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“That’s an excellent question.” Bastian nodded and shoved his cell phone into his pocket. “And I want a goddamned answer.” He headed for the office door.
“This way, it’s faster.” Garrick led Bastian down a hallway that would take them out right by the bar.
“You met her?”
“She was here the other night looking for Ares Morgan.”
“I’ve heard that name. What does he do?” Bastian asked.
“The same shit my uncle did. The same shit Trident keeps a blind eye to.”
Bastian stopped dead. “What the fuck does she want with a man like that?”
Garrick’s jaw tensed. “I didn’t ask. I sent her away and told her to stay away from him. But she’s here looking for him again, so she obviously didn’t take my warning seriously.”
Bastian started walking again, his eyes getting darker and his jaw setting.
“I assume that’s how she normally is? Doesn’t listen? Doesn’t understand the consequences?”
Bastian jogged down the stairs. “She didn’t before, but she’s about to learn.”
CHAPTER7
Ariella
“Do you need another drink?” The bartender wiped his towel across the bar and pointed to her empty glass.
She sighed, taking another glance around the immediate area.
“No, thanks. I think that’s it for me.” She reached down for her purse. Another night of disappointment. She hadn’t been able to get hold of her aunt in order to reschedule the meeting with Ares, so she’d hoped he’d pop up at the club tonight. Ursa had said he’d only be in town for a short period; maybe he’d already left Kassel.
“One more, coming up.” The bartender snatched the glass as she pulled out a few bills to pay her tab. He was gone before she could stop him.
“Dammit.” She leaned over the bar to wave him down, and for a split second, she would have sworn he’d looked right at her before turning away.
“Ariella.” Her name dropped behind her like an anvil crashing through a glass table. Ice ran up her back.
She knew that tone. That voice.
Fuck
Fisting the bills, she slowly turned around, hoping she was wrong. Maybe it was some creep trying to pick her up. She’d love to have it be that.
But all hope vanished once she caught a glimpse of that firmly set jaw and those dark, disapproving eyes.
She swallowed back the little yelp trying to escape and smiled.
“Bastian. Hi.” She shuffled back a step when he advanced.
“Hi?” His eyes narrowed slightly. “What the hell are you doing here, Ariella?”
She hadn’t thought there would be any chance that he or any of her father’s men would find her, so she hadn’t planned out any excuse if presented with this situation.
“Having a drink.” The words just popped out. It was true. There was no lie there. Seemed safe enough.
“A drink?” His head tilted slightly to the right, giving her a glimpse of the man behind him.
The owner of the club. What was his name again? She hadn’t forgotten him. With that demeanor and that rugged attractiveness of his, there was no way she’d forget him. On the other hand, his name wasn’t as easy to recall.
