Page 158 of Ready to Cash Out

“No,” Cold said flatly.

“Let’s try this again.” Lawrence feigned a smile. “I’m going to need you to move?—”

“I’m going to need you to be quiet now,” Cold said softly. “Clearly you didn’t hear me the first time. I will not be moving. Do you understand?”

Jules grunted.

Lawrence must have finally realized who exactly he was trying to order around because he cowered immediately with a sheepish smile. “Right. Of course, sir. It is a lovely spot! I am so very sorry!”

Trev glanced at the photographs on the wall while Lawrence continued to apologize.

They were of people sitting at various places in the restaurant, some of them from many years ago when there apparently were booths instead of tables. A few were more modern shots judging by the clothing and the presence of cell phones, but they were all in black and white.

There was one right beside Cold’s head of two old men laughing.

It wasn’t a particularly great photo, but it got his attention because it was crooked.

Not by much, just enough to catch his eye.

And annoy him.

Trev had the wildest urge to reach over Cold and fix it.

Of all the dozens and dozens of pictures, the one damn crooked one had to be right next to them.

Trev was so transfixed by the photo that he didn’t realize the mayor had come over until Cold politely cleared his throat. Trev shot up to his feet, smiling politely at the mayor.

“Mayor Edgar Arnold,” the man said, his mustache wagging away as he spoke. “A pleasure to meet you, young man.”

“Trevanion Usher,” Cold said with a tip of his head. “My younger brother.”

Trev wasn’t sure why that made him smile, but it did. He shook Edgar’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

“It’s always nice to meet more of Mr. Legrand’s family.” Edgar grinned as he took his seat. “Especially if they’re of voting age!”

Trev sat, fiddling with his collar. “I… I don’t live here, sir.”

“Oh, well, nobody’s perfect.”

“Trevanion is leaving later today as a matter of fact.” Cold sat with a small smile. “He and his partner will be staying at my villa in St. Thomas.”

“Wait, what?” Trev stared.

“Surprise.” Cold smiled warmly.

“Seriously?” Trev blinked. “You’re… You got us a place?”

“You wanted a beach, did you not?” Cold shrugged. “If it’s not to your liking, you and Jupiter are welcome to leave. But I thought you might enjoy having accommodations waiting for you.”

“What about Juicy?” Trev demanded.

“He’s welcome to join you too, of course. Should you accept my invitation, I will make sure he has adequate nursing care onsite.”

“Aw, that’s so nice.” Edgar smiled. “Now, if you don’t mind…” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to dab sweat off his forehead. “Could we go ahead and order, hmm?”

He was nervous.

Did he know?

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