Amy says grace. Everything at peace, we pass ribs, corn, collard greens, and grits around the table.Then, the second I pick up my fork, my mom clears her throat.
“Your father must be Lord Alistair Montclair?”Her tone sounds conversational, but I know better.
The unsuspecting Dash smiles. “Yes, he inherited the title and a run-down estate when I was a boy.”
My mother slices her meat, picks up a dainty piece, and after chewing forty times, she sips her wine. “From what I’ve heard, your father’s done very well for himself.”
“He’s made a fortune handling other people’s assets.” His half-truth causes me to choke back a guffaw.
“I read a story in the Guardian last week. It said Interpol is studying his finances.” The serpent’s eyes narrow, and a bit of venomous green smoke circles out her nose. If he notices, Dash gives no indication.
“That may be, but he works closely with the intelligence community. Recently, he helped locate the hackers known as Cyber Vonya. Quite a nasty bit o’ work, catching those tossers. Your daughter helped bring them to justice. She’s my business partner, and the love of me life, mum.”
Her eyes widen, then narrow. Not believing a word, she turns her dragon’s breath on me. “I thought you said you were a part-time pilot.”
“And I also assist Dashiell. The two are not mutually exclusive.”
“She’s being way too modest.” My courageous lover takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. “Our first client owes her over a million dollars, but unfortunately, the paperwork can take a couple years to clear.”
Amy’s eyes widen to large saucers. “Well, well, well. I thought you said you were broke, sis?”
Oh lord, now he did it.My sibling has never been able to handle me having any success.
Not one to bridle his tongue, Dash stares at the two women, “Excuse me, ladies. Did I say something wrong?”
The older reptile dabs a linen napkin to her upper lip, no doubt to hide the sneer. “You, ah, caught us off guard. We never realized Lanita could be involved in… these types of things.”
Dash leans in, his eyes sparking. “You don’t approve?”
“She may not think so, but eventually she’ll regret not having children and will blame you.” Her triumphant smile sends chills down my spine. At the same time, talking about me in the third person, causes my porcupine hackles to bristle.
Dash, however, raises both brows and sends her a frightening scowl. “It would seem to me, my fine woman, said subject is entirely our business. Period.”
Before blood is spilled, I shoot out of my seat. “Pie anyone?”
“Youthinkyou know her?” Talons out, my mom keeps her eyes glued to her prey.
“I do.” Dash meets her gaze, stone-faced and emotionless.
“Are you aware she was kicked out of the Marines, lived with a nefarious biker, and is an alcoholic?” While she lists my past failures, I recall my therapy sessions. This time, instead of responding like an angry teen, I bite my tongue.
“Good God. Are you ill?” Dash throws his napkin off his lap, and as he stands, my mother grins.
“I don’t believe so. Why do you ask?”
He grabs my hand, lifts me out of my seat, and places his arm around my shoulders. “I cannot imagine any other reason for so callously insulting my fiancé, and you will never do so again in my presence. Are we clear? Thank you for the enlightening dinner. I’m afraid we’ll be leaving, straight away.”
Dash tugs me toward the door, and Amy’s face pales. “You… You can’t marry her. Uh… She’s not single.”
“To Kade?” Brows creased, he glances at me as if he believes their bullshit.
As he strides to the door, I run and catch up. “Dashiell. Stop. She’s lying.”
“Well, isn’t that a pip?” Turning, he holds me to his chest. “Sorry luv. They hit a vulnerable spot.”
“It’s what they do, and why I stay away.” Seething with disgust, I glare daggers at the two cruel women. “Let’s go.”
In the car, he kisses me and pauses before starting the engine. “Actually, I’m glad this happened.”
