My stomach has been suffering fromthe stress, and as delicious as that steak might be, I can’t imagine eating it.
I look down at the neatly cut slices on my plate. While we talked, I busied myself with the knife but not so much with tasting.
“I’m not that hungry.” I spear my fork through a baby potato and take a nibble. “Hypothetically, if you don’t become a Merged partner, what will be your next adventure?”
One corner of his lips pulls up. Not a smile. Not kindness. That smirk he wears when he knows he’s the shark and someone else is bleeding in the water.
It shouldn’t do anything to me. It absolutely does. Heat twists low in my belly. I cross my legs under the table on instinct.
“I have never needed a plan B in my life,” he says, his voice all velvet and arrogance.
I snort. “Cocky much?”
He shrugs. “What is your plan B?”
“The partnership is my plan B.” I sound defensive, and I hate it.
“I’m sure you’ll land on your feet just fine.”
“You’re very good for my self-confidence.” And for my libido. Which is unfortunate, because I can’t sleep with the enemy. I lost control once. I’m not repeating that mistake.
Though when he’s looking at me like I’m his dinner, it’s hard to remember why it was a mistake.
My thighs press together under the table. Reflex. Instinct. Treachery.
“What is your plan A then? It doesn’t seem you’re happy with your current role.”
For a moment, I want to tell him. To share that the alternative would be returning to my family and fulfilling my duty to them. A duty I so desperately want to escape.
My father might have indulged my freedom for the past few years, but the clock is ticking.
All of that goes through my head, while I admire the napkin as if the most fascinating verses were written on it.
But as much as I would like to share, I can’t trust this man. I look up. “We said no talking about families.” With that, I probably shared more than I should have. “Where do you disappear twice a year?”
He chuckles. It’s a rumbling sound, rough enough to raise goose bumps along my arms. But it carries more bitterness than jest.
“I should be flattered you researched me.” Raising his hand, he calls the server.
“As if you didn’t research…” I peter out.
Cold slides down my spine. Why didn’t I think of that before? Of course he researched me.
I tried to dig out everything about him because of our competition. Why wouldn’t he? And if he did… does he know who my father is?
If he knows, he keeps the information to himself. Nobody at Merged knows. They never thought of finding out.
But Liam? I can’t believe he didn’t find out. All his questions about my family earlier?
Fuck. If he knows and keeps the information to himself, he must believe he can use it at some point. I would. I think.
“You can clear this.” He gestures to my cold, uneaten steak. “Could you make us a plate with all your desserts?”
The server picks up our plates. “Of course, sir.”
“I don’t need to research you, Roxy, the competition is about our business acumen and abilities. As much as you think I play dirty, I think we both proved ourselves already. Now it’s down to Corm to decide who he wants at the table.”
I’m not sure I can believe he didn’t research me, but I relax a bit. “They seem to enjoy the competition a bit too much.”
