Page 12 of Control Us (Next Generation 1)

I reached under the table and grabbed her hand. She stopped moving, finally relaxing beside me which then caused me to do the same.

I still had to play it cool. Especially where her father was involved. I was man enough to admit it, Vincent Stone Senior scared the shit out of me.

“My father said you were looking at selling the building near Central Park.” I took a sip of my water. “You already told the residents, so I don’t have to do your dirty work.” I sat back, placing the glass on the table. “I’ve also been told that your own father is adamant on you not selling the building. Or any of the buildings for that matter.”

Chase’s jaw clenched. He sat back in his chair, running his fingers along the dark scruff on his jaw. It was funny in a way. Although we looked nothing alike, we were similar in the way we worked. But I would never throw anyone under the bus to get to the top. Not unless it came to bulldozing through someone like him. Then, I would have no issues doing it.

“My father left me in charge of the company after he became sick.” Chase sat forward, his dark brows narrowing in the center. “So, I highly suggest leaving him the fuck out of it.”

I bit back a chuckle, knowing I had struck a nerve. I didn’t give a shit. I didn’t like him. I didn’t like his father. I also didn’t like how both of them tried to undermine my own father by bribing the owner of a hotel to sell the building to them and not my dad. It was a ruthless business, but these people didn’t have to resort to that shit.

The waiter took that moment to come over. “Good evening. I’m Jacob,” the young man smiled. “I’ll be taking care of you this evening. Can I start you off with some drinks?”

“I’ll have a glass of your best red,” Chase said, not taking his gaze off of mine.

“What would you like, Luna?” I asked her, brushing my thumb over her pulse point.

Her breath caught. “I’m fine with just water,” she said. “Thank you.”

The waiter nodded, looking my way. “And you, Sir?”

“Water is fine as well.” I would have a drink later. I was already on the verge of saying whatever was on my mind. Alcohol would only make it worse. I didn’t need that to happen. I had to close this deal.

The waiter nodded again and headed to the bar to put the order in.

“Alright, Zach.” Chase crossed his arms over his chest. “Care to tell me what that shit was about? If your father were here, he wouldn’t resort to pissing me off.”

I shrugged. “My father isn’t here, now is he? Just like yours isn’t either. We’re doing this our way. Without them. So, are you wanting to sell the building or not?”

***

(Luna)

Watching Zach in action was hot as hell. His demeanor was something I had never seen before. I knew that he was a powerful businessman due to his dad teaching him everything he knew but that was it. I had never seen his performance.

Zach’s jaw was set, his hand never left mine and his words flowed. By the time he was finished, Chase had buckled and sold the building to him.

“You’re a stubborn fucker,” Chase mumbled, throwing his napkin on top of his plate.

Zach shrugged. “I come by it honestly.” He gave my hand a squeeze.

Chase chuckled, running a hand through his dark hair that was short on the sides and a little longer on top. “Only one man has ever made me cave that quickly and he’s dead.”

I shivered at the thought.

Zach rolled his eyes. “He’s referring to his grandfather,” he told me. “So dramatic, Chase.”

Chase’s laugh deepened. “It worked.” He nodded my way. “It made her squirm.”

“It seems that Zach made you squirm as well,” I threw back at him. “Or else you wouldn’t have signed over the building to him in less than ten minutes. Next time, I should keep time. See if Zach can crack you sooner.”

Chase’s mouth fell.

Zach only grinned.

“Well this has been fun.” Chase stood, stuck his hand out and waited.

Zach rose to his feet, returning the handshake. “Until next time.”

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