Page 15 of Prickly Romance

He chuckles because he knows it is true.

Looking at him, one would never be able to tell that Adam is worth billions. Though he can afford to line his garage with Porches and Lamborghinis, Adam drives a pickup truck handed down by his grandfather. Today, he is dressed in a T-shirt with a hole in the sleeve and dusty boots.

“If all else fails, you can use your daughter to convince her,” Adam says, pointing to the video where Niko is staring up at Dejonae in awe. “They seem to have a connection.”

I frown. Niko is the reason I breathe, the reason I’ve left everything I know and love to live in a country that is not my own.

I would do anything for her.

But I refuse to use her for business.

“There is no need for that. Miss Williams will be mine. One way or another,” I promise.

He peers at the video again. “I bet she’ll give you a run for your money.”

“I will take that bet.”

“At five.”

“Thousand?”

“Three more zeroes.”

I chuckle. “You have money to waste?”

“I’d like to donate it to a worthy cause. Your foundation never looked for investors.”

I steeple my hands. “We do not need outside money.”

My personal accounts are enough to keep the foundation alive. In addition, the foundation is capable of creating its own revenue. I have everything in order.

“Money is still money, Sazuki. No sense turning your nose at it because it’s coming from a country boy.”

“It is not the money that makes me hesitate. It is the conditions that come with it. If you want to help, you can cut the strings.”

“Scared?” Adam challenges.

I scoff. “I will acquire her cooperation in three days.”

“I’m taking that deal.”

We shake on it.

The door bursts open while we each lift our mugs. Adam straightens immediately, as if his body can sense his assistant’s approach.

“Hide me,” he whispers.

I shake my head.

We both glance away when Nova nears us. I’ve learned not to look her directly in the eyes when she is enraged. This way, I steer clear of most of the fire.

“You have a meeting in ten minutes,” Nova says softly. Likesobo, my grandmother, she is quiet. Rarely ever raises her voice. Yet her flaring nostrils and the tense set of her lips communicates her wrath.

Adam slips out of the chair, arms raised. “I can explain.”

“Oh?” Nova slaps a hand on her hip. Long braids slide over one shoulder as she stares frankly up at him. Her skin is dark, which makes the white of her eyes stand out even more. “Please do explain.”

“Sazuki called me out of the house for an emergency meeting.” Adam points.

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