Page 63 of Abandoned Oaths

“So that’s it? One building, and now you’re arch nemeses?”

His gaze lowered to the table. “Unfortunately, no. Our businesses have crossed over a handful of times.”

“So you like cars and dirt too?”

His laugh made my skin warm more than the sun. “Is that what he told you he does?”

“He said he owned restaurants, but hates to cook, owns cars, and develops land or something.” I waved it off as if I hadn’t memorized the information.

“I guess cars and dirt do sum it up.”

His eyes were bright, holding mine with their mirth.

He thought I was funny.

And beautiful, and mysterious, and alluring.

He absolutely was not wearing me down, chiseling at my rock-solid resolve to not like this man.

“I don’t own any car dealerships or get into land development. I prefer buying real estate.”

Amongst other things. Obviously, he wasn’t going to admit to his drug and weapon trade.

“You must have an eye for finding the right places.” I glanced back at his house.

“I inherited the business after my father passed. I got the money, sure, but also the stress and responsibility. A lot of people depend on me.”

That part sucked. The innocent men, women, and children so far down the ranks they had no idea they were involved in anything illegal. They would lose their incomes, possibly more, only because of who they worked for. Most of them wouldn’t even know Dias, by name or face.

I couldn’t let myself dwell on them.

He was hurting my Pack too. My people. That had to be my focus.

“I’m sorry about your dad. I’m not sure what I would do if I lost mine.” I dropped the crumb for him to ask about my family and our money.

“You two are close?” The sincerity in his voice surprised me. He hadn’t taken the bait?

“Yes, well, it’s been hard since I graduated college and told him I wanted to try living on my own.”

“He didn’t want you to go?”

I plucked at a bunch of grapes before popping one in my mouth. “He understood I couldn’t stay with him forever, but he worries.”

“Good dads always do.”

I smiled back at him.

“Do you have a job? Any interests or passions your following?” he asked.

“You’re stalking didn’t turn up those details?”

He blushed. When was the last time I saw a man react that way? To me? I felt powerful, and even more drawn in.

“No, I only got your name when word got back to me about your date with Brazzi, and I figured it was the perfect chance to introduce myself properly.”

“A date with another man was the perfect chance?”

He nodded, and the twinkle is his eyes betrayed his serious look. “I couldn’t think of a better time. I knew you’d be miserable and appreciate a distraction.”

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