”

Beating up a movie star probably wasn’t the best idea in the world, but Chase was ready to do whatever it took to get him out of Boston and away from Sabrina.

*****

“That’s why she was acting the way she was, Martin. She was exhausted.”

Chase had watched Martin’s face as he explained what had been going on with Sabrina for the last week and a half. Many expressions had crossed the older man’s face, but anger was the most prominent one. Chase’s training was the only thing that kept him planted in the chair, rather than demanding Aiden’s address and ripping the man apart. Ethan sat silently next to him, ready and willing to help Chase out with that task.

Martin leaned back in his chair, frowning. “I wish I’d known what was going on,” he said after a few minutes of silence. “How could I have missed this?”

“How did her former ballet director miss it? I think she’s been thoroughly trained to not let anyone know what is going on in her life. Even Jayson and Liz had no idea. Claims of tiredness can cover a lot.”

“I feel awful.” Martin sighed. “I feel like I’ve failed her. She escaped an awful place back home, only to end up in a similar situation here. And right under my nose.”

“Did you know Aiden was an abusive asshole?”

“Not at all. I always consider the reputations of the guests I bring in. Yes, he makes his rounds wherever he goes, but that’s normal for someone of his caliber.” He rolled his eyes. “The dancers get around, too, even if only with the donors.”

Chase cleared his throat, knowing what Martin was implying. He’d gone out with his fair share of dancers over the years. How could he not? He was Jayson’s best friend and was around them a lot. They practically threw themselves at him whenever he was around. “I’ve always made it clear that I wasn’t looking for a relationship,” he mumbled.

Martin chuckled. “I know. They don’t always listen, so I can’t fault you for that.” He tilted his head. “I suspect there will be no more random ballerinas in your life anymore, though, eh?”

Chase couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across his face. Ethan chuckled. He scowled at his friend, then shrugged. “I think we’re off to a good start with her talking to me this afternoon.”

Martin nodded. “Good. She obviously needs someone like you who can watch out for her.” He shook his head. “I still—” He sighed. “Aiden was doing a great job. I have to find a replacement. I won’t let him stay.”

Chase nodded. “I’m sorry this happened. If you can find the replacement, I’ll gladly take care of the son of a bitch.”

“Don’t maim him too badly,” Martin warned. “You don’t want the publicity that would come along with it.”

Martin had a point. If Chase beat him as much as he wanted to, the media would be all over this, and lots of things could go wrong if that happened. Exposure like that wouldn’t be good for his career, not to mention if someone from Sabrina’s past saw her.

He glanced at Ethan. “Maybe just a good threatening?”

Ethan frowned and nodded. “Probably best.”

Chase looked at Martin. “You want to fire him while I’m here? I’ll make sure he leaves and never returns.”

Martin nodded. “With pleasure.”

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