‘I’m fine, thank you,’ said Adele, holding up her glass of wine to show him how full it was.

‘OK, maybe next time,’ he said.

Then he took his drink and winked at her as he left the bar. Adele turned her stool back around, resisting the temptation to watch him walk through the club again. A self-satisfied smile was painted on her face, pleased with herself that she’d managed to play it cool.

But, although she had stayed cool on the outside, her pulse was racing. It always did when Glynn was around, and a buzz of excitement shot through her. God, she wanted him!

Adele might have resisted Glynn for now but she felt as though he was pulling her into his lair. She knew it was dangerous but she felt herself being dragged there as though against her will. She didn’t know how much longer she could resist the mighty attraction that drew her. And watching the effect that he had on other women only made her want him more.

Chapter 33

Peter swung open the door to his apartment, allowing Glynn and Mike to enter. Their faces were grave and he guessed that whatever they had found out wasn’t good. He tried to prepare himself for bad news while they sat down at his dining table and he fixed them all a drink.

‘So, what’s the score with Sam?’ he asked.

‘You’re not gonna like it,’ said Glynn.

‘Go on,’ Peter urged.

‘The new outfit he’s with have been operating a few weeks but he’s only just joined them, as you know. Now, here’s one of the things you won’t like.’ Glynn paused dramatically before continuing. ‘The George and Dragon isn’t the only one of our pubs they’ve muscled in on. There are two others, plus another that sussed them out and made an excuse to delay payment.’

Glynn then gave Peter details of the pubs affected.

‘Fuckin’ hell!’ Peter cursed. ‘Well, whoever this firm is, they’re a bunch of cheeky bastards,’ he said.

‘I know,’ said Glynn. He held up his hand, adding, ‘But don’t worry, we’ve made the licensees pay us and told them not to pay Sam’s firm any more. Trouble is, we’ll have to turf up whenever they’re having trouble with this new outfit.’

Peter sighed, ‘Yeah, looks like we’re gonna have to fuckin’ earn our protection money now.’ He then paused before asking, ‘What’s the other thing?’

‘Oh yeah,’ said Glynn. ‘I was coming to that. You’re not gonna believe this! One of the blokes Sam’s working with is Dave.’

‘You’re fuckin’ joking!’ said Peter, almost choking as he swallowed his brandy. ‘Who the fuck are they?’ he demanded.