Chapter 488
“Oh — I know a wonderful doctor. Would you like their information?”
“No, but thank you,” Kristine replied.
Feeling more at ease, Iris let her guard down slightly. “Of course, I suppose it doesn’t matter — Mr. Yates has connections no one else can match. He could find you the best specialist in the world.”
Kristine stopped walking.
Iris looked at her with concern. “Is everything alright?”
“It’s nothing,” Kristine said quietly.
It was true — Colton had the wealth and influence everyone around him envied. But to her, all of it was nothing more than the walls of a very comfortable cage. To Elyse, those same walls were a gift.
She thought briefly of how quickly Elyse had moved to change the subject earlier, and almost smiled. Colton likely already knew the truth and had simply chosen to protect her. But that wasn’t what she had come here to discuss.
“Earlier, you mentioned Consuela got into serious trouble because she crossed someone. Do you know who it was?
“Well—” Iris began.
A long, low whistle came from behind them.
“Well, aren’t you two a sight. Why don’t you come keep me company for a while?”
Iris and Kristine turned to find Kaleb Byrd blocking their path. He carried himself with a swaggering arrogance that had more in common with a street criminal than a gentleman — though the large, imposing bodyguards flanking him lent him an air of authority he hadn’t earned on his own.
“Who do you think you are?” Iris asked, looking him over with open contempt. “Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?”
“Of course I do,” Kaleb said, his smile slow and unpleasant. “She’s Colton’s girl. I’ve been with a lot of women, but never one of his. Looks like today’s my lucky day.”
Iris was too stunned to respond.
He knew exactly who Kristine was and had approached her anyway. He was either looking for trouble or completely out of his mind.
“Ms. Green,” Iris said, keeping her voice steady, “let’s go back to the others.”
Kristine gave a small nod but kept her eyes on Kaleb.
Something was wrong. Even if he wasn’t from Gridron, he had to know how much power Colton held. No one acted this way by accident.
Before they could move, Kaleb stepped forward and planted himself directly in Kristine’s path. A stale, sour odor clung to him, and Kristine quietly stepped back to put some distance between them.
He didn’t notice — or didn’t care. He leaned closer and breathed in her direction. “You’re gorgeous. Exactly what I’d expect from Colton’s girl. Spend the night with me, and I’ll make sure it’s worth your while.”
“You’re disgusting!” Iris snapped, swinging her hand toward his face.
Kaleb shoved her aside without a second thought. “Get out of here.”
Iris hit the floor and sat there for a stunned moment before scrambling to her feet and bolting down the hallway, her heels snapping sharply against the tile.