Page 5 of Objection

“Why not?”

“My daddy is still upset over me leaving so that makes things weird. And my sister won’t say it, but I think she resents me for it too. She says she loves it in Jasper Lane, but I don’t think she does. Or maybe she does, but she doesn’t like the responsibility she has at the restaurant and grocery store. Now that I’m gone, she’s there twice as much.”

That last part filled me with guilt, but I’d shake it once the conversation passed. I had to always remind myself it wasn’t my fault that my sister had to work more. She could have easily said no and gotten my parents to hire someone else. Not doing so was her choice, and I couldn’t allow guilt to make me feel bad for that. I did what was best for me, and she would have to as well.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Kaos’s voice was sincere as he covered my hand on top of the wooden table. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you came. My world at work was hectic before you came in and provided structure, help, and peace. I hope you know whatever you left behind was worth the transition, and I can’t apologize for how selfish that sounds.”

His words made me grin as they released some of the sadness that temporarily settled on my heart.

“Thank you, Montgomery. I know it was worth it. I really do love my job and the connections I’ve built here.”

“You just wish your family was happy for you too.”

I nodded. “Exactly.”

“Well… you can’t control how people receive and perceive your actions and the choices you make for your life. As long as you had good intentions, that’s all that matters.”

That made me chuckle. “You sound like my mom. She said something very similar the day before I left.”

“Maybe that’s God’s way of reminding you of that truth.”

Our eyes remained locked for a few seconds before I mumbled, “Maybe,” with a smile.

“You wanna go back?”

As I shrugged, we both returned our attention to our food. “I do, but I’m not sure when I will.”

“Well when you go, I’d love to go with you.”

At first, I thought he was joking, but when I looked at him and saw his serious expression, I realized that wasn’t the case.

“That wouldn’t be weird at all,” I replied sarcastically, making him chuckle.

“Why would it be weird?”

“Have you accompanied any of your other employees back home?”

“No.”

“That’s why. It would look like we were dating.”

“Who cares what it would look like? We know the truth. Besides . . . there are worse things in the world than being attached to me, Serenity.” His tone lowered when he added, “In fact, there are few things that are better.”

Clenching my thighs, I licked my lips as my mouth dried. Swallowing didn’t help. Looking away didn’t help either. Surrendering to what his rebuttal made me feel, I returned my eyes to his. I was sure what Kaos said was true, and a part of me wished I could experience more of him. Unfortunately, regardless of how insanely attracted to this man I was, I loved my job too much to risk it. The random flirting we did would have to do.

Kaos

Ishould have said no.

Truth was, though my presence was asked for, it wasn’t a true request; it was a demand. Uncle Alpha asking to see me this evening meant only one thing—he needed something from me. If it was anything else, he would have called me himself. The fact that his consigliere called instead made it clear this had something to do with the business.

As I cruised through the city streets, I called my father to see if he’d be in attendance or at least knew what this meeting was going to be about. He answered almost immediately with…

“What’s up, Son?”

“Wassup, Pops? Are you busy?”

“Never too busy for you. What’s up?”

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