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“Then prove it.” I allow my lips to part as if I’m going to kiss him, but then I pull away and move around him to the car door.
I’m playing with fire, I know that, but I won’t just lie down and take all his games and bullshit. I’m stronger than that—I have to be.
Cade’s laughter follows me as I climb into the car and wait for him. When he slips inside, his eyes drill into mine. “I like this side of you.”
“And what side would that be?”
“Feisty?
? possessive… jealous.” His brow arches.
I press my lips together and stare straight ahead, letting him think he’s right.
Even if he couldn’t be further from the truth.
After taking me to some fancy restaurant for breakfast, Cade drives me into the woods. For a second, I panic, but then the lake appears, the crystal blue water shimmering in the distance.
“What is this place?” I ask Cade, noticing the lack of other people.
“I like to come here sometimes.” There’s a vulnerability in his voice that surprises me, but I know not to drop my guard where Cade is concerned.
“It’s beautiful,” I say, staring out at the serene sight.
“Come on.” He shoulders the door and climbs out, coming around to my side. I quickly pull out my cell and send Sasha a text.
The door opens and Cade holds his hand out for me. I take it, letting him help me.
“I think I have a blanket back here somewhere.” He pops the trunk and leads me around the back of the car. “Oh look, a basket of goodies too.”
My brows pinch. “A picnic?”
“I don’t know what the fuck Mulligan packed.” He shrugs, and I fight a smile. This is more like the Cade I’m used to.
I grab the blanket and he picks up the hamper, and we walk down to the water’s edge.
“Have you ever done this before?” I ask.
“Is that a serious question? I don’t usually need to work so hard for pussy.”
“Nice,” I hiss.
“Shit, Mia, that’s not… I’m sorry, okay? This is all new for me.”
“Why bother?” I ask, sitting down on the blanket. “You’re going to take what you want anyway.”
“True,” he smirks, “but Q suggested that maybe I need a softer approach with you.”
“So this is all for Quinctus?” Disbelief coats my words.
“It’s for you.” He gives me a sincere look. “I just needed a push in the right direction.”
“You accept everything so easily.”
“This life is all I’ve ever known. All I’ll ever know.”
“Do you miss him? Your dad?”
Cade freezes, his expression darkening. But then it melts away, replaced with sadness. “Yeah, I miss him. He was my dad, you know?”
