“You’ve got me there.”
We look over the menu, and the waiter comes to take our order along with leaving a glass of my usual wine and my bourbon. Nell cocks a brow at me, and I wink.
“My family dines here a lot. They know my usual.”
“Are you close with your parents?” she asks.
“I am. I am an only child but if you ask my best friend, Asher is their favorite son.” She giggles, and the sound sends a wave of an unfamiliar emotion through me.
“I am an only child as well. My mother was unable to conceive after my birth, so I received all of my parents' love, and we have remained very close—as evidenced by the fact that we co-own a business,” she says, her smile reflecting pride in both her family and business.
In my experience, many women squander unearned money from their families, but Nell takes genuine pride in her accomplishments, which earns my respect.
In my world, hard work seldom instills respect and loyalty.
“So, tell me more about you,” I ask, sipping from my glass of wine.
“Romeo.” That voice makes my teeth clench.
My gaze stays on Nell, seeing her body tense. “Let me explain before you jump to any conclusions,” I state, and she nods, but I see her jaw clench. “Good girl,” I say, knowing what my praise does to her.
“Hello, Daniella.”
I turn to look at the woman I thought I would marry one day, but I found her with one of my staff, his cock buried inside herand her bent over my desk. She has tried to get back with me for the past year, but once you burn me, there is no going back.
“You have not returned my calls and texts, honey.”
“I have been busy, as you can see. I am here on a date with my girl, so if you wouldn’t mind.” I dismiss her but as usual, she ignores me.
Her eyes narrow and she turns to look at Nell, her nostrils flaring, and I see the look of disgust cross her plastic face. Daniella likes to have cosmetic surgery done, trying to make herself look appealing to men in the money world.
“Date? With her? Romeo, you know that you do not need to slum it. Come home with me, and it will be like old times. You do remember how good we were together, don’t you?”
“Excuse me?” Nell snaps, her voice gaining the attention of a few people around us.
I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine. Daniella sees it and glares harder, making me grin in satisfaction.
“Baby, do not let her get to you.” I wink. “Tonight is about us. Not her.”
“Does your mother know about thisso-calleddate? She would be so disappointed in you for not dating someone within our world, Romeo. Did you pay her to be here with you, to make me jealous? Now, I am willing to forgive this little slip, if you come home with me right now.” She stamps her foot, and Nell lets a giggle slip free.
I wink at her, loving her reaction. With a smile, I turn back to Daniella.
“My mother would be happy that I have a woman in my life who knows respect, manners, and loyalty. Now Nell and I would like to continue with our datealone.” I leave it at that, hoping she gets the hint.
Turning back to the woman sitting across from me, I ignore the woman who has been a thorn in my side since she cheated on me.
“So, are you all set for Hawaii?” I ask Nell.
“You are not fucking serious, Romeo. She cannot come to the wedding.” Her anger spikes my own.
“She can and she will. You do not get a say in this matter, Danielle. Now leave before I have you removed.”
I make eye contact with the hostess and call her over.
“Mr. De Massy?”
“Can you escort this woman out, please? She is disrupting our dinner, and I will not be held accountable for what I do next of she is not removed immediately.” My voice is cold, hard, but controlled.
