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‘Sorry, darling,’ a male voice crooned too close to her ear as she was jostled froli Zorro-style e

Very original, she thought, turning away and steadfastly ignoring them as she waited for the woman in front of her to collect her drinks order If there was one valuable lesson Ruby had learned fro her mother all these years, it was not to let her e for her Only fools rushed in and when they did they were often sorry with the results

‘So I said, listen, doll-face’ The guy who had jostled her spoke behind her with an over-the-top drawl ‘You want it, you knohere to find it On your knees’

His co private school boys at a secret frat party instead of a posh event Ruby rolled her eyes Boysas they traded stories about their sexual exploits that were clearly too far-fetched to be believed

‘Wait till you hear this one,’ one of theht Michael picked up this girl and get this—’ the wag paused for effect ‘—he says he kissed her and didn’t even realise it was his ex until she slapped his face and told hied her hairstyle and got implants’

‘God, I wish I had his life,’ a nasally voice whined ‘He’s an animal’

Before she could give them a snarky look another voice interceded, a deep, velvet-coated voice she’d listened to all evening one long-ago night

‘He’s an idiot,’ he said ‘No ets a wority’

Ruby’s heartbeat doubled and her skin turned pasty beneath her heavy make-up It couldn’t be him It just couldn’t!

‘What can I get you, ma’am?’

Startled by the question, Ruby stared blankly at the bartender

‘To drink,’ he offered, gesturing to the vast array of colourful bottles on the marble shelf behind him