Chapter 22
Stone
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“Kodi should be donedoing a perimeter check and met up with Evren by now,” Raiden says, checking his watch. Climbing out of the car, he opens Amara’s door, helping her to her feet. “We should have driven separately so you didn’t have to sit around in the car waiting for so long.”
While I climb out my side and circle around, she waves off his concern. “I think you’re forgetting how much time I’m used to spending sitting around in parked cars. It was really the only time I was going to get with him tonight, so well worth twiddling our thumbs for a while, and gave you a chance to get your game face on and practice your sales pitch.”
Resting my hand on the small of her back, I scan the parking lot in the waning light. A couple of men are leaning against a Porsche catching up like old friends while a small group heads for the door, pausing to watch the Escalade pulling into the lot with scowls and dismissive grunts. Raiden tucks Amara’s hand in his elbow, slowing our pace and adjusting our path toward the newcomer that’s been dismissed before he’s even arrived.
I don’t get involved in the political bullshit the way Raiden does; I’ve never had the patience nor desire. That doesn’t mean I’m blind to the games, and seeing as we’re here to gain as many allies as possible, it seems counterproductive to approach a single shunned man and potentially lose support of the established group.
But I follow Raiden Garrison because he’s determined to make the world a better place without sacrificing his integrity to accomplish it.
We make it to the car as soon as the man’s climbing out. Black hair with sapphire tips and striking yellow-green eyes, there’s no blending in for the man, but it seems he’s embraced his demonic demeanor and spun it to his favor to climb even higher up the food chain.
Raiden tips his head in greeting. “Viper, it’s been a long time. How’s business?”
The man rolls his eyes, locking his car and shoving his keys into his pocket. “What do you want, Garrison?”
Unperturbed at his stand-offish attitude, Raiden smirks. “Heard you acquired Stardust Inc. Just so happens I’ve been looking to change suppliers for the last year, but hadn't found a good alternative until now.”
That catches his interest, and he leans against his SUV, crossing his arms and resting one foot on the tire behind him. “Let me guess, you’re hoping for a discount in exchange for such a large account?”
Raiden snorts. “Not at all. I’m actually hoping you’ll consider expanding and opening a factory in Khalida. Happy to pay more for the service when the end result has so much potential benefit.”
He raises an eyebrow. “People struggling to find work?”
“Not yet, but we’ve had a steady increase of new residents and have already begun expanding city limits. I’d like to get ahead of it before it becomes a problem down the line, and your reputation speaks for itself.”
He snorts. “That I’m a ruthless asshole?”
“In your business dealings, yes, but I’m referring to the way you treat your employees, even the humans. You’re an assholebecauseyou care, just about select people, and I respect that.”
There it is.I can’t help but smile, stealing a glance at Amara watching Raiden with admiration.
