Page 38 of Blood Ties
His eyes dart between my face and the rose in my hand. A small smile tugs at his lips. "I take it you like the roses."
"At least one." I brush my fingers over the petals. "One's appreciation of flowers has nothing to do with the person who gave them."
"So you're saying you'd still carry that rose around the casino if it was from someone else."
"Yes."
He scoffs. "Whatever you need to tell yourself, mi cariño."
"How did you know I'd be here?"
He shoves more chips toward the dealer after he loses. "Your men were smart enough to find the first tracker under your car, but not the second." He gleams in my direction. "Someone's losing his touch."
I clench my jaw. He's right and it's because his presence leaves me distracted. I'm too focused on keeping my distance and resisting his advances, I'm losing sight of other things. Loving him is no longer my only weakness. Hating him is quickly taking its place. "Why are you here?"
"To talk about our date."
"We don't have one."
"Not yet. I'm waiting for you to tell me yes."
"It's hard to answer a question you haven't even asked yet."
"Come to dinner with me."
"No." I set the rose on the table.
“Why not?”
“Because fucking and dating are two different things, ones we shouldn’t mix together. And I prefer to eat alone.”
He frowns, running his fingers over the thorns. "You said you would tell me yes if I asked."
"I don't remember saying those exact words. I told you I couldn't answer properly, because you hadn't asked. Now you have and I gave you my response."
"Come out on the lake with me then. We will take out one of my boats and enjoy a romantic dinner on the water."
“I’ve given you my answer already.”
“Does this mean I should stop asking?”
Please don’t.“You can do what you want, just don’t be disappointed if you don’t get the answer you seek.”
“So there’s a chance you could change your mind in time?”
I intake a sharp breath, almost ready to give in. “See you later, Miguel."
“Oh don't worry, I’ll be sure to drop by to give you a goodnight kiss.”
I huff, waving him off. “Sure you will.”
“Is that an invitation?”
“If you’re able to get past my guards again. They won’t be the same ones as before. Good luck.”
I know he won't stay away no matter what I say and a huge part of me doesn't want him to. My chest flutters with hope, not wanting him to give up even though my brain is sending off alarm bells. They are getting harder to hear the more he's around, getting drowned out by my awakening heart.
Chapter 17
