Page 55 of Mine To Take

“I thought you might appreciate the auction. You always had a tender heart. I’m surprised you would miss the chance to help the community.” One eyebrow goes up and his smile turns mocking. “But running away is more in keeping with your character, isn’t it?”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I spit. “I’m not running away.”

“Good. It’s not like you can avoid me, anyway.”

“I managed to avoid you all these years.”

“Only because I allowed it.”

“Seriously?” I shake my head in frustration. “So now what? You’re going to stalk me just to show me you can?”

He looks amused. “I’m not stalking you.”

“Then what is this? Why did you bring me here?”

He shrugs. “Maybe I just wanted to see you.”

Something in his tone makes me wish it could be that simple. I expel a breath. “Whatever game you’re playing, I’m not interested. Go back to San Francisco. I’m sure you have enough work and women to keep you entertained.”

“I’m entertained right now.” He chuckles. “I’m also doing a lot for your beloved museum and the city. Would you rather lose the sponsor for the new wing of your beloved Mercer than exist with me in the same city?”

Yes.“You don’t have to throw your philanthropy in my face, and we both know you don’t have to set foot in this city to help the people who need it. Just go away, Tristan.”

“I don’t plan to leave, Cora. Get used to my presence.”

“What do you want from me?” I’m getting desperate and my control is slipping. “Why are you doing this? Are you bored? Is the world of opening new frontiers in artificial intelligence and robotics no longer challenging enough for you? What do you want?”

His jaw tightens. “Cora,” he starts.

“Mr. Kane.” An older man walks up to us, unwittingly cutting into our conversation. I barely hear his name as he introduces himself and starts to talk to Tristan about something involving processing plants.

I take advantage of the interruption and slip away. I can feel Tristan’s eyes on me as I leave, but he doesn’t follow me. By the time I emerge from the tent, I’ve already requested a ride on my phone. It arrives in a matter of minutes and soon, I’m home.

I wash off my makeup and change for bed, knowing that if I get any sleep at all, it will be a miracle.

CHAPTER25

TRISTAN

Nick is swirling his drink around in his glass, looking thoughtful. He has just returned from a trip to Italy for a routine inspection of one of his properties, a hotel, and for most of the evening, he’s been staring into his glass as if the bourbon inside holds the secret answers to an existential problem.

Over the years, Nick has become less impulsive and playful, more serious as a businessman, but today he looks far more serious than usual.

“Earth to Nick Rovere.”

He looks up at me and grimaces. We’re in a secluded corner of an exclusive lounge. Just the two of us. Nick had made it sound like he wanted to hit the town and maybe meet someone, a woman, but he’s been nursing one drink all night without even sparing a glance at the attractive waitress who handed it to him.

“Is there something you want to share?”

“Nope.” He laughs and downs his drink. “You, on the other hand, need to explain why you’re stalking Cora.”

I keep my face blank. “I’m not stalking her.”

“I’ll grant you the donation. You didn’t go to them. They came to you and you saw an opportunity. But getting her to the gala under false pretenses...I don’t know man. It seems like you’re obsessed.”

“Come on, Nick. It’s been five years.”

“And yet, here you are.”

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