Page 65

“Because you refuse to cut a deal,” I fire back. I respect Mason. But I’m not afraid of him. And I won’t be cowed into a move I don’t want to make.

He lets out a frustrated growl. “What’s gotten into you?”

I think the issue might be what I got into. Honeyeh. My moves are shifting from growth to protection. “I want to get back to work.”

“You just completed a takeover,” he says.

“And there is more to be done. But it can’t be accomplished with Dimitri hanging a sword over our heads.” I finish my espresso and start another as I hear the soft pad of feet across the floor.

Honeyeh appears, still in my T-shirt, her hair mussed and her eyes sleepy. Her skin glows in the morning light, and I reach out a hand.

“Fair. I’ll make a decision today and let you know tomorrow.”

“Darius has an appointment tomorrow morning with Dr. Lawrence. I’ll be accompanying Honeyeh to discuss any financial needs and all treatment options that have yet to be explored.”

“Triston.” Mason sounds curious now.

But Honeyeh has slipped her hand into mine and I pull her close. My espresso finishes and I tuck the phone between my shoulder and ear as I pull the cup out of the machine and hand it to Honeyeh.

She takes the cup, takes a sip and wrinkles her nose.

I can’t help it. I chuckle.

“Triston?” Mason asks again. But I let go of Honeyeh to get some milk to froth.

“Early morning or after lunch, Mason. I look forward to your decision.” And then I hang up. Tossing my phone on the counter, I grab some milk and pour it into the milk frother.

Turning it on, I pull her close again. “Why aren’t you asleep?”

“I couldn’t fall back to sleep,” she murmurs as her arms wind around my neck. She’s so soft and she smells amazing as I bury my nose into her hair.

I slide my hands down her back as I wrap my hands around her ass. “Sore today, sweetheart?”

“Only a little,” she murmurs close to my ear.

Satisfaction has me rubbing my stubbled chin over the silk of her hair. That means I’m going to be inside her again very soon.

The frother finishes and I pour the milk and then the shot of espresso into a mug. “Sugar?”

She shakes her head. “This is perfect. After I’m done, I’ll unpack my stuff?”

“Good idea. Use the other half of my closet.”

She takes a sip of her coffee, half turning away. “You’re sure you don’t want me to unpack my things in one of the guestrooms?”

I’m fucking sure. I fire up the espresso maker again. “Are you worried about your brother?”

She shakes her head. “No. I’m concerned about wearing out my welcome.”

It hits me square in the chest. I don’t think that’s happening. If I have my way, Honeyeh is staying for a while. I pull her close. “Put your things in my closet and your toothbrush in the holder. You sleep on the right. Away from the door.”

Her brows lift, but I see her smile into her next sip of cappuccino.

My girl likes it when I tell her what to do. I love that about Honeyeh. And I’ve got a few more situations in mind where I’m going to get bossy.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Honeyeh