Page 33 of Nothing to Do

“I screwed up,” he said. “I didn’t mean to lie, but it was… When I realized you didn’t know who I was… I liked it. I liked the idea that maybe a woman could fall for the guy I am instead of the dollar signs… I would never deliberately hurt you. I’ve proved that. Proved that I’m not only out for myself or for sex.”

She’d screwed up too, the night she threw herself at him. Zane hadn’t made her grovel after that.

“Okay,” she said and took a big breath. “I’m sorry.”

Startled, he blinked. “What?”

“I was scared and when I get scared, I get mad.” One confession over. “You don’t owe me anything.”

“I don’t—”

“My mom wanted me here, I came because Alessia isn’t what you’d call the most streetwise woman.”

“I know this. You told me this.”

Except he obviously hadn’t been listening. Either that or she just saw this man as a stranger, one who didn’t care for her as she’d thought her Zane did.

“I’m not exactly Miss Streetsmart myself…” Her head rolled. “Which I guess you’ve figured out for yourself. Our parents never beat us, no addiction issues in the family—”

“Thea,” he said, stepping in close. “Why are you talking to me like we’re strangers?”

“Zane,” she exhaled his name. “We were on the beach, drinking, enjoying the stars…”

“Everything was perfect. I enjoy your company, we enjoy each other. Isn’t that obvious by now?”

“My job is to protect my sister. Not to drink and talk with hot billionaires.”

“You have no reason to feel guilty. We didn’t do anything—”

“I’m not interested in your validation. Thank you for coming to apologize, I appreciate your time. I don’t want to be late to dinner with my sister so…” His brow came lower. Wow, couldn’t this guy take a hint? She gestured toward the door. “I’m late, Zane, go.”

“If I tell them not to serve dinner, they won’t serve dinner.”

Geez, where did this arrogant SOB get off?

“So you’d have your guests starve?”

“If it’ll make you talk to me.”

She raised her arms, then dropped them. “There’s nothing to say. My sister and I have enjoyed the island. Is your cousin still here?”

“Roman? Yes.”

And if that just wasn’t the answer to the unasked question.

“Family should be important. That’s why I’ll be taking mine home, as soon as it’s physically possible.”

“Thea—”

“Can you arrange a flight, or do I have to make my own arrangements?”

Though what the hell did that look like? Maybe she could lash some trees together and make a raft.

“Thea, it’s in my power to give you anything you want…” That vehemence didn’t suggest the end of a statement. “But I can’t let you walk away.”

“I’m not your prisoner.”

“Your family is important to me.”

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