Page 11 of Control Us (Next Generation 1)

“No, Luna. They’re businesses and before you say that I’m trying to take jobs from people, I’m really not. They’ve already been notified that the buildings will be sold. That was on the owner’s part. I just got notice that he was selling them in the first place.”

“Oh. Okay.”

Zach gave me a small smile. “You were worried that I was taking someone’s job from them. Weren’t you?”

“Well…I was actually worried that you were taking someone’s home. But I also know how hard it is nowadays to get a decent job.” I shrugged. “I didn’t think you were like that, but I’ve never seen you in business mode, so I wasn’t sure.”

He smirked. “My grandfather was the ruthless one when it came to shutting businesses down, so he could buy the buildings. My father taught me different. I learned from him to search out places that are already listed and put in an offer that way. I also gave each of the employees a job opportunity.”

My heart warmed. “You’re a good guy, Zachary.”

His grin grew. “Let’s get this dinner over with.”

***

(Zach)

Luna was absolutely breathtaking. She would pass a glance at me every so often when she thought I wasn’t looking. But I was. I was always looking at her because I couldn’t help it. I looked at her because seeing her was something that helped me through my day. Even when we were kids. There had always been something about her that calmed me.

When we walked into the tiny restaurant, I could feel all eyes on us. The men watched her, wishing it was them she was latching onto. The women looked as well but I didn’t give a shit. I only had eyes for Luna. I just wished I would have made a move years ago.

“People are staring,” Luna murmured, pulling me from my guilt-ridden thoughts and curled her hand tighter around my bicep.

“Let them stare, Moonbeam.” I kissed her temple. “You’re beautiful. The men are jealous.”

“So are the women,” she countered.

The lust billowing between us was like a bomb and I couldn’t wait to watch it fucking explode.

She stared up at me, something flashing behind her dark eyes.

A throat cleared.

Both of us turned, finding a tall man standing at a table. “Mr. Porter.” He held out his hand. “It’s been awhile.”

“Luna, this is Chase Black. Chase, Luna Stone.” I returned the handshake. My stomach twisted at the way he was looking at her. His cold calculating eyes raked over her, no doubt imagining her naked and writhing beneath him.

She shivered, tightening her hold on my arm.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Miss Stone.” Chase offered his hand again.

She took it.

He caught my eye, winked, and placed a peck on the back of her hand.

Luna stiffened, snatching her hand back.

Chase chuckled, sitting. “I wasn’t aware that we could bring a date or else I would have brought one myself.”

“I assumed you would be bringing a date. But that’s beside the point.Ibrought a date, so you would keep this professional,” I threw back at him, knowing that if Luna wasn’t there, he would have threatened me already. It was why I was sent to meet with him instead of my father. Because my dad would have killed him already.

“How are your parents?” Chase asked, ignoring my statement. “I’m actually surprised it’s you here and not your dad. Although, if he brought your mom—”

“Careful,” I bit out.

Chase’s grin grew. “Anyway, let’s get down to business because like you, I have better things to do.” His gaze flicked to Luna’s before giving me a small smirk.

Luna shifted beside me.

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