Page 36

I stared at her. She’d become my obsession in such a short time, but I never needed to question how that could’ve happened the way it did. I was sure most things in life happened by design. That was another reason I hated the optimism I felt seeing my estranged family stroll into my hotel. Optimism for what? Questions I’d never ask? If my life was meant to be different, it would be, and I was okay to live with that.
“Who are they?”
I glanced back at her to see that her attention had followed mine. I inhaled and released a deep breath.
“The one in the front with the salt and pepper beard is Ron Valentine.”
Her brows arched. “Your father?”
I locked my jaw, nostrils flaring. “Unfortunately.”
“And the others?”
“Appear to be successful men who’d grown up with everything I’d been denied.”
I was annoyed by the bitterness of those words, but they were true, nonetheless.
She gasped. “Your brothers.”
The valet moved the car, and we inched forward. When the attendants saw me, they sprinted to the Range and opened mine and Santari’s doors.
“Close her door.” I glared at the valet on her side, and he nodded and quickly shut Santari’s door. I glanced at her, left my position, strolled around the car, opened the door, and drew her close.
She giggled. “You didn’t have to scare the man.”
“He’s not scared.”
She glanced at him, and he stood back, waiting for us to clear the space.
“He’s scared shitless.”
I grunted, and we entered the lobby. Ron’s voice was loud, like an announcement speaker. He was a comedian, and I imagine he thought everything was a fuckin’ joke.
“Do you want to talk to him?”
“No.”
“I think you do.”
“Why? I’m merely shocked by his presence.”
“What do you think he’s doing here?”
“Probably on business or vacation. That’s why most people come here.”
She nodded. “Remember how you said you don’t believe in coincidences?”
“Is this the part where you throw my words back in my face?”
“What kind of soulmate would I be if I didn’t? Especially the good things.”
“That was about me and you reconnecting as friends and now lovers. It had nothing to do with anything else.”
“That’s not true, and you know it. You believe everything happens for a reason. You can’t lie to me, Mr. Valentine.”
“Don’t use that name here.”
She gawked. “The fuck? That’s your name, and this is your shit. You should boast about it. They are not the only ones who are rich and powerful, and I just knooow they’re not wielding no dick like that weapon between your legs.”