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“And you don’t?”
“You’re completely free to say no and do whatever the hell you want. Would Parker give you that freedom? Besides, why should you have to go into debt to keep from pissing him off?”
Corinne rises, paces. “I know you’re right, but I’m usually a pleaser and a peacekeeper. This means going to war with the very last member of my family.”
“I’m suggesting that if you’re going after what you want, you should be prepared to do it as ruthlessly as he is. When you prove him wrong, he’ll come around. I doubt he wants to lose you, either.”
“That’s a huge gamble.”
“A lot of things in life are.”
“I need to think about it. Give me an hour?”
It isn’t the enthusiastic hell yes I wanted. But it’s not fuck off either.
I pocket the ring and rise. “Sure. Tell you what. I’ll send a car for you at seven. If you want to talk about this more, get in the car and have dinner with me. If you don’t”—I shrug—“I wish you the best, princess.”
By seven fifteen, I’m seated at the bar of a swanky restaurant on the beach, staring at the door. Thankfully, Maxon and Griff helped Duke Mason, the owner of this steakhouse, buy a new house a few months back, so they called in a favor. I’ve got a private room tucked in the back. Corinne and I will have total privacy to hash out our scheme, away from the prying ears and eyes of gossipmongers. I’ll need it because I suspect she’ll balk at some of my terms and conditions.
If she shows at all.
I glance at my watch again. Seven twenty. I’m getting antsy, sifting through my possibilities for recourse because I’m not giving up—on revenge or her.
Across the room, a member of the host staff pulls the heavy door open and Corinne appears, the last of twilight backlighting her body.
My thoughts stop. My cock gets hard.
Since her dress is nearly the same color as her skin, she looks almost naked. The strapless ensemble gathers at her small waist with a knot of fabric off to one side, hugs her hips, clings to her luscious ass, then flares out again at mid-thigh with an elegant ruffle that shows off calves made even more graceful by her sexy slingbacks.
Holy shit. Corinne turned my head the first time I laid eyes on her, but tonight not only did she come to talk, she came dressed to slay. I’ll have to stay on my A-game or she’ll derail my every train of thought—except the ones about sex.
Dragging in a steadying breath, I stand, toss back the last of my scotch, then head in her direction as she scans the dining room.
Our stares meet. My heart pounds as I hold out my hand. “I’m glad you came.”
She takes it, looking me up and down with dark, unreadable eyes. “Your suit is a definite step up from the tacky tourist garb earlier.”
This one is a favorite—pale gray with a black dress shirt and coordinating wingtips, no tie. I look put together and powerful but approachable. And I stay in shape so I wear my suits well. “You look incredible.”
“Thank you,” she murmurs. “I came so we can discuss—”
“Not here. Follow me.” I lead her through the open, casually elegant restaurant.
When I reach our private room, the owner is waiting for me, hand outstretched. “Xavian?”
I shake his in return. “Nice to meet you, Duke.”
“Likewise. Your brothers said you can’t even get a moment’s peace for a simple date. They weren’t kidding.”
People are staring. A few are even surreptitiously snapping pics on their phone. “Thank you for accommodating us on short notice. I appreciate it. For the record, don’t believe everything you hear about me.”
“I’ve been around long enough to know that things are rarely what they seem. Besides, your brothers aren’t universally liked, but they’re respected. I get the feeling you’re cut from the same cloth.” He leads us in and closes the door behind us. “Ailani will be your server this evening. If you need anything at all, she’ll take care of it. Everyone else on staff has strict orders not to disturb you.”
“If I can ever return the favor, let me know.”
With a gracious nod, Duke disappears. The next few minutes are a flurry of activity. I ask for another scotch. Corinne opts for iced tea. Ailani pours us water while reciting the daily specials. I order a couple of appetizers.
“I’ll be back with those shortly,” the server assures before she leaves.
Corinne and I are finally alone. Silence falls, except some soft, piped-in music. I recognize “Hawaiian Paradise,” an island classic. I lean in, trying not to undress her with my stare. Business first, then… Well, the evening is young. “I’m glad you came.”
“Just to talk. I’m not agreeing to anything yet, but I thought about what you said.” She exhales and seemingly gathers her words. “You’re right. When Parker hijacked my career, he didn’t care about my feelings. I doubt he even considered them. He’s so convinced I’m making a huge mistake I’ll come to regret.”
