Page 48 of Made in Malice

“That old man needs to find something else to fixate on,” Lucian mumbles as we walk side by side to the door.

“He’s not fixated on anything, he’s just looking out for me,” I argue.

“You’re none of his business.” He shoves the door open, waiting for me to exit under his arm.

“That’s rich coming from you.”

“Get in the car.” Lucian nods his head toward his SUV.

“I’m parked over here.”

“I know, but you can ride with me,” he counters.

“I can drive myself.”

“I don’t know that I can trust you to uphold your end of the bargain.”

“I told you I would talk with you, and I meant it.”

“Are you getting in or am I putting you in like last night?” He takes a step toward me as if to prove he’s ready to grab me and make good on his promise.

“Then you can ride with me. I’m not leaving my car here to get towed or for someone to steal.”

“Why do you have to argue with everything I say?” He looks more curious than angry, so I reply.

“Why do you have to be so mean and ornery?”

Lucian’s lip peels back in a sneer. “If I were mean, I would have gotten you fired tonight. Your boss was just waiting for an excuse.”

I can’t really argue with that, since I’m pretty certain he was. “If he did, it would be your fault.”

“I don’t care if you get fired.” He shrugs. “Why do you work anyway? Is your granny refusing to shell over the trust fund?”

“No, and I don’t expect her to,” I grit out through my teeth.

“And she hasn’t offered? The blood test must not have come back yet, otherwise she’d be buying you any way she could.”

“What the hell does that mean?” I turn to face him with my hands on my hips.

“We can talk about it when we get back on the island.”

“Why the secrecy, and what do you know about my mom?”

“Come find out,” he says, walking backward toward his car.

If there was a way to make him leave without me, I don’t know if I would take it at this point. I want answers, and he’s the only one who seems to be giving me any, or telling me he will anyway. Besides, I know he won’t stop hounding me until he gets what he wants.

“Lucian.” I jog after him. “I don’t want to leave my car here.”

“I’ll send someone back to pick it up.”

“It’s my first car,” I admit. “Can’t you ask them to get yours?” Give me something here, I plead silently.

He watches me for a long second, and I fidget under his gaze.

“I’m driving.” He extends his hand for the keys.

I’m reluctant to give them up, but I eventually place the fob in his palm. “You better be careful.”

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