I admit that the intense words take me by surprise.
She presses her advantage—scooping up the plates and glasses, carrying them to the kitchen, setting them with a series of alarming clatters into the sink.
I take my time climbing to my feet and following her.
“You don’t believe that,” I say softly.
Her shoulders go stiff then she slants a glare at me over her shoulder. “Now you’re going to mansplain to me what I believe?”
A dangerous question.
“I don’t have to,” I tell her. “Because you work for Jean-Michel Dubois. Which means that you’ve met a good man, and I know him—though not as well as you do, I’m sure. But I also know there are more good men at Titan Capital, on the Eagles’ roster. So, there must be more good men you’ve encountered.” A beat as her face changes. “Because Jean-Michel wouldn’t accept anything less.”
I’ve met the powerful businessman, had tense meetings with him.
But there’s one thing that never changes—his moral code.
It can be annoying as fuck, that high standard tough to match.
But I’ve always respected it.
And I like that Marie’s work life is surrounded by it.
She huffs out a sigh, turning her back on me and cranking on the sink.
Which tells me that she knows I’m right.
Which…has the devil in me making a reappearance, prodding the bear, just a little.
“You’re scared.”
She goes still again. Then slowly spins to face me. “Excuse me?”
An even deadlier question.
“You’re scared to go to dinner with me.” I step closer. “Because you might find that you like me.”
Her eyes flash. “You’re a real asshole, you know that?”
“Bawk.”
She jerks. “What?—?”
“Bawk. Bawk.Bawk.”
“Are you being serious right now?”
“About you being chicken?” I grin lazily. “Damn right.”
“I’m not?—”
“Bawk. Bawk. Bawk!”
“Jace.”
“Bawk!”
Her mouth clamps closed.
