“I try to be a realist. Though Darius would probably disagree. He says I spend a little too much time in my head with my music. That’s why he’s been bugging me about my costume again. I tend to wait until the last minute and throw something together for things.” Ezreal grinned. “It really bugs him. He doesn’t understand I do it now just to irritate him.”
“Pay him back for being bossy?”
“Yeah. When it comes to the company, he’s probably only behind Rafe in taking it seriously. Sometimes too seriously. I don’t know what Darius is trying to prove. Maybe his family. They’re kind of affluent.”
“Like yours?”
“Probably close, but my dad started blue collar, and he still acts like a regular contractor. He’s not afraid to get dirty. I’ve met Darius’s parents a couple of times. They’re definitely white-collar wealthy. My dad drinks beer. Darius’s dad drinks fancy wine.”
“Well, your partner doesn’t have to worry about your costume.” Sara slid her arm through Ezreal’s. “I just need to get a little more fabric, and I can finish yours.”
“Now if I should tell him that . . .” Ezreal tapped his chin in mock consideration. They turned and headed toward the house. “I have a meeting I should get to. Think about your top bidders and let me know which one you decide on.”
“I like the woman.”
Ezreal gave a soft groan. “Of course you’d want a woman. I’ll look like a fool all the time.”
“I’ll feel safer.”
He stopped and faced Sara, taking her face in his hands. “You will always be safe when I’m around.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyes bright.
Ezreal’s gaze dropped to her mouth. His heart was pounding hard enough to make him feel lightheaded. He almost pressed his lips to hers, but fear kept him in place. What if she wasn’t interested? What if he was being presumptuous and ruined what they had? He dropped his hands and stepped back.
“See you.” He turned and strode to his car.
* * *
Confused,Sara watched Ezreal drive away. For a second there, she’d thought he was going to kiss her. The memory made her pulse quicken again. If he’d leaned in, would she have let him?
She clenched her fists, her heart and head battling. Her heart longed to trust the quiet, gentle man. He seemed to be everything she wanted. But her head reminded her that men were brutal creatures, driven to dominate and hurt. Even tender Ezreal Wallach wrote music for a game where the champions fought violently for power.
The only reason Sara enjoyed playing it was because there were so many strong female warriors. It made her feel empowered like she never had in real life. She could use her wits and her champion’s skills to overcome even the large, brutish men.
Oddly, Ezreal also made her feel strong, capable. She was, of course. How else could she have escaped with the children? But never before had a man added to what she already had, as though working with him gave her another source of power to draw on, made her even better.
Sara glanced at the music room. Except for that soft groan when she’d said she wanted the woman contractor, he hadn’t tried to dissuade her. Ezreal was willing to put up with the discomfort of working with an unfamiliar woman because it was important to Sara.
She touched her mouth, wishing she had the memory of his lips there.
