Page 131 of Chasing Sparks

“Is that how you greet all your clients?”

“You’re not a fucking client. What do you want?”

Kevin removes his gloves with deliberate precision, snapping them against the counter like a challenge. “Consider this a business call.”

“I don’t have any business with you.”

“But your lady friend does. Ms. Thorne—such an intriguing woman. Stunningly beautiful.”

“Stay away from her.”

Kevin’s smirk widens as he leans against the counter, his tone dripping with mockery. “Aren’t you a little busy dealing with my leftovers?”

My fists clench at my sides, my pulse hammering in my ears. “Don’t make me drag you outside and wipe the parking lot with your ass.”

His laugh is sharp, calculated, and meant to get under my skin. Trust me, it’s working, too.

“Ah, there it is—that temper. I do enjoy poking it.” He pauses, running a finger along the edge of the counter. “My representative at McGwyer Holdings mentioned your connection to the Dean Estate. Funny thing, though—your name doesn’t appear on the deed.”

My stomach twists, but I force my expression to remain impassive. So this is who’s been after Ori’s property all along. Kevin Duncan.

“What do you want with Ori?”

“To get to know her better, of course. I hope she liked the flowers I sent.”

I lean in, my face close to his, letting him smell every ounce of the fury roiling in my core. "She would never have anything to do with a lech like you. She’s out of your league."

"Or so you hope. One can never be too sure who a woman might seek out for comfort." His smirk deepens as his voice drops into a conspiratorial tone. "She’s heading to the city later this week, isn’t she?"

My chest tightens.What the hell?How does he know Ori’s plans when I don’t?

“How do you know that?”

Kevin leans in, his voice smug. “I know everything, Mr. Hammond. And I know far more about Oriana Thorne than you realize. I even dropped off tickets to the symphony for her this morning. She’s a lover of the arts, isn’t she? Perhaps I can persuade her to love other things as well.”

It takes every ounce of restraint I have not to grab him by the throat and end this right here, right now.

“Time to go,” Braden’s voice cuts in, sharp and unwavering. He steps to my side, his usual irritation replaced by something more sinister. He might not know the details, but he’s my brother, and he reads the situation—and me—well enough to understand this guy is trouble.

Moments later, Zane flanks my other side. Together, we form a solid wall of six-foot men with no patience for smug assholes like Kevin Duncan.

Kevin’s smirk falters for a second, but he recovers quickly. “Have a pleasant afternoon, gentlemen.” His tone drips with false politeness as he slips his gloves back on.

He pauses at the door, glancing over his shoulder. “Oh, and Mr. Hammond? Good luck keeping up with her.”

I don’t move until the door closes behind him, my fists trembling at my sides. He’s not just a threat—he’s a predator, and now I know for certain that Ori is in his crosshairs.

Braden crosses his arms, his brow furrowed. “Who the hell was that?”

“No one you need to worry about.” My voice is tight, clipped, but inside, my thoughts are racing. Ori doesn’t know how dangerous this guy is, but she will.

And if Kevin thinks he’s going to get anywhere near her, he’s dead wrong.

I watch Kevin back his car out of the lot and rush over to One More Page. Mina glances up from behind the counter, her expression wary, no doubt wondering if a Second World War is about to break out between Ori and me.

“Hi, Ash.”

I smack the counter, anxiety coursing through me as I spot the bouquet of red roses. Seems the bastard wasn’t lying about sending them to Ori, and I swallow the urge to sweep them onto the floor in a million pieces. "Did Kevin Duncan leave something here?"

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