Page 34 of Divine II

“Gotta love a woman that’s not afraid of a little hard work,” Zane noted.

“I like for her to have something to do. I always tell her if she wants to quit, she has my full support.”

“I know what you mean. Whatever makes your lady happy, right?”

“Absolutely,” Bishop said with a nod.

“All right. Well, let me walk Ms. Gold out. Holler at me before you go.”

“Got ya.”

Turning back to me, Zane grabbed my hand and linked his fingers with mine.

“Ready?” Zane asked, flashing a shit eating smile my way.

“Uh, yeah.” I nodded.

I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t help it. I was so glad that I was about to leave that it wasn’t even funny. I didn’t know why he felt the need to walk me anywhere. As far as I was concerned, we were done for the day.

I was grateful that Liam had helped me think of an escape plan. Zane was the type of person I could only tolerate in small bites. If I didn’t want to say or do anything to blow our deal, I needed to spend as little time with him as possible.

“So, you mean to tell me you have to be sick to behave like a lady?” Zane asked as we walked toward the gate.

“I don’t even feel good enough to dignify that question with an answer.”

“Minimal back talk and zero profanity from the beautiful Ms. Divine. I’m not gon’ lie. I don’t wish illness on anyone, but I’m loving this.”

“Enjoy my misery,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“I promise I don’t mean to. I know this arrangement isn’t ideal, but I really want us to get along, Divine.”

“You really have a fucked up way of showing it.”

“I’m sorry. Can we start over?” he asked, stopping in front of the open gate.

“I don’t see how. You’ve been a complete and total asshole from the moment we met. It would seem like you would want to make a good first impression. Instead, you came in insulting me and trying to pull rank.”

“I apologize. I really want this to be easy.”

“All we have to do is be civil. It seems like you struggle with that concept.”

“I’m trying to apologize. Let me take you to lunch one day this week when you’re feeling better.”

“I’m usually at my store during lunch hours. We serve lunch, so you’re welcome to come.”

“It’s a date then.”

“OK.” I nodded quickly.

I was more than willing to try to be cordial. That had been my plan from the start before Zane showed his true colors.

“All right, so consider this our second first date. That first one definitely doesn’t count. We’re starting over.”

“I’ll take that,” I agreed.

“Good. I’ll let you get home and get you some rest. Is your security team waiting for you?”

“Yeah. They should be out there somewhere. They’re never too far away,” I noted.

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