Page 95 of Love Me

His eyes balloon in fear. He takes a step back, nearly knocking over the big bastard still standing behind him. Some type of bodyguard he is.

Everything in me wants to rip both of their heads off. The memory of Monique standing next to this bastard with a smile on her face, thinking he had some sort of genuine interest in her business, pisses me off to no end.

I will myself to think strategically instead of acting on my emotion.

“Where?” I finally grit out through clenched teeth.

“A small accounting firm we have on the outside of Williamsport. I own it. We’ll meet there, and I can tell you how you can serve us by forwarding us the money my father left. After that, I’ll be out of your hair for good.”

“Fine. Text me the address.” I brush past him, nearly knocking him over when I shoulder check him.

I have no intention of giving him a dime. At this point it’s based on principle. He has no idea the world of hurt he just unleashed.

“I'll see you there,” he says behind me.

I don’t stop or acknowledge him. If I do, I know it will end with me slamming my fist into his face. That’ll happen eventually, but right now I need to go make sure Monique is alright.

“What was that about?” she blurts out as soon as I enter the gallery.

I lock the door behind me as soon as I close it. “Why did you let him in here?” I demand to know.

She looks up at me in confusion. “What are you talking about? He’s a potential customer. Why did you treat him like that?”

“He’s not a customer. He’s a lying son of a bitch.”

Her eyes balloon. “What happened?”

I grind my teeth together, wondering how much I want to tell her. I don’t want any part of my biological father or his fucking kids touching her.

“Nothing happened. He’s not a customer.”

“Who is he then?” She folds her arms over her chest.

I know she won’t let it go. “He’s Gabriel Garcia Jr.”

“You mean …”

“Yeah.” She doesn’t need to finish the sentence. I can see from the expression on her face she now gets it.

“Apparently, that cocksucking sperm donor of mine left some money to me in his will. He didn’t leave it to his other kids, and now they want it.”

“Why would he show up to my gallery?”

My anger sparks all over again, just thinking she was here alone with him.

“He’s been trying to get a hold of me, and I’ve been ignoring him. This was his way of getting to me.”

“Diego—”

“I’m taking care of it.” I move to stand in front of her, cupping her face. “He didn’t do anything to you, right?” I look her over, making sure there isn’t a hair out of place.

“Of course not. He was only here with that guy for a few minutes before you showed up.”

“Good,” I say against her lips before kissing her with everything inside of me. I don’t even give her time to take her next inhale before I’m walking us backwards toward whichever wall we reach first.

I don’t stop when I hear tools clatter to the ground. We’ll take care of it later.

“Diego,” Monique pants as I frantically search to undo the button on her jeans. As soon as it’s free, I’m yanking her pants down her hips. Her panties are the next to go.

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