Page 47 of Monster

I glanced around. “What about it?”

“I mean it’s—it’s luscious.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

Her face deadpanned. “Not a compliment.”

“Already taken as one. Continue.”

She glared at me, and I thought it looked cute on her. Especially with her delightfully icy eyes.

I always loved a good pair of pale blue eyes.

“Anyway,” she said breathlessly, “your entire persona reeks of it. The cologne you wear around the house daily? I finally pinpointed it.”

I smiled. “You did, did you?”

She nodded. “Yes. I did. It’s Dior’s Ambre Nuit.”

“Impressive.”

“Your suits are expensive as well. I’ve seen an Armani suit. Gucci. More than anyone’s fair share of Valentino’s. Pretty sure that little party you threw here had you wearing a Merrion Bespoke suit.”

I cocked my head. “I’ve always appreciated a woman with a sense of fashion.”

She leaned forward. “I know money because I enjoy it, too. I enjoy luxuries. The finer things in life. And I’m not afraid to admit it. My life is filled with expensive jewelry and outfits and wines, and I don’t try to hide that because I work hard for it.”

“I’m sure you do.”

She leaned back, matching my posture. “So, why do you try to hide it?”

“Hide what?”

“The fact that money is much more important to you than you like to let on?”

I drew in a deep breath before answering. “Contrary to what you think, my world doesn’t revolve around money. I know that money can get me power if I put it in the right places.”

“So, you’re looking for power. Is that it?”

For a millisecond, I considered telling her. I considered this idea of trusting her to show her that I could be trusted. But, that version of things had already bitten me in the ass once in my life, altering it permanently whether I wanted it to or not.

I couldn't afford to have something like that happen to me again.

“Teo?”

My eyes focused back on her and I knew she had caught me deep in thought. Deep in contemplation about the situation laid out before me.

It’s too soon. She’s still trying to find a way out. Stay the course.

I stood to my feet. “Enjoy your food. Once you’re done, the guard here will escort you back to—”

She leapt to her feet. “Teo, wait.”

I stepped away from the table. “I’ll be back at the end of the night to—”

She reached out for me. “Please, don’t go.”

I looked down at her outstretched hand. “Maybe the next time you want me to stick around, you should at least try to act as if you want me here.”

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