Page 79 of Ace of Spades

“You’re doing just fine without me. And I’m exactly where I should be.”

His brow furrows, just enough to crack the act.

“You’re angry.”

“No shit.”

“Because I pushed you?”

“Because youusedme,” I say. “Because you made me feel like I didn’t get to want anything unless it aligned withyourgoals. Because the moment I had an idea that wasn’t part of your perfect little plan, you made sure I knew it didn’t matter. ThatIdidn’t matter.”

Grayson shifts, dropping his voice.

“You and I had something good. We turned dad’s shop into something big. Don’t let pride keep you stuck somewhere that can’t offer you anything.”

I look over his shoulder—just for a second—and lock eyes with Levi. He’s standing just outside the entrance to the men’s bathroom, staring at me.

Fuck.

Of course, he’s here. They have their little poker game in the back every freakin’ week.

He’s not hiding the storm in his expression. His jaw is clenched, hard enough to crack stone. His arms flexing like he’s holding himself back.

“You’re right,” I say, lifting my chin up to Grayson. “SKC isn’t perfect. But it’s honest. And I’d rather build something messy and real than shine the chrome on a machine someone uses to control me.”

For the first time, Grayson looks unsure. Just for a breath.

Then he chuckles, cold and low.

“Daddy Steele’s gotten to you, hasn’t he?”

“What are you talking about, Grayson?”

He turns around to see Levi staring at us, then turns back to me.

“Oh, shit. Look at you go. No wonder you don’t want to come back. I knew you liked us older guys, but damn Sienna…thatmuch older?”

I shake my head. “It’s not like that.”

Grayson just smiles again. “Tell you what, once Steele’s had his fun with you, why don’t you consider coming back to a place that’s actually going somewhere and not just stuck remembering the glory days?”

He finishes off his drink and places it onto the bar. Then pulls out some cash and a business card. The cash he places under the glass. The business card he slides over to me.

“Don’t hold your breath.”

When I don’t move to take it, he steps a little closer, and says low enough for only me to hear, “It’s a good thing they’re not competing. It would’ve been so fun to beat their asses in the build-off this year. Maybe next time.”

He steps back and I glower at him.

“Wearecompeting. And we’re going to win it.”

His smile widens. “Is that so? Well, then, guess I’ll see you at the build off… babes.”

He blows me a kiss and walks off, chuckling to himself as he disappears out the door.

I’ve barely got my breath back when Levi’s voice is behind me, “You know that guy?”

My eyes flash to him.

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