Page 5 of Paw or Less


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“Hold on. I need more information about this.”

“Go ahead, ask me all the questions you want.” Leaning back in her chair, she crossed her arms over her chest. “But it’s not in your best interest to reject an offer like this one.”

“Seriously?” Mars laughed. “How do I know she is my fated mate? I would’ve thought I would have met her by now …”Given his history with womenwas implied.

“I know that it’s hard to believe, especially considering your resume of past flings. What? Heiresses, supermodels, actresses, they’ve all been with you. Right?” Gerri shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. None of them match up to your fated mate, and I know who she is.”

“That’s crazy.”

“Sheesh, why is everyone calling me crazy today? I don’t understand it.” Fluffing out her hair, she sighed. “Just because I have innovative ideas doesn’t mean I’m crazy.”

His bear growled, wanting more information about the fated mate idea. In fact, his bearcravedit. An influx of adrenaline coursed through his veins.

“How would this work?” Mars asked. “You set me up on a date with some mysterious woman, and then I hand over a property? Is that what I’m hearing?” Mars scoffed. “What happens if we don’t hit it off? What if I don’t like her at all?”

Gerri’s eyes darkened. “I don’t miss … ever. If I’m going out of my way to let you know about this, it’s because I know it’s going to work. I wouldn’t be giving you this opportunity otherwise.”

Hearing the somber edge to her words, Mars swallowed thickly.

“The match is going to happen no matter what. Whether it works out or not is up to you. The ball is in your court in that regard, but if I were you, I would do my best to make sure I don’t lose my fated mate. That’s something you can never get over.”

“What the hell would you know about that? Haveyoufound your fated mate?”

Gerri smiled. “I’ve been in this business for a long time. Trust me, I’ve seen the failures. Maybe if they let me do the talking, their relationships wouldn’t have spiraled in a downward trajectory.” She admired her freshly polished nails. “Oh, well. We can’t save ’em all.”

His fists clenched as Gerri continued.

“This is why this deal has to be two separate transactions.” She held up two fingers. “When you give me the appropriately priced property that can be used by the charity organization, I will give you her number. It’s that easy.”

“This feels like extortion. Kind of.” Mars huffed out a dry laugh. “You’re holding my fated mate hostage until I give up some property.”

“When you put it like that, it sounds horrible. But sure. I can see why you think that.” She leaned in. She took a quick view of their surroundings beforehand. Then, her voice lowered. “I think this might be your chance to heal some past wounds. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Past wounds? What …” Mars paused, suddenly stricken by memories of the past. His eyes widened, and his throat went dry.

Nodding, Gerri sighed softly. “Your grandfather was a good man. Very charitable. I remember when he first moved to the city and started buying properties left and right. He had high hopes for making a positive impact on the community.”

“I know,” he said through gritted teeth. “He had more connections to the community than I ever had. Hell, he even beat my father in that regard.”

“He’s the reason why this restaurant is even on the map.” Gerri gestured to the scenery around them. “I know you have the potential to make a mark on this community too. And I’m trying to help you accomplish that.”

Mars remained silent. Despite his best attempts to fight her reasoning, she was right, and he knew it.

He wanted to be like his grandfather, but he had never pushed himself to try to do the same things he did.

Perhaps, it was laziness. Perhaps, it was his own arrogance getting in the way.

Gerri, seeing that he was at a loss for words, slipped her hand into her purse. She pulled out a business card and a pen, quickly scribbled her number, and slid him the card.

“When you make your decision, call me. I know you’ll make the right choice.”

He stared at the business card. “I don’t even know if I have the right property that’ll meet your demands. What if I can’t find one?”

“Oh, please. You’re a billionaire. People will jump through hoops to get you what you want.” Gerri tapped on the business card a few times. “And when that happens, let me know.”

Mars watched her leave. Gerri patted Ricky’s arm on the way out, which made the large man flinch.

Once he was by himself, he sighed deeply and rested his head against his hands. What was he going to do?

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