House Rules(34)
“I need a favor.”
“Shit,” Ashton groaned. “Please tell me you’re not in trouble.”
What the fuck?
“Why does everyone always think I’m in trouble?”
“Because every time you ask for a favor, that’s usually the problem.”
I sighed. “Someone’s in trouble, but it’s not me.”
“Stop beating around the damn bush and tell me already.” I could hear papers being shuffled in the background.
When I first opened the club and the bar I thought Ashton had it easy; that he just exaggerated how much hassle running the restaurant was. I always laughed when he whined about it. I mean, it wasn’t like he was cooking every night. Then I opened these two places and realized that the paperwork is never-ending. No matter how much I got done, there were still a million more piles.
“Remember the woman I brought to La Tratoria a few weeks ago?”
He laughed. “Yeah. I was actually hoping to see her with you again. It would get Elena and Mom off your back.”
“I just found out she took a job at Rock Bottom.”
He laughed, which made me suck in a deep breath. “How the fuck do you not know she’s working for you?”
“It’s not like I’ve spent a shit-ton of time here lately. Between the dealership and the club, I haven’t had time to get over here. That’s not why I called.”
“Why are you letting her work there?”
“She needs the job—”
“And you can’t get her one somewhere else? I’ve seen the sleazy as shit outfits the girls wear. You can’t for one moment tell me you want other men—”
“Ashton, would you shut the fuck up for five seconds and listen to me.” Damn he was pissing me off. I had bigger things to worry about than Tess’s ass hanging out, especially if Marcello thought she was bait for Ray Wasden.
“Fine. But I’m not letting this one go. I watched you with her that night.”
I slumped in my chair.
“Marcello’s men broke into her apartment the other night.”
“Why the fuck would Marcello give two shits about a woman you’re dating? It’s not like we’ve bothered with his business, even though he’s a slimy bastard. Besides, he’d be more likely to come after me for that shit.”
It was time for the truth to come out about how I met Tess in the first place. I started with the poker game, all the way up to finding her in my bar a little bit ago.
“Jesus Christ. You won her?”
“Ashton. Focus.”
“I’m trying, but damn Dad was pissed when I first told him about Elena. He’s going to flip his shit over this.”
I ran a hand through my hair. This conversation was almost as frustrating as the one with Tess a few minutes ago.
“He already knows. Trust me it wasn’t pretty. Right now I have to worry about that asshole Marcello and what he wants with Tess.”
“Fuck.”
“Goddamn it, Ashton. Fine, fuck you. Forget I called. I’ll figure it out myself.”
“Don’t be an asshole. You can’t drop this much shit in my lap all at once and expect me to solve your problem instantly. Give me a minute.”
He had a point.
“All right. What do you know about Nathan Marcello?”
“Only what a few clients have told me, after they’ve borrowed money from him. The bastard is relentless and has no problems hurting someone’s family or friends to get it.”
“Shit. That’s what I thought.” For a moment I wanted to hurl my phone across the room, but that would only end up pissing me off more when I had to get a new one.
“Not that I want to see anyone hurt, but why do you even care? You’re normally the love ’em and leave ’em type.”
That was the one question I’d been asking myself since I walked in and saw that bastard grabbing her ass earlier. She wasn’t mine to worry about, but I couldn’t stop myself from doing it, and the simple thought of Marcello or his men anywhere near her trying to hurt her for Ray’s debt made blood pound through my ears.
“I can’t explain.”
The asshole burst out laughing.
“What the hell is so funny?”
“You. You’re confused and tongue-tied over a woman. For years I’ve been watching women behave that way in front of you. Damn if the tables haven’t turned.”
“That’s ridiculous. I only want to help her out of a bad situation.”
He scoffed. “And when was the last time you wanted to help anyone out of a bad situation?”
“Why is that so surprising?” I snapped. “You did it for Elena.”
“Yeah, but I’m not you or Dad. Admit it, the two of you can be absolutely ruthless when it comes to getting your own way. The only time you worry about someone else is if they’re family.”