Page 39 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

I took up my position, close enough to hear every word, far enough to pretend I wasn’t listening. I kept my eyes trained on the door, hands clasped, ever the perfect guard.

Julian pulled out his chair and sat like he owned the place and everything in it.

I really don’t like this guy.

I could see Julian clearly out of the corner of my eye. His stare was locked on Kaylani, like she was his lunch.

“The view is beautiful.” He nodded toward the water. “I had them reserve this room specifically because of it.”

Kaylani’s gaze didn’t move. “How thoughtful.”

“I like to do things properly.”

“I bet you do,” Kaylani quipped, picking up her water.

Julian smirked again, but his eyes remained hard.

A waiter appeared, presenting menus and pouring wine that Julian had already ordered. Julian didn’t even look at him when he spoke.

“I’ll have the seabass,” he said, tone idle. “And for the lady…the lamb. Medium.”

Kaylani didn’t even glance up from the menu.

“I’ll order for myself,” she said, voice clipped.

Julian’s eyes narrowed just a fraction, then softened again as if nothing had happened. But I caught it.

“Of course. Forgive me. Habit.”

The waiter paused, caught between them, but waited for Kaylani to order.

“I’ll have the filet mignon, rare.” She mirrored Julian’s authoritative pose. “And a glass of red. I don’t like white wine with red meat.”

It took all my self-control not to grin as my heart expanded with love.

Julian’s smile returned. “Excellent taste.”

When the waiter left, Julian folded his hands on the table. He looked like a man preparing to negotiate an acquisition.

“I want to be clear,” he began. “I’m not here to disrespect you by pretending this is…romantic.”

Kaylani’s brows lifted. “How considerate.”

Julian leaned back slightly. “I’m here because I see value. Alignment of interests. Potential for both our families.”

And there it was. Kaylani was as much of a possession to Julian as she was to her father.

Kaylani’s eyes stayed flat.

“I do not have time for idle chit chat. Speak freely and say what you really mean.”

Julian’s gaze sharpened, then darkened.

“I meant that together, you and I can be formidable.”

Kaylani’s tone didn’t change.

“Formidable together? From where I’m sitting, you are the only one who benefits.”