“You jerk,” Chance said. “I told you we can’t fucking trust him.”
“Watch your mouth.” I leaned across the table. “Or I’ll beat the fucking shit out of you in the middle of this restaurant, and I can guarantee you no one will stop me.”
“Stop it,” Sable whispered. “Chance, you’re not helping.”
“I agree.” I motioned toward the bar. “Go wait over there, so the adults can work out the details of this arrangement.”
He didn’t move.
“Do I need to have my security team take you out back and remind you how they treated you last week?”
“Chance,” Sable said. “Give us a few minutes.”
“Fine.” He got up and pushed the chair hard enough for it to hit the table with a thud before storming to the bar.
“He’s going to be a problem.” I turned her chair to face me. “I don’t like problems.”
“I’ll talk to him.”
“I’ll give you a shot at getting him in line, but someone has to teach him how to be a man.”
She nodded as she fidgeted with her hands.
“Your anxiety bothers me.” I placed my hand over hers. “You came to me.”
“I know.”
“I let you walk away last week, so why did you come back to me?”
“I didn’t have a choice.” The despair in her words bothered me more than her anxiety. Were things really that bad that I was her only choice?
“How did you even know where to find me?” I asked.
“You’re a popular guy.” She slid her hand out from underneath mine. “People like to post your whereabouts.”
“You’re stalking me?”Who knew?“I didn’t see that coming.”
“No, I just…” She rubbed her palms on her thighs. “What are your terms?”
“I haven’t fully decided, but I’ll work it out.”
“That’s not a good way to do business.”
“It is when I hold all the cards.” And I always hold all the cards.
“I’m just supposed to move in with you and do whatever you say?”
“Pretty much.” I caressed her cheek. “That’s how I do business.”
“That doesn’t seem fair.”
“You came to me. You needed something and I gave it to you, no questions asked. Now I get something in return. That’s how a contract works.”
Not that we could ever enforce this contract in a court of law.
“I guess.”
“Don’t look so worried. I promise, it’s going to be a better life than the one you’re living.”