Jarrett dressed in a black outfit with hair and sunglasses, shot a grin. “Oh? Did I miss something? Byron frowned slightly as he glanced toward the bar. There was Maeve, laughing and chatting the bartender. Her off- shoulder dress, which she rarely showcased her flawless and her curved a bright, smile. Amid club’s noisy, heated atmosphere, she stood as the most striking sight. Byron shot a quick, cold glance at before turning away, his icy. “She’s got nothing to me. smirked, his twinkling mischief. “A lovers’ spat, huh? I’ve only met her twice, I could she’s got thing from last time at the hospital. “Wait, who’s got a thing for Jarrett asked, leaning in with curiosity. Ray, always ready for juicy gossip, couldn’t resist. Byron’s icy stare, he began filling in on the details. But just as he got started, commotion erupted downstairs, Ray glanced and frowned. Byron, looks your girl’s hassled by Fred Curtis” Byron’s expression darkened. told got nothing do with me. Do I need throw you over balcony to make that clear?” Ray immediately mimed zipping his lips shut. The commotion downstairs was hard to ignore. Fred, familiar at Starlight Pub, was known for his wealth his pursuit of beautiful women. He’d shower. them with lavish attention and gifts, making for them to say no. But once he’d won them he’d ditch them within usually with a breakup fee. He was notorious player, through and through. now in Fred’s sights, the other patrons eagerly anticipated the unfolding drama. *Excuse Fred sliding into the seat next to Maeve with charming smile. to join me for dinner?” reputation, Fred was easy on the eyes-handsome, with a bright, sunny demeanor and a dimpled smile that melt hearts. feeling bit fuzzy from the drinks, barely glanced up. already eaten, not hungry” Fred chuckled. I’m bit hungry. How about joining me? I’ll make it worth your while-100 thousand dollars for one dinner crowd gasped. ‘100 thousand dollars for a dinner? This guy is pulling out all to over! Maeve, however, impressed. She frowned at Fred. “Needing company for meal? What you, a toddler?” She could was on her and wasn’t in the mood for it Fred, unfazed, leaned in claser. “Maybe I wasn’t clear-200 thousand dollars for one dinner. What do you say?” He was cunvinced no one could turn down an offer like that it were dollars, I wouldn’t with Marve, now slammed on the bar. “Even it you. Feeling Go home and find your mom, okay?” Chapter 21 The crowd erupted laughter. Fred’s face immediately twisted fury. “What the hell did you just say? Don’t push your luck, lady!” “Hey, came a lazy voice from balcony. Fred up and saw Ray, his face going several shades paler. Everyone knew if and Jarrett at Starlight. Byron was sure be around. George, how can help you? Fred straightened up, his tone instantly respectful. Ray rested his chin hand, his gaze cool. Just a heads-up. Starlight’s customers aren’t your playthings. Got it?” Fred’s face went but wasn’t Ray that unsettled him-it message. Everyone was the real force. behind Starlight Pub. No how influential the were, they all had to follow rules. Ray’s words were clearly a message from Вутоп. T-I understand. Ill leave right away. ” Fred scrambled off, looking like scalded cat. Ray smirked and turned to Byron. “He’s gone now. you saying she had nothing to you? So why’d step in?” “Who’s stepping in for her?” Byron swirled his drink, the ice softly. His was cool and detached. Tm just enforcing Starlight’s rules. Ray not buying it a second. “Right, keep telling yourself that,” Fred had hit on plenty of girls before, and Byron had never bothered to intervene. But this time was different. Ray was about to say more when Jarrett nudged him. your breath. Sure enough, when turned around, Byron’s seat was empty. the room, he already downstairs. Maeve was slumped over clearly out of it. The bartender had nudged her a few times couldn’t her. One guy, pretending to out with the of groping Maeve. But he could lay a her, a long, down his wrist. Byron’s were cold as ice as he down. “Back he said, his low and menacing. man’s went pale. McDaniel, right now!” lingered Maeve’s flushed cheeks as she slept peacefully, completely defenseless. A throbbed at temple. ‘Stupid woman, thought. the on the third floor, Byron laid the couch, she awake. Her face was a deep crimson, the effects of the alcohol her eyes hazy glow. The tip of her was pink, making her look as enticing as ripe peach Their eyes locked, the air between them seemed to spark Maeve blinked, her gaze fixed on his handsome face inches hers. Fueled by alcohol, she yanked on his tie. pulling him closer. “Why are you so annoying? I was and now you’re showing up in my dreams!” she shouted right into his ear. Byron was to lean down, her alcohol-laced sending strange tingle through him. “Who are you calling annoying?” he brushing her hand away with a hint of irritation. “Whoever’s yelling at me,” Maeve mumbled, into his chest her head spun. like dog the hand feeds you…. Chapter 21 Byron’s face darkened. Did she just me to a dog? thought, mounting. Striding over to the he tossed her onto it, his movements far from gentle. “Ouch!” Maeve winced, her spinning from jolt. it hurts a Byron said coldly, standing over her with arms crossed and frosty gaze. “How desperate you for coming to a place this pick up guys before your divorce is even final?” His words were laced with sharp. cutting sarcasm, Maeve, still groggy from the alcohol, shot without hesitation. “Yeah, I came here to up men. So your excuse? Trying to pick up women?” Byron’s eyes icy. “Don’t you me to you.