Page 80 of Chandelier Sin
“Then we can’t just look away.”
“What if I can’t find my way back from the darkest point?”
“If anyone can, it’s you, Atti.” Cole moved closer and rested a hand on my shoulder. “The mind is not obvious to itself.”
“No, thank you,” I said, declining a session with him. Even though his offer was appreciated.
“Let me know if you need me at Pendulum.”
I stepped away. “That’s a hard pass. You had our word that you’d be kept out of the club.”
“Still…”
“You have a family, Cameron.”
“You’re my family, too.”
I squeezed my eyes shut.
“What you’re doing,” he said, “what you are endeavoring to accomplish, is the ultimate measure of a man.”
“I don’t need to prove anything.”
“That’s not what I meant.” He set his mug on a coaster next to mine. “This is you confronting your past.”
“Don’t go there, Cameron.”
“Then I won’t. I appreciate everything you’re doing.”
“What the hell are they thinking at Pendulum?” I said, my tone filled with fury and frustration. “They never suspected anyone would find out?”
My anger was also directed towards Eve, who was on the inside. With that access came a chance to free the subs.
“I have a client arriving,” he said. “Have to go over their notes.”
“You just offered time with me.”
“That is correct. I would have had them wait. But since you’ve shut down and refuse to talk, you can leave.”
This was him establishing his authority.
He followed that up with a charming grin.Yeah, Cole, I see why everyone falls to their knees before you.He had dashing good looks and mind-bending intellect.
I mirrored him, tucking my hands into my pockets. “That microscope is super obvious. Does anyone else get the symbolism?”
“Don’t stay away from Chrysalis too long,” he said. “We need you.”
“Maybe we’ll have dinner at Imperial. You and me,” I teased.
“I’m married.” He quirked a smile.
“Bring Mia.”
“Oh, I do, just not when you rogues are there.”
He meant Jake, Greyson and me, the men with the hearty appetites for the food at Chrysalis’ restaurant, and afterwards, jointly savoring its delicacies offered up on a completely different platter—the erotic kind.
“I’m not exiting the deal,” he said firmly.
