I gave him a look.
“No, it’s not.” There was definitely that new car smell, and the buttery leatherfeltdifferent.
His lips twitched. “A newer model. I like switching vehicles every few months.” The privilege in that statement struck me. My mate was spoiled. I thought his old car was perfectly fine. “What’s wrong?”
“Your other car just seemed fine. Why did you have to switch?” He went silent, a frown marring his features. “I mean, shouldn’t you be saving?”
I picked at my nail bed. He stayed silent for another few beats, and I waited patiently.
“Princess, I have enough money to last us for centuries.” I tried to wrap my head around that. Even if he did, it felt wasteful to me. “As I’ve already told you many times, what I have is yours; you don’t have to work.”
“I won’t take your money,” I said sullenly.
He sighed.
“And I told you I would be patient, but this is your reality, Josephine.”
I went quiet and laced my hands on my lap so I’d stop messing with my cuticles.
“Where are we going?” He took the opposite ramp leading to a different freeway.
“I need to pick up a few things Zhao left for me to sign.”
“Oh.” I kept squeezing my hands. We were both silent as he drove. The city skyscrapers flew by, illuminated by the lights of downtown. Today was the first time he hadn’t had someone on my ass the entire time, or at the very least, if someone watched me while I was working, I had no clue.
Which I preferred.
He took the turn toward Crescent Hotel, and it loomed in the distance. I hadn’t learned the entirety of Portland, so I didn’t realize I’d been this close.
He pulled to a stop in front of Corwin’s station. I stepped out of the car, and Lucian was already waiting for me. He slid his palm along my back, tucking me into his side.
“Keep an eye on it, Corwin,” he said and tossed the keys. Corwin easily caught them, then almost ran to the door to hold it open for us. The chandelier cast a beautiful yellow light over the lobby. Two girls stood at reception, fewer than during the day shift: Galina and Sasha’s eyes were glued to us as we crossed the lobby toward the living room, our steps echoing.
The elevator had us on the floor where his office was located quickly. I slid my hand into his and we walked toward his office.
“What did you do while I was at work?” It wasn’t more than a few hours, but I knew he tended to complete his calls or deal with pack stuff when I wasn’t around. He had a lot on his plate, and I never realized how much it was.
I admired his dedication.
“I handled a few problems that arose.”
“Have you transferred the land to Gideon Drake?” I couldn’t hide the disgusted sneer.
He chuckled.
“Yes. He has the land, but he’ll still need the funds to do something with it, especially since his investor for a new program pulled out.” Lucian’s grin was too feral. I had no doubt he’d had a hand in that. “His stocks are slowly plummeting. He’s desperate.”
“That’s evil,” I breathed. “I love it.”
He full-belly laughed, cupped the side of my head, and kissed my forehead. “I love you, my bloodthirsty mate.”
He opened his office door and pulled me in. It took me a moment to realize we had actually stepped into the room and not some portal.
It was dark, the only light coming from the flickering candle resting in the middle of a round table placed close to the window. Lucian had to tug me toward it because my feet refused to move.
The flame flickered over the spread on the table. I had no idea what he had prepared, but the smell was delicious.
“I figured you were hungry, but peopled out.” Lucian pressed against my back. He felt so warm and comforting against me. He reached around me and lifted the silver cover. A waft of steam spilled out, and my mouth watered. A juicy T-Bone steak with mashed potatoes on the side and a small pile of broccoli adorned the plate.
