Page 67 of The Owner's Temptation

“Of course,” I reply evenly, leaning back against the leather sofa, one arm casually over the back. “Though, I’m surprised at your request. You've been in good standing with the Ledger since the beginning.”

Mateo shifts slightly, clearly uncomfortable. “It's not personal, Lucian. But... certain complications have arisen.”

“Complications,” I repeat slowly, tilting my head in faux-curiosity. “Care to elaborate?”

His eyes flick briefly to Sienna again, lingering far too long before returning to mine. I suppress the immediate urge to wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her next to me. Mateo clears his throat, clearly struggling to maintain focus.

“You understand I do business with avarietyof clients,” he says carefully, gaze lowering as he chooses his words. “There’s pressure building from DeLuca. Rumors of...tension between you.”

My shoulders tighten imperceptibly. So, Lorenzo is finally making moves.

It’s about fucking time.

“And?” I press, voice calm, betraying none of the adrenaline now rushing through my veins.

Mateo’s voice lowers, a subtle warning threaded in his words. “I have no desire to be caught in the crossfire between you two. Removing myself from your...ledgerseemed wise.”

I nod slowly, considering his words. He isn’t wrong to be cautious. But I won’t let fear of Lorenzo unravel my enterprise. “I can assure you, Mateo, the situation with DeLuca will be contained. The Ledger always protects its own.”

Mateo shifts again, clearly uncomfortable. His eyes slip toward Sienna, as if weighing what to share in her presence.

She adjusts the hem of her dress casually, but there’s something deliberate in the way her fingertips trace down her thigh. Mateo’s focus zeroes in immediately, distracted by the subtle, calculated movement.

My irritation rises sharply.

“Was there more, Mateo?” I tap my finger on my knee twice, stopping myself but I couldn’t hold back the irritation in my tone that time.

He fumbles, words trailing off, eyes flicking briefly to me as if realizing he's been caught. Clearing his throat, he tries to continue. “Lucian, I appreciate your assurances, but?—”

Sienna’s gaze flicks toward me, sensing the shift in my mood. Her eyes hold mine steadily, softening slightly—a quiet reassurance.It’s okay.I read her easily, the unspoken words nearly audible.

She places her hand over mine with a soft squeeze before she rises gracefully.

I ignore the jolt that zap through me at the feel of her skin on mine.

Mateo tracks her every movement, unable to look away. My jaw clenches harder, but outwardly I remain utterly indifferent.

“Let me see if I can convince you, old friend.”

My fingers tap rhythmically on my knee, irritation pulsing beneath my skin as I launch into a few pre-planned incentives. Exclusive contracts at my most lucrative clubs, a higher kickback for first pick of the day’s selections, among other things.

Mateo owns a luxury food and wine distribution company. Having first selection of the freshest produce and fish of the day is very valuable to the high-end establishments I own.

But Mateo dips out of both ends.

His refrigerated trucks perfect front for smuggling weapons, designer drugs, or laundered cash and Lorenzo is one of his top clients.

However, he’s also been a long-time client of The Ledger. He prefers softer Companions. Quiet ones.

And right now, he’s not listening to a fucking word I say because he’s wholly engrossed in Sienna as she makes her way across the office to my espresso bar.

I run my tongue along my bottom lip, suddenly needing that burn to squash the annoyance boiling within me.

Mateo’s gaze lingers on the subtle sway of her hips as she moves with practiced ease. The way she stands at the counter. Her weight on one leg, the other shifted slightly out, accentuating the curve on her hip.

Possessiveness flares again, stronger this time.

I want to stand up and grab Mateo’s face between my fingers and force him to turn away from her. I want to tell him if I catch his eyes on her again, he’s going to lose them.

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