Fuck him.
I just didn’t care.
Turning away, I moved as close to the door as possible, wishing I could jump from the car at the next traffic light. But I had my baby to think about, and he was truly the only thing that mattered in my entire life.
Sinclair said nothing, his silence wrapping over me like a thick, suffocating blanket. The brooding bastard was trying to break me, stripping away my defenses piece by piece. Whatever the reason, I wouldn’t allow that to happen. I was stronger than that.
When he placed his hand on my thigh as he’d done before, I did defy him, jerking it away. His growl didn’t have the same effect as before. Maybe to him I was nothing but a toy, but I refused to be so easy for him to control.
“I’m sorry about your father, Josette. I really am. Losing anyone you love is difficult.”
“That’s why you refuse to care about anyone but yourself.” The words slipped from my mouth before I could stop them.
“Caring is a weakness I can’t afford.”
“Again, how very sad for you because without caring and loving someone, life is lonely and cold.”
While there was some sense of sincerity in his voice, I refused to engage any further. I’d get through dinner and crawl underthe covers where he couldn’t hurt me any longer. At least I had Indiana with me.
“Is that why you need an emotional support animal? Your father’s death?” He pulled the car next to the curb in front of a group of restaurants and I suddenly lost my appetite.
The thought of spending any time with him disgusted me.
“Among other reasons, but leave it alone, Sinclair. Please. I’ll answer your questions as required, but that subject is off the table. And yes, I will love Indiana with all my heart because he won’t betray me. He won’t leave me. He’s everything I need and want, and you and I aren’t going to be friends.”
His chuckle was as annoying as his line of questioning. “I guess time will tell. However, we are going to enjoy a nice dinner together. And yes, Indiana is welcome inside the establishment.”
“What about your goons? Will they be joining us for a meal?” Why not pull out all the stops? How much worse could things get?
“You have a lot to learn about my world.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t want to know anything about your world. I’ve learned enough to know I want nothing to do with it.”
“Smart girl. I am curious. What do you think it entails?”
“Violence, bloodshed, and loneliness.” I could feel the heat of his stare, but I purposely ignored him. opening the car door. “Come on, baby boy. Let’s have an adventure.” Indiana immediately woofed, trying to crawl over me.
“Wait,” he said gruffly. “You stay inside this car until I’m certain it’s clear.”
Oh, my God. He couldn’t even go to dinner without fear of being killed.
I almost laughed seeing all four of his men jumping out, heading toward us as if required to open our doors like good little soldiers. As if Sinclair was a celebrity. Guards with guns capable of doing very bad things. How special.
When I was pressed tightly against Sinclair, the hard bulge sticking against my ribs made it clear that he was carrying a weapon. How many cold chills could I experience in one night?
I had no other choice but to allow him to lead us into a restaurant I’d never been to before. One way out of my league. I gripped Indiana’s leash tightly, trying to catch my bearings. I’d placed the harness on Indiana just in case I needed to explain the pup’s presence, but I could tell as soon as we walked inside the restaurant, the entire city catered to the man and his needs.
“Mr. Prince. So good to see you again. I see you have a couple companions with you tonight. Lovely to see. Would you like your usual table?” The girl was way too bright-eyed and happy to see him, her smile like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, as my mother used to say.
Long before she’d changed.
Before she’d chosen money over her own daughter.
No. I refused to allow the monster to take away years of healing.
“Yes, Diana, I would. Thank you very much. Oh, and make certain the chef knows we have a very special canine guest tonight. Have him prepare my favorite meal for all three of us.”
Why did his voice continue to create tingles and white-hot heat? I couldn’t understand the attraction any more now than before.
