Page 22 of Wild Card
“You're too nice, Ruby. I’ve been telling you that since the day we met.” She laughs to herself, though I can tell that she’s completely shaken by what she’s heard.
“You also told me to stay away from your brother. Guess I should have listened, huh?” I try my best to make light of it. I’m so relieved that she doesn’t seem mad. Though all that might change when she sees what Ash did to her brother’s face.
“Esmé.” A low, angry voice comes from the bar door, and when I see Mayor Preston standing tall and wide in its frame, I freeze.
“Dad?” Esmé quickly stands up and turns around to face him. “Ruby was just–”
“Go wait in the car, pumpkin,” he tells her, smiling as if everything's okay, but I sense that he knows what happened.
“Dad, I just?—”
“Now, what have I told you about doing as you're told?” He tilts his head at her. “I need a little word with Ruby, here.” He steps closer and gives her a warm, assuring smile that I see right through.
“I’m sorry.” Esmé looks at me helplessly before she scurries off and heads out the door.
“Mr. Preston, I wanna explain...” I start, but have no idea how to continue.
“My son do that to your face?” he asks, casually taking a seat at the table.
“He did, sir.” I’m not gonna lie to spare his feelings. He needs to know that there's a good reason that Ash acted the way he did.
“Well, that was wrong of him; he’s been raised better, and I can see why you’d be upset.” The lack of empathy in his voice makes me question how genuine he is. “But getting the club involved?” He pouts as if he’s disappointed in me.
“Sir, I didn’t ask–”
“Do you know who that boy is, sweetheart?” He takes out one of his ready-rolled cigarettes from a tin and taps it on the table.
“Ash was just defending me. He saw what Brett did, and he didn’t agree with it.” I try my best to make him understand. I don’t want him getting into trouble.
“Your new friend is Dom Monroe’s son.” He laughs to himself as he watches my face turn pale.
“No…He can’t be.” I swallow thickly when I feel all the breath leave my body.
“Oh yeah, darling.” Mayor Preston lights his smoke and exhales toward the ceiling.
“I figure he'd be pretty mad if you and your momma's secret got out. He’s already proven he’s got a violent streak, and his criminal record is not just a weekend read.” His words obliterate that warm, fuzzy feeling I’ve had in my stomach since I got on the back of Ash’s bike.
“Mr. Preston, I–”
“Brett’s on his way to the E.R. I had Frank pick him up after he called. Just in case you're concerned about your fiancé.” He throws me a sarcastic look.
“I wish Brett no harm, but I’m sure you can understand why things between us can’t continue.” I feel a shiver creeping up my spine.
“After all this family has done for you, Ruby, it’s disappointing to hear that you're going to allow one mistake to be such a setback.” He flicks his ash on the floor and leans over the table. “You might wanna rethink that decision if you wanna stay in this town.” He smiles at me.
“You can’t expect me to be with him after what happened.” I shake my head.
“What Iexpectis for you to make the right choice about your future. You're a smart girl, Ruby; your mom was always proud of that.” He stands and looks up at the homemade congratulations banner Esmé pinned above the bar before I got here. “We can postpone the party for a few weeks until Brett’s feeling better.In the meantime, you be careful of the company you keep, Miss Saunders. This is a small town, and word spreads fast. A girl’s reputation is her most precious asset.” He raises the Stetson he’s wearing on his head at me as he starts making his way to the door. “Oh, and Ruby?” He turns around before he leaves. “I’m firing up the grill tonight. I’m sure you’ll want to be there to welcome Brett home.” He smiles as he leaves, and I slump down into the chair, feeling helpless and letting all those tears I’ve been holding back finally release.
ELEVEN
Ash
After stopping off at a few more places to make collections, we arrive back at the club, and I gotta admit, I’m impressed by what I’ve seen. I had no idea the Cody charter was investing in pussy, and from the looks of those envelopes, it’s paying off.
“Had fun?” Moby asks as we head for the bar. Hack hands over the pile of envelopes from his pocket to Byron, who doesn’t bother counting them and tucks them in his cut pocket.
“I’ll bet that one with the cute little belly ring asked after me, huh?” Moby rubs his hands together, while Cass pops the tops off two beers and hands them to me and Hack.
