Page 55 of His Property

I want to ask why, but I don’t. I know why. She liked a lot of the shit we did while I had her in my basement, but it’s a surprise that she can admit it to herself.

“In a way, you saved my life.”

I laugh humorlessly and narrow my eyes. “Right.”

“You were ordered to kill me, and I’m still breathing.”

Is she serious?

I try not to scoff.

“Sweetheart, I wasn’t even supposed to go to your house. I gave that kid too much time to get the money. Lorenzo would’ve been annoyed if he heard I involved another person unnecessarily.”

“TJ.”

“What?”

“That kid’sname is TJ.”

“Right, TJ,” I say, because Mae looks like she’ll bite my head off if I don’t.

Her face relaxes. “Then I’mreallyglad you don’t always follow orders. I knew something was wrong with TJ, and if something had happened to him, I never would’ve forgiven myself. He didn’t deserve what your boss wanted.”

I nod because it feels like it’s what Mae wants. I don’t have sympathy for people who fuck with the mafia. A bet is a bet, regardless of age or whatever, and someone has to get paid. That’s what I’m for. If Mae wants to believe Lorenzo is the monster, though, and I’m some savior, then I’m not going to stop her.

“Anyway,” she says lightheartedly, although I can hear the emotion in her voice and see the tears she’s blinking away. “We should go inside.”

“Oh, I’m not staying.”

“What?” she asks, her brows pinching. “I thought you came so you didn’t technically lie to Gabi?”

“I didn’t lie.” I gesture around me. “I’m here.”

Mae rolls her eyes. “Just come inside. You might like it.”

“I doubt that.”

“Well come inside anyway.”

I study her for a moment and raise a brow. She looks nervous about something.

“Why?” I ask.

She deflates like she’s about to admit something to me. “Because, honestly, you’d be doing me a favor. My dad invited one of his younger coworkers to sit with us, and I’m ninety-nine percent sure it’s a setup.”

I chuckle and stretch my lips into a grin. “Oh, so nowyou’rethe one who wants to pretend to be dating?”

“No,” she says. “Just pretend to be my friend. Or guest. Or whatever you want. Either way, I’m hoping my dad will take the hint that I don’t want to be set up.”

“Does this happen a lot?”

Mae nods and frowns. “All the time.”

I’m still grinning when I step up next to her and spin her toward the door. “Well, let’s give Daddy a show, then.”

Mae glares up at me but lets me put my arm around her and lead her toward the door. “Don’tbe obnoxious. Just be cool. Please.”

I wink at her and remove my arm. “Cool as a cucumber. You got it.”

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