Touchy-feely shit over, we watch Landy finish her interview. When done, she skips into the green room and hugs me tight.
“How did I do?” Her beautiful eyes lift to mine, ripping my heart to shreds. What if I can’t convince the drug lord to back off? Will I be able to let her go?
“You are fucking perfect.” My guts torn in pieces, I cup her jaw, and kiss her soft lips.
Unaware of my conflict, she takes out her phone, and thumbs it. “OMG! Positive comments are outweighing the negative by a lot!”
“Great job, Lanita.” Clapping, Oliver strides to my woman’s side and places his damn lips on her cheek. “Let’s ditch him and find a quiet place to celebrate.”
“Not funny, Smith.” As my fists and jaw clench, he laughs.
“Who said I was joking?” Giving her a wink, he waves goodbye and disappears down the hall.
“Anyone hungry?” I turn to my dad, hoping he’ll say no.
Reading my mind, he shakes his head. “My driver is waiting for me. I have a lot of work to catch up on.”
As he starts to leave, Landy touches his arm, “What exactly do you do, Alistair?”
He clears his throat, avoids looking at me, and lies convincingly. “I manage several large charities. I’m off. Money doesn’t give itself away, you know.”
Behind her back, he winks at me, then we walk together to the street. After he departs, we meander to a secluded restaurant. The security following us is so good, she doesn’t notice. Once we’re seated, she looks at her phone and sighs.
Putting down my menu, I search her sad face. “Bad news?”
“Yes, another job cancelled.”
“Don’t worry, this will blow over, soon. How about I gift you your half of the reward money, no strings attached?”
She shakes her head. “My mother always said a lady never accepts expensive gifts from a gentleman.”
“But I’m not a gentleman. Besides-”
“Exactly, you’re my lover. You see how bad it looks, right?”
“I’m a generous man who cares about the woman I’m sleeping with.” I clutch the menu, anger starting to boil up.
“I can’t. I’m sorry. I already owe you for the attorney, the PR guy, and all the meals you’ve bought me.”
My jaw tightens. “Those were gifts. I don’t expect you to pay me back.”
“Let’s agree to disagree.”
I shut the fuck up. Her refusal, for some reason, makes me feel cheap. Like I’m the rich asshole, plying her with money for sex.
After the bill comes, she insists on paying, and I stomp out the door before I say something I’ll regret.
~Chapter 26~
Landy
I’m aching to run after Dash, but the waiter has my credit card and by the time he returns with it, my lover has disappeared. Why can’t he understand? How can we be partners if he pays for everything?
It might be better if I let him go and move forward without him. As I put my wallet back in my purse, I swallow back tears. Who am I kidding? I’ve fallen hard but until I can prove I’m his equal, we can never be a couple.
The warm sun high overhead, I walk to the park, find an empty bench, and swipe Dr. Jones’ dark web application. Using Jarkon’s help, I review every aspect of the Chandler murder. The thing that stands out most, is the description of the dead guy. Everyone who knew him, said he had no business in a biker bar.
I need to go back to Angel’s and this time bring someone the club will trust. While pigeons coo at my feet and lunchtime Manhattanites rush by, I call Kade. “I need to hire you, but I can’t pay, not yet.”
