Page 32 of Can't Win 'Em All
“How frightening this must be for you,” I said out of the blue. “You went from being able to boss everybody around from your teeny tiny perch to being insignificant. That’s your worst nightmare.”
Ryder’s eyes were dangerous slits. “Did you really just call me insignificant?”
“I did,” I confirmed. “I stand by it, too.”
Ryder glared at me.
I scowled right back.
Ruby was the one who interrupted us. “I don’t know why you thought I would be the one who would listen to you,” she said to her father. “Maybe it’s because I’m the youngest girl.”
“No, you’ve always been the smartest one,” Ryder argued. “You’re smarter than your sisters and brother combined. You should be the one running the company. That was always my plan.”
He was lying. It was obvious. A quick look at Ruby told me she recognized that, which was a relief, because I didn’t want to be the one to explain it to her.
“I don’t want to be in charge,” Ruby replied. “I’m happy where I’m at. Well, other than the fact that you’re invading my personal space.”
“I’m your father.” Ryder puffed out his chest. “I can’t invade your personal space because it’s my space.”
“Yeah, you keep telling yourself that.” Ruby marched toward the door and pulled it open. “I think it’s time for you to leave.”
Ryder’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. “You can’t just kick me out of my own hotel.”
“It’s not your hotel.” Ruby was matter of fact. “It never was. You might have been in charge of Stone Group, but you were never quite the king you made yourself out to be.”
“I don’t think I like your attitude,” Ryder seethed.
Ruby merely shrugged. “You’ll live.” She waved the door. “Now, get out.”
“I’m not done here.”
He might not have been finished, but I was finished with him. I grabbed his arm—something I would’ve never envisioned myself doing a year before—and dragged him toward the exit. “You can go now.”
“Just who do you think you are?” Ryder was spitting mad. “I’m your boss.”
“Take it up with your wife. She’s actually my boss.” I wasn’t gentle when I threw him out of the room. “Don’t you come back here and threaten her.” I kept my voice low. “I’ll know if you do.”
He glared at me, open hostility practically seeping out of every pore. “The first thing I’m going to do when I’m back in power is fire you.”
“Yeah, have fun with that.” I turned on my heel and stalked back into Ruby’s room, letting the door fall shut behind me.
Silence engulfed us as we stared each other down. I was still deciding what I should say when she spoke.
“Thank you for racing to my rescue.” Her smile was genuine, unlike downstairs when it seemed she was putting on an act. She was so pretty when she smiled. Just … an absolute smoke show. Did she even realize it? “Did you follow him up here?”
That was enough to snap me out of my reverie. “What? I … no.” I shook my head. “I followed you. I was on a different elevator. I just happened to hear you kicking him out.”
“Oh.” A small smile lifted the corners of her lips. “Well … um … thank you. I could’ve handled him myself, though. I mean … he’s Ryder Stone. He’s not known for his athletic ability. I doubt he was going to rough me up.”
The mere thought of that set my teeth on edge. If Ryder ever touched her, I would destroy him. It would hurt, too. “Ruby,” I started.
“You don’t have to stay,” she assured me. “I’m fine. I doubt he’ll come back. If he does, I won’t open the door. He’s the last person I want to talk to.”
“I came up here for a reason, Ruby.” My voice was gravelly.
“Oh?” Curiosity had her tilting her head. “Do you need something?”
I didn’t know how to say what needed to be said. In the moment I’d watched her walk away from me downstairs, though, I’d realized that I didn’t need time to think. I already knew what I wanted. It wasn’t just that I wanted to do the right thing by her either. I just couldn’t walk away.
