Page 46

“For now, a friend. We used to be so close before—” He cuts off and looks away from me. Before his mother and brother died. I know that’s what he’s about to say.

I remain silent and he continues. “Maybe you’ll find you want more in time.”

Don’t get me wrong, the Hughes men are some good-looking men. They get it from their daddy. Lyric is the pretty boy of the brothers, but Byron isn’t anything to sneeze at.

He givesI can fuckvibes, but as he said, I’ve known him for so long I don’t think it’s a good idea to go there. His dad is now more like my mentor since my uncle has been gone.

Mixing this business with pleasure could cost me my life. My pussy doesn’t have that type of control over me. I’m safer with men like Ronan, who know nothing about this world and life.

I’ve never asked Ronan about his business, but I doubt he does anything close to the things I do for my uncle’s legacy. If I ever date, I want someone who will only know my soft side. While I’ll tell my partner who I truly am, I don’t think I would share the extent of that.

Byron is too close to the truth. I can’t be soft with himever. To him, I always have to be Danika Peoples.

Danika doesn’t have emotions or love to give. I could never give him my heart because Danika doesn’t have one to give. Besides, in this world, the man I let into my bed has to strike as much fear as I do.

“It’s nothing personal, Byron. I do consider you a friend.”

“Yeah, I get it. As long as you know I’m here whenever you need. I mean that. For whatever you need.”

I hear the offer in his voice and think to let him hit to erase that kiss from last night. I feel like Ronan is still all over me—his tongue in my mouth, his hands on my body. I frown and push the thought of sex with anyone other than that man out of my mind.

I’m not in the mood for that type of disappointment. My body already craves Ronan like he has imprinted himself on me.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

CHAPTER15

We Meet Again

Dean

Two months later …

“Thank you so much,Dean. I loved the first three books in the series. I’m looking forward to the next installment.”

“I hope I don’t disappoint.”

“Never, you haven’t written a word I haven’t loved. You have a fan for life in me.”

“Thank you, Tiffany. Make sure to take some swag, boo.”

She gives me the biggest smile and grabs a bookmark, pen, and poster. I return the smile and reach for my water before the next person steps up. I close my eyes and inhale. This feels normal.

Things have been quiet since I’ve been back. The meet with LaSalle was pushed back. Word on the street is that his people are having a little issue.

Names like Donati and Caprisi have been buzzing around, but I’m not ready to stick my nose in those people’s business. For now, I’m putting Danika back into her box and going back to my life as Dean Foxx. Although I am still keeping my distance from Kaye and Lakia for now.

I decided to do this small book signing as a distraction from all the shit I have going on. Gabby was fired, but her name and the publisher’s name are both in the lawsuit. Lauren was dropped from her contract as well.

Too bad the bitch didn’t pay attention to the fact that the work had to be her original work, or she would be dropped and would be financially responsible for any suit stating or proving otherwise.

See, I can handle shit in a sane manner. Nobody has died … yet. Ireland might have been good for me after all.

“Ach, that smile better mean yer thinking about me, love.”

I pop my eyes open to find none other than Ronan McGowan standing in front of me. I bite my lip as I stare up at him. His eyes look so much clearer and intense than I remember.

What are the chances I would run into him at a book signing in California? Why the hell is he here? Shit, how do I look?