I almost punched the fucker right then and there. Barely able to keep my anger in check. “You’ve got some fucking nerve, arriving here out of the blue and claiming to be her husband—”
“Would this help?” He drew something out of his inside jacket pocket and handed it over.
I stared at the photo, my insides suddenly churning a shit storm on the worst possible day. There was no mistaking Ashrika’s face, her distinct smile or eyes that glowed like tinsel at Christmas as she leaned into the man next to her—the man I now glowered at. “This could’ve easily been photoshopped.” Steel lined my voice, not wanting to believe the obvious evidence in my hand.
“Feel free to get an expert opinion.” He shrugged then turned away to open his car door, leaving me feeling a lot more fucking annoyed than when I’d started the confrontation.
“If she is your wife, what happened to her?” I didn’t give a shit who he claimed to be as long as I got answers.
He turned to face me. “Apparently she died at childbirth.”
“Died? Apparently?” I scoffed, pausing a moment to breathe deeply, because it was impossible not to feel the poisonous darts of anger and disbelief sparring in my chest, heating my blood. His blatant arrogance worked a nerve—the one I reserved for the asshole in me. “What the fuck does that mean? Is she your wife or not?” If it weren’t for the photo and the possibility that he might be telling the truth, I would’ve told him to fuck off. I owed it to Ashrika to find out the truth.
He stared at me for a moment as if contemplating whether to share more. “Unless that woman is a ghost.” He gestured to Ashrika still standing at the door. “Then, your guess is as good as mine.”
Hoping for more information, I let out a frustrated breath when he slid behind the wheel, closed the door, and drove off. I stared at the taillights until he disappeared around the corner. Slowly, I turned and walked back to the restaurant.
“What happened?” Ashrika’s frown cut across her smile when she noticed my expression. “You looked ready to punch the guy’s lights out.”
I slipped an arm around her waist and guided her back inside. “Nothing to worry your pretty little head about.”
“Really? Is that all you’re going to say?” She stopped short and scowled. “C’mon, Zayne, you’re always shielding me. What are you not telling me?” She stared at me and my heart thumped harshly as I held my breath waiting for her to look deep into my soul, to break through those walls I’d erected to hide my true feelings. To see me as someone other than a friend whose name she used. When I said nothing, she sighed, oblivious to my internal struggle and palmed my cheek. “I’m grateful for everything you do, but I am a big girl you know. Sooner or later, you have to accept that I can handle the truth, whatever it is.”
I cupped her face in my hands and dropped a light kiss to her lips. “I will never stop caring for you, Rika and I’m not hiding anything from you.”
She inhaled deeply and smiled. “What did he want?”
“He wants to give you a job.” Tia came up behind me and I turned, catching the understanding look in her eyes. She and I might not agree on most things but when it came to protecting Ashrika, we remained on the same wavelength. Something told me she’d been needling the guy for information and got the bare minimum, just like me.
“A job?” Ashrika spluttered. “What gave him the idea I was looking?”
“He was told you’re the best in the city,” Tia explained.
Ashrika bit out a laugh. “Well, fancy that! And all this time I thought the man was stalking me.”
My gaze collided with Tia’s once more. Her brow shot up. I figured she’d seen me approach the guy and probably wanted to know what I’d learned.
“He owns the Crystal Oasis,” Tia offered.
Ashrika arched a brow, disbelief marred her perfect features. “Wait. That’s Trent Shaw? Seriously? That guy owns the Crystal Oasis.”
“You’ve heard of him?” I asked. What’s wrong with him?”
“Of course, I’ve heard of the Crystal Oasis and its affluent owner.” She laughed. “Just never saw him before. The longish hair and tattoos don’t scream billionaire restauranter, does it?”
“Appearances can be deceptive.” My lips twitched. “Would you want to work for him?”
Uncertainty sprinted briefly across her features. “I’m surprised you’d even ask that question.”
I shrugged. “That’s a Michelin five-star chain.”
“So.” She stepped between me and Tia, slid an arm around each of our waists, and pulled us close. “My place is with you guys. Nothing, not even a deep-voiced, Michelin five-star restauranter is going to make me move for anything. Never.”
My gaze met Tia’s over Ashrika’s head. I couldn’t hide the saddened droop to my lips. She frowned. “Never say never, baby,” I rubbed Ashrika’s lower back.
She looked up at me. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d believe you’re hoping I accept his job offer.”
“Rika,” Dean popped his head through the doorway of the kitchen. “I need you, Sweetpea.”
