Page 102 of Emergence and Ascendance

"You said we're having dinner and brought me to an empty construction site. That screams be worried, Christian."

I grinned and moved us out of the way so I could shut my car door. "We're here for dinner."

"But there's nothing out here." She swung her eyes around the darkness surrounding us before they landed on me again.The only thing seen from our vantage point was a blanket of darkness covering the property that was officially hers. Another reason why we were here.

"Part of our arrangement means you trust me with your safety and wellbeing."

"In regards to making sure I don't OD on orgasms, and honestly, I'm not sure you're holding up your end with that. I've been close to death by way of pleasure in the past couple days but this feels more like you decided you want to renege on our deal and we're here as an easy way for you to get rid of the body. You could make me disappear and build a cute little tapas restaurant over my shallow grave."

I chuckled and reached for her hand instead of grabbing my dick which jolted to attention at the mention of orgasms. She accepted and I linked our fingers. "I don't know what the hell you think of me but that is something I would never do. Also, I'm pretty sure you can't OD on orgasms, but if you would like to do some research later, I'm game."

"No, I would not." She narrowed her eyes at me while we moved to the opening where the property line was roped off.

"I'm a man of my word, Angel. You're holding up your end of the deal and so am I. We're here for dinner." I motioned to the shore line which came into view after we made it to the temporary pathway I paid to have created earlier to ensure we safely arrived at our destination.

"Dinner on the beach?" She grinned, leaning in closer to me.

"Yes."

She granted temporary trust and we made our way to the spot where my team set up a platform that held a rectangular gazebo divided into two sections. One side held a table set for two and the other a lounge area with oversized cushions and a thick, padded blanket. Once again she had her eyes on me.

"This is dinner?"

"It doesn't have to be, if you would prefer to do something else."

She smiled softly. "No, this is perfect."

I nodded and we traveled the rest of the way to the gazebo where I pulled out her chair and she took a seat before I filled the spot across from her.

"When did you set this up?"

"Earlier today while you were making contractors cry."

She grinned and rolled her eyes. "If a grown man cries because I'm making him adhere to his contractual agreements then he doesn't need to be doing business. At least not with me."

"I can't argue with that."

"So all this in a few hours."

"It's not a lot."

She looked past me toward the manufactured pathway we took to get down here. "You had them build a walkway, gazebo, and lounge area on the beach. That's a lot. I guess this is how things in your world work. When Christian snaps, they jump."

I reached for the wine chilling in a stainless ice bucket and tugged at the cork which had already been removed but was replaced to keep the bottle closed until our arrival.

After our glasses were filled, I extended one to Scotlyn. "I can't argue that but it doesn't negate the fact that you're on your shit and respected. I'm willing to bet whoever the guy was shed a few tears after that call."

She lifted her glass and enjoyed the first sip, frowning a little. "This is the special blend I fell in love with when I had lunch with Niama. It's not even out yet."

"I called and asked which you liked best."

"Definitely a 'Christian makes shit happen' thing."

I chuckled and nodded. "You could make shit happen just as easily as I can. You just choose not to."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're wealthy, Scot. Your name is very relevant and can pretty much secure you any privilege your heart desires but…" I lifted my glass. "You choose to fly under the radar."

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