Page 26 of Off Limits Mogul

“Larkin.” I greet the owner of the Quintus Hotel by lifting my glass.

“Can I join you?” He doesn’t give me a chance to answer. He pulls up a stool, unbuttons his suit jacket, and sits at the bar next to me.

“You own the place.” I gesture around the bar with my glass in hand.

My curt tone doesn’t faze him. “You’re in a cheerful mood tonight.”

“A big fucking ray of sunshine.”

Larkin calls the bartender over. “I’ll have what he’s having.”

I shoot him a side gaze. “You don’t even know what I’m drinking.”

“Mr. Hartford, how long have you known me?”

“You know.” Sarcasm is thick in my tone.

Larkin knows everything.

I swear, the man has eyes in the back of his head.

The bartender serves Larkin his drink.

“Thank you, Miguel,” he says. He lifts his glass. “Cheers!”

I offer a small nod in response.

“This is outstanding.” He brings the glass to eye level to appreciate the liquor.

I give him another small nod in agreement.

“Twice in one evening.” Larkin cuts to the chase. His eyes,the same amber color as the liquid swirling in his glass, study me. “I assume the refined whiskey isn’t the reason for your return.”

“You’d be surprised.” I polish off my drink. I lift my glass, ready for another drink.

Larkin places a hand on my arm.

He shakes his head at the waiter who scurries off.

“I’ll have to demand you hand over your keys,” he says.

I shake my head at him. “I’m in control.”

“Friends don’t let friends get behind the wheel when their head isn’t in the game. It’s stupid, reckless, dangerous, and potentially lethal.”

“I’m in control.”

He lets out a heavy sigh. “Miguel texted me. Only a few select patrons ever get my personal attention. Everyone else deals with a bodyguard. You’re not driving your car back to your place. I’m not budging.”

It’s my turn to sigh. “I came here to clear my head, not get babied or lectured.”

“In my experience, it’s easier to deal with thorny situations when you’re sober.”

I let out a sarcastic laugh, my eyes dropping to my empty glass.

“It’s ironic coming from me considering alcohol is damn profitable for many of my businesses,” he says. “Like I said, friends have each other’s back. If you give me your keys, it’ll put my mind at ease.”

I oblige with the same enthusiasm as a five-year-old agreeing to go to his room for time out.