Page 22 of Fate's Unseen Shadow

“Sure,” Ryker said, lifting his hand to Lacy.

She pointed at Damon and Xavier. They both nodded.

“You know she’s due for a raise,” Slater said. “I looked over the books. We decided last year to give her a raise each time our profit increased. It’s damn near doubled since then.”

Xavier knocked on the table. “Do it.”

“Did we ever decide what Ella would earn? I mean, I know she doesn’t need it, per se, but I can’t sit by and let her work for free.” After pulling out his phone, Damon opened the payroll system. “Send me the figure for Lacy, and I’ll adjust it. I’ll put Ella down at one and a half times the minimum wage, off the books, of course. She’ll earn that with tips. Based on how friendly she seems, she’ll make a killing. I should have known she’d be good at this.” Based solely on the fact she’d said she would.

“I think she’d be good at anything and could take over our jobs as owners tomorrow.” Xavier drained the rest of his beer. “But she does appear to be chatty with the customers.”

“It still worries me.” With a hard sigh, he scratched his cheek. “I hope this isn’t a mistake.”

“She’s doing everything you said, right?” Ryker asked. “She looks completely different. I even pulled up her picture circulated by the FBI a few minutes ago, trying to remember what she looked like. No one would guess she was a billionaire.”

“Um. Did you say billion…with a B?” Slater asked. “Seriously?”

“When you consider her total wealth, with her full ownership of Cassin Systems, yes. A few times over. She was onForbes’s Thirty Under Thirty four years ago at twenty-seven. She could buy this bar with the change in her sofa cushions.”

“I guess the Rolex should’ve clued me in.” Slater sat back, rubbing his hands on his jeans. “And the diamonds.”

“Or pearls?” Ryker said, laughing. “Never seen a waitress at a place like this so decked out.”

Damon drummed his fingers on the table. “And none of you told her to take them off?”

“She came in with you. Did you not notice them?” Ryker asked.

He’d been trying his best not to look at her too closely. “I guess I didn’t.”

Xavier chimed in with his concern. “I agree with Damon. Because not only will it draw attention, but it’ll also draw the wrong kind of attention. The kind that won’t know who Elizabeth Cassin is but sees an easy target to rob.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Slater slid his empty glass to the end of the table. “Looks like Lacy is sending her over with our drinks. I’ll let you tell her to take them off.” He sat back in the booth, giving Damon a serious look. “You’re in charge of this one.”

“I’ll tell her. She’ll take them off, or I’ll return herwithher jewelry to the apartment.” Because he’d keep her safe one way or another.

“Lacy sent me with gifts.” She smiled at all the guys, her cheeks flushed, probably from the rush behind the bar. As she started to set the beers off the tray, her blond hair swung in front of her face. She tucked it behind her ear, revealing two-carat diamond earrings. They were the same ones she’d worn yesterday.

“Ella, take off the jewelry.”

She straightened, sliding the tray underneath her arm. “That’s strange. Most people say thank you when I bring them a drink.”

Slater snickered. “Sassy.”

“Sorry. Damon’s manners have yet to be installed,” Ryker quipped. “He’s still at his factory settings. Thank you for the drink.”

“You’re welcome.”

Damon sent Ryker a murderous look he ignored. They’d just talked about her needing to get rid of the jewelry. He could use some backup, not smart-ass comments.

Ella fiddled with the pearl necklace. “I never take it off.”

“Let me try to explain this with a little more civility. Damon would like for you to take them off because it’s unsafe to walk around with that much money on your body on this side of town.” Xavier picked up his drink. “And thank you for the beer.”

“Thanks, honey,” Slater said. “And Xavier is right.”

“You’re welcome, and don’t call me honey.” She turned her attention back to Damon. “You really want me to take it off? I know the danger when I’m alone, especially this last month, but I’m here.” Ella halfway motioned to him. “With you.”

“Even with me here, watching over you, it’s unsafe for you to use the women’s restroom wearing them. I’m surprised Lacy didn’t tell you to take it off.”

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