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“Donnie, I just need a little time,” I implored. “I swear I’ll get you the money but I can’t just write you a check, either. You want cash, I know that.”

“You know me so well, Kitten.” He chuckled, his eyes dark with malice. “It will have to be cash, obviously. And no dollars, okay? They’re messy things to exchange and I prefer to keep things out of the bank’s business; I’m sure you understand.”

I knew that.

I knew, it was why I needed time.

“I’m not leaving until you give me a set date,” he said with a shrug.

I opened my mouth to retort but my voice died at the weight of someone’s hand on my shoulder.

“What’s going on here?”

Chapter 28

The Truth Will Come Out

REID

Mia’sbodylockedupunder my hand, but my gaze settled on the man in front of her.

Sitting in my seat.

“Mia?” I prompted, gently squeezing her shoulder. She didn’t respond immediately, only shaking her head a little.

I wasn’t an idiot: I knew that whoever this man was, he was not welcome.

“S-sorry, Reid,” she murmured, turning to look back up at me. “This is just an old friend.”

The terror in her eyes told me otherwise.

“Does your old friend realize he’s sitting inmyseat,” I asked glacially, glaring at his smug smirk. “And interrupting our meal?”

“No need for hostility,” he said, and every alarm bell in my head rang at full volume. “I was just catching up with Mia. She’s been gone for such a long time, so when I saw her sitting here all alone, I couldn’t help but want to say hello.”

I dragged a condescending glare up and down his appearance. Messy, unkempt hair covered his brow, his dark eyes greedy as they slid from Mia to me. As for his attire, well…

“That’s a very, ah,uniqueCuban chain you have there,” I said. “What did you say your name was?”

“Donnie,” he said, not bothering to hold out a hand for me to shake. “I’m Mia’s-”

“Friend!” Mia almost shouted. “He’s an old friend from school.”

“Hm, wonderful,” I said sarcastically. A lie. Everything about their relationship was a lie and I wanted him to disappear. “Is there anything we can help you with, Danny? Or can I get back to my lunch?”

“It’s Donnie,” he corrected, the tick in his brow giving away his irritation.

So, he wasn’t used to being on the back foot.

Excellent.

“Sorry, I’m so bad at names.” I laughed. I placed my other hand on Mia’s shoulder, achingly aware of how possessive the gesture was.

But I hated how her shoulders tensed and flinched when he spoke.

“If you’ll excuse us, we’d like to finish our food,” I said, rubbing soothing circles into Mia’s stiff shoulders. “Alone.”

“Very well,” he said, getting to his feet. He glared at Mia, speaking Portuguese like I wouldn’t understand. “You have one week before I make that visit I promised.” He stormed off and I watched him go, my hands stilling on Mia’s shoulders.