Stop it, Dane.
“Yeah, sure. There’s a lot of ground to cover there. We can set up some securities today that would be technically legal, but borderline. If that’s what you want to do. I’m not saying you should do this, of course.”
The innocence of her smile clashed with her words. “Is that what you got in trouble for?”
“No. I didn’t get in trouble for anything.”
She bit her lip, thinking. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Why’d you leave?”
“Oh, is that all? Can we leave it at loss of confidence?”
“It’s just that, I’ve read all the articles, and there’s always this hint of actual fraudulent activities. But they just went away. And now you’re here. So did they just make everything up?” Her eyes were vast pools of curiosity. She looked like she’d swallow anything he fed her.
He crossed his arms. He’d been asked the same question, mostly from people who worshiped him, like this girl seemed to. Those who didn’t worship him usually believed what they wanted and never asked him anything. “Would you believe me if I said, yes? They made everything up.”
“I might. My dad’s not the most honest man alive.”
Dane’s ears perked up. “How do you mean?”
She averted her eyes and tugged at the hem of her skirt. “Never mind. I don’t want to talk about my dad.”
“That makes two of us.”
Her head lifted, and she bit her lip, like she was weighing the wisdom of her next words.
“Spit it out, Selena.”
“Just. Why didn’t you stay and fight?”
“That’s two questions, Miss Valencia. Can we get to work now please?”
“And you’ll come out with us tonight?”
“If it means you’ll stop asking me questions.”
She beamed. “Excellent.”
Noelle,
Thank you for your invitation to coffee. I’m not sure it would be appropriate at this time.
Dane
Selena tapped on the door and looked through the small window until Val waved her in. Selena continued to dress provocatively, but her bloodshot eyes marred the effect she was likely aiming for. Perhaps she and Anthony had fought.
Val indicated the chair. “Is everything okay? You don’t look well.”
“Actually, I have something I need to discuss with you.”
Was she already going to raise a warning flag about Dane? It wouldn’t be surprising after her qualms about a simple chat program. Perhaps it had been a bad idea to push that so quickly. “Don’t be shy. Whatever it is, I’m sure we can work it out.”
Selena looked at her hands in her lap, scratching at fingernail polish that had begun to chip. “I need to find another mentor.”
Val’s hands went cold. Had Dane come on to her? That’s not what she’d asked him to do. “You’re not satisfied with the training?”
