Page 57 of Ruthless Beasts

“Only to commitments,” I mumbled, earning me a slight stomp on my foot from Bellamy. “Anything that’s approved for pregnant women should be fine, Janie. She’s not really picky. Just send a wide spread to choose from.”

“Understood.”

I took a few steps toward Adam’s office. “Oh, and Janie. You’re my favorite.”

I beamed at the lady old enough to be my mother, had my mother not sunk into a pit of despair and drugs. “Mercer, get out of here. I know you’re just laying it on thick because you’re getting what you want. Run along now. I’m sure Adam will love seeing his wife.”

“I might die. But yeah, I’ll take his wife to him.”

Janie just shook her head. “So dramatic.”

She clearly didn’t know the Adam I knew. She was well aware of business Adam, and not the killer Adam. As we approached his office door, Bellamy leaned into my arm, gripping it as she whispered, “Well, she seemed nice.”

I looked down at her, leaning in a little. “She’s a viper. Don’t let the old bag fool you.”

The punch Bellamy gifted me didn’t hurt at all, but I played it up, rubbing my biceps. “Ouch. Does your husband know you’re abusive?” I mumbled.

“Given my family background, I’m sure he’s suspected as much.”

I placed a hand on her lower back, using my other to open the door. When I ushered her in, Adam was on the phone, his back to us, and after I closed the door, we waited for him to finish up. There were no secrets in our business between us. so I knew he wouldn’t care that we just walked in. He would, however, befurious that Bellamy was standing in his office and not in the comfort of our home.

“The gala is in less than a week,” he growled. “The opening of the resort is a week after that. How are we supposed to train someone? You promised me you’ve had this handled from the start, Steven.”

There was a pause, and Adam was becoming angrier by the second. His shoulder tensed, and I knew Steven would not like what he was about to hear. After a few deep breaths, Adam shouted, “If I don’t have a head bartender by this afternoon, Steven — a qualified, trained, and certified bartender — you’re fired. Do you hear me?”

Beats of silence suffocated the room before Adam hung up and tossed his phone roughly onto the nearby chair. Beside me, Bellamy’s hands clamped together nervously, clearly unsettled by Adam’s anger. But before I could reassure her, she swallowed hard and spoke. “Hannah is a certified bartender.”

Adam whirled around so fast it was a shock he didn’t pull something. His eyes blazed for a moment before they settled on her and cooled. “Belle? What are you doing here?”

I appreciated the moment of solidarity when she didn’t bother throwing me under the bus. “I wanted out of the house. It’s not Mercer’s fault. I begged him until he caved. I have Max and Drew here too.”

“And half the property’s staff,” I added, hoping I wouldn’t die today.

“You should have called. I would have come home.” Yeah, except the girl never called or texted us about anything.

“I wanted to come here.” Her posture straightened. “We have lunch coming. Have you eaten?”

He looked tired, resigned. He waited for a few moments to answer her. With a sigh, he finally confirmed what I already knew. “No.”

“Good.”

I guided her further into the room as her wide eyes looked around. It was a massive office. Probably bigger than most apartments. Seeing as Adam spent a lot of time here since the company formed, the size made sense. I pointed to a door in the corner. “Bathroom is through there. Drinks are in that fridge under the bar, and I’m placing you right here on the couch.”

I stopped in front of the couch and pushed down on her shoulders until she sat. “This is nice.”

“He shouldn’t have brought you here,” Adam continued, displeased, as if that would change the actions.

“But he did, and here I am. I won’t get in your way. I brought a book.” She held up her book, displaying the smutty looking cover.

Adam fought the amusement. “Ah, educational reading, I see.”

“I’m just working my way through the library is all.” She beamed. “Thanks again for that.”

“Stop thanking me, Belle.” He sat at his desk, addressing me next. “We’re down our head barkeep. She was scheduled to open the resort. She ran the team for the pre-opening gala. Fucking Steven. I knew I shouldn’t depend on him, but I thought he could do one thing right.”

“Want Ace to take care of him?” I questioned as I sat beside Bellamy, spreading my legs.

Adam was quiet for a moment, mulling it over. “He’s hit his three strikes. Have Ace bring him in.”

---