Page 110 of Hidden Ties

He had made too many enemies and dealt with those who wouldn’t hesitate to use any person close to him as a way to blackmail him, or exact revenge.

Desmond wasn’t far off from the mark from calling Sage a guppy. She was the direct opposite of Valerie Monroe. Valerie was a force to be reckoned with, while poor Sage’s personality would be a liability to him. She let herself be steamrolled and placed herself in situations that begged vultures to feed on her. Like him. Hell, even the chicken wings he had ordered were too spicy for her.

“Would you like another beer?” he asked considerately, lifting his empty mug to show Haley he was ready for another.

“No, thanks. One was enough. I have to drive home.”

Kent didn’t pressure her to have another, nodding to Haley as she set the beer down and left.

“You start your new job Monday?” he asked, reaching for another wing, gesturing her to take another one if she wanted.

Shaking her head, she fiddled with a napkin. “I don’t know. I suppose Bree will tell me on Monday.”

“She didn’t tell you when she told you that you’d be replacing Glenda?”

“No.” Sage wrinkled her nose at him. “She was too busy informing me she’d still be my supervisor.”

He cracked a smile at her. “Don’t let her get to you. She makes herself out to be more important than she really is. If I’m not mistaken, your main supervisor will be Cheryl, Garrett’s assistant.”

Bree must be furious Garrett had given the position to Sage. The fucking bitch was determined not to lose control of the minions under her control. He was sure Livvy was just as furious over Sage’s change of circumstances.

“If she gives you a hard time, let me know.”

Sage shook her head. “No, thanks.” She grinned at him. “I’ll be all right. As long as I do my job well, I don’t expect to see much of her.”

She couldn’t be that naïve, could she?

Kent wiped his hands on a napkin. “The offer will be there if you need it,” he stated, finishing off his beer. “I better get back to take care of those emails.”

Reaching for her purse, Sage took out a twenty.

“Put it back. It’s my treat, remember? You can grab the check next time.”

Not missing the happiness in her eyes before she hastily looked away, he almost felt bad he was giving her the impression they would share lunch again. She had no clue that he was intent on more than having a drink with her.

Laying a fifty on the table without waiting for Hailey to bring the ticket, he rose from the table to politely take her arm and escort her out of the bar.

He paused outside and glanced over at her. “Is your car in the parking garage?”

“Yes.”

Pretending he hadn’t heard the breathlessness in her voice, he fell in step next to her. “You’re lucky you’re off for the rest of the day. It’ll probably be six before I can go home.”

“Do you live far from the office?”

“About a ten-minute drive. I’m staying at a hotel. I own a home in Queen City, where I do the majority of my work. Normally, I only have to stay here in Kansas City when I have a trial or have to speak to my clients. I’ve been searching for a small place here. So far, I haven’t found anything I like.”

“Good luck,” she sympathized. “Livvy has been looking for a new place, too. I heard her complaining to Brian one day. Hopefully, you’ll have more luck than she’s had.”

Kent searched her expression when she talked about Livvy. He didn’t detect any rancor or dislike in her voice. Thinking back, he hadn’t heard any when she had talked about Bree, either. Was it because she knew he was a partner in the firm, or was she just that nice?

He felt sorry for her. He gave it two months before she would quit or was fired. He didn’t see Sage being able to hold her ground when an employee was determined to get past the rules Garrett had placed on the file room.

When they reached the parking garage, she turned, her eyes lighting up. “Thanks for the drink.”

“Anytime.”

Her bashful thanks stirred something inside of him that had been missing for a long while, if it had ever really existed. The old-fashioned way she carried herself and spoke exhibited what type of person she was. As well as the modest blue dress she was wearing. The way she had tried to hide herself when she had cleaned Matthias’ house spoke volumes, too. A predator like him easily marked her as easy prey. Sadly, others were able to see the same. If he had a shred of goodness left in him, he would walk away from Sage. Unfortunately for her, it was too late for him.