Page 3 of The Acquisition

Me: He did. Can you just come to my apartment? I need to crash on your couch.

Colter: Will you stop calling me gramps?

Me: I told you, if you preferred daddy, you just had to say so.

Colter: I'm going to take you over my knee you brat.

Me: You'll have to come and get me first.

Colter: I'm on my way.

Malcolm hit the steering wheel. "Would you quit ignoring me? Why were you sitting outside in the cold and rain wearing a party dress?"

"I'm dealing with some family issues. You don't have to worry about me though. I've got a friend, well, of sorts, coming to pick me up. Let me out now."

"When your friend gets here, I'll unlock the door," he relented.

"I can go wait at the café down the street," I pointed out.

He shrugged. "I don't trust you."

I laughed. It had a bitter ring to it, and I hated myself for showing such weakness. "That's rich. Truly. You don't trust me. Let me out of the goddamned car, Graham."

Colter's sports car zipped in front of Malcolm's SUV. I could tell the minute he saw who I was sitting with, because he burst out of his car and marched toward my door.

"You called Colter Greyson? Just come home with me. Greyson is bad news. He's a player who uses women and discards them."

Another bitter laugh burst out of my mouth. I was tired, wet, and homeless. Having to deal with the man who broke my heart as a teenager was too much. Any longer and I would embarrass myself completely by bursting into tears.

"Colter is my best friend's dad. I trust him, which is more than I can say about you. Let me out of the car now, or I'm going to scream."

He pushed the unlock button just as Colter arrived to yank it open. "Jana?"

"Can we leave?" I asked, my voice already starting to wobble.

"Jana, I'll see you around. Be ready to talk–" Malcolm demanded, but Colter slammed the door shut cutting him off.

"I don't want to pry, but I've got to ask. Did he hurt you?" Colter asked.

I looked down so I didn't have to see pity or concern in his hazel eyes. "Yes, but it was a long time ago."

"I still might kill him."

I looked up and saw that he meant it. "Don't. He isn't worth it."

* * *

Afew minutes later he pulled into his space in the underground garage at his building. He shifted into park, turned the car off, and sat waiting for me to explain.

"Malcolm Graham? Please tell me you aren't dating that womanizing son of a bitch."

I shook my head. "You know, he pretty much said the same thing when I told him I messaged you to come get me. But no. I'd never go out with him again."

"Again?"

I nervously tapped my fingers against my thigh.

Colter reached out and grabbed my hand, holding it still. "You don't have to tell me anything you aren't comfortable with."

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