Page 67 of Atlas
“Anita,” my eyes snap to my fathers as he assesses me, then Tom, who pushes to his feet and straightens his suit jacket.
“George,” he greets, holding out his hand.
My father reluctantly shakes it. “Tom. I didn’t realise sharks ate out in nice places like this.”
Tom laughs, releasing my father and turning to Damien. He gives a slight nod and lowers back to his seat without acknowledging him properly.
“Is there a reason you two are here . . . together?” Damien asks stiffly.
“Client confidentiality, Damien,” says Tom sternly.
He scowls. “You’re acting for Anita?” he snaps, glaring at me.
“I haven’t fully decided,” I mutter feebly.
“Yes,” says Tom, staring him down.
“Last week you were with the other fella,” scoffs Father and I feel my cheeks redden.
“There’s more?” asks Damien, suddenly interested.
“I don’t mean to be rude,” says Tom firmly. “But this is a business dinner.”
My father looks amused as he steps back. “Enjoy.”
I stare in horror as they head away to be seated across the restaurant. I bury my face in my hands. “Hey,” says Tom, gently pulling my wrists apart. “Let’s not look any other way than confident.”
“He’s going to ruin my life,” I mutter.
“Hasn’t he already?” I stare wide eyed. “You don’t have Leo. You’re trying to date a judge to impress them all in the hope they’ll support you. Anita, you’re already leading a miserable life, you’re exactly where Damien wants you to be. So take control.”
“I’m not using Anthony,” I lie.
He gives me a look that tells me he isn’t buying my bullshit. “We both know the truth.”
“He doesn’t even know about Leo,” I snap defensively.
“But that’s your plan, right. Tell him and hope he’ll somehow pull strings.” I look away and he leans closer. “He’s not a good man, Anita. You need to stay clear of him.”
“Surely with both of you, I’m more likely to win.”
“To what cost?”
Atlas
Rue stares at the bike with wide eyes. “I’ve never . . .” she trails off, lost for words.
“It’s part of dating a biker,” I say with a laugh. “Kind of a deal breaker if you can’t get on the back,” I add with a teasing tone.
“Isn’t this a big deal for you?” she asks, still keeping her feet firmly on the pavement. “I mean, not just anyone can be on the back of a club members bike, right?”
“You been researching, Rue?”
She shrugs her slender shoulders, and folds her arms over her chest, still eyeing the bike with curiosity.
“Will you go slow?”
I shake my head. “No.”
