Page 10 of Save Me

I shake off the thought because I’m probably reading more into it than I should.

“And assuming that we’re not off the record,” he continues, “I’m not at liberty to go into detail about my former business relationship with Mr. Blackmon.”

“And what about your current relationship with him?”

He frowns, a wrinkle appearing between his eyebrows.

“He’s still a member of this club, correct?”

“Again, I’m not at liberty to confirm or deny.”

He’s not going to budge. I can sense it. But I already know the answer. Mr. Blackmon has been spotted at The Black Opal several times within the last year. In the coveted VIP section reserved for members.

The set of Dae Kim’s jaw, coupled with his unwavering gaze, tells me everything I need to know about the productiveness of this meeting. It’s going nowhere.

Another fucking dead end.

I can feel his gaze on me as I hide my dismay. Despite my good sense, my intrigue starts getting the better of me, and questions about who Dae Kim is emerge.

You're not here for that.

I don’t have time to get sidetracked.

“Mr. Kim, thank you for your time,” I say into the silence. “If there’s anything you would like to tell me in the future, please don’t hesitate to call me.”

I pull out my business card and hold it out to him.

His eyes drop to my outstretched hand. Just when I think he won’t take my card, he reaches for it. His fingertips brush against mine.

My body stiffens from the sensation that rushes through me. Our eyes lock again, but I refuse to let the stare-off linger.

“Again, thank you for your time, Mr. Kim.” I start to make my exit because the weird feelings popping off in my belly tell me it’s time to get the hell out of here.

However, a hold on my arm stops me.

I twist my body around to find Dae Kim’s large hand wrapped around my arm, trapping me in place. Ordinarily, a move like this from a man I just met would’ve gotten him an immediate knee to the balls.

This time, I hesitate.

My mind goes to the drink I had earlier at the bar. Could someone have slipped something into my drink? That must be why my body feels the way it does.

That has to be the reason.

“Have dinner with me.”

It takes me much longer than it should to process the statement. I can’t call it a question because it wasn’t one. It sounded eerily like a command.

That’s when my brain snaps back into reality.

I don’t take commands from anyone.

I yank my arm away from his grip. Dae Kim doesn’t startle. Instead, his eyes remain locked on the place where his hand held onto my arm, as if he’s savoring the memory.

“What did you just say?” I ask as if I hadn’t heard him perfectly.

“Dinner,” he answers. “With me.”

“To discuss your business relationship with Mr. Blackmon?”

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