Page 38 of Avenging Azalea (California Made Men #2)

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

FAWN

Steph sat there staring at me. I really hated when she gave me that ‘ What the fuck did you just say? ’ look. It didn’t help that the overhead light in the restaurant accentuated her disapproval.

“Stop staring at me like that,” I scolded.

Steph blotted her mouth with her napkin, and I knew I was in trouble. When she took a sip of her wine and swished it around her mouth before swallowing, I prepared myself for the berating.

“Okay, let me just make sure I have this all straight.” She set the glass down with a clink.

“Doc Hottie asked you out, and you said yes. Then that same night, the Mikhailov you’re obsessed with told you he loved you and held you all night because you had a nightmare.

And now your grand plan is to give up and leave? ”

“Did you not hear the part where I said his fiancée showed up and all but threw me out?”

Steph growled something nasty under her breath.

“She’s a hoe. That is the nicest thing I can say.

And I don’t care how big her empire is, how beautiful she is, or who her daddy is.

If Vera came to the house when she knew Titus wasn’t there to ‘get to know you,’ then she feels threatened.

She basically told you to get out because you’ll ruin everything. ”

Steph rolled her shoulders.

“You need to own that shit and not back down.” I shook my head, but she lifted a finger, silencing me.

“No, don’t start that negative self-hate shit with me.

Trust me, I’ve lived this game my entire life.

I’ve seen it up close and personal with family, friends, and heck, even my parents’ business associates.

This is how women like her work when they are scared.

And I’ll tell you something else, I’ll never buy another thing from her clothing line, and I’m starting a nasty rumor about her just for fun. ”

“Steph…”

“No.” She grabbed my hand. “You’re too damn nice, Fawn.

You need to stand up for yourself. That is your home.

Titus told you to always think of it that way, and unless you’re holding back on me, he hasn’t told you to go.

In fact, I think he would’ve jumped you last night if you’d said yes.

He’s cracking at the thought of losing you.

The man is more than just in love with you.

This is ‘ I’ll kill for her’ obsessed.” Steph hmphed and then tapped her chin, and I could see the devious wheels spinning in her head.

“Maybe you should give him a reason to kill her. That would solve the issue.”

“Steph!” I glanced around, unable to believe she had just told me to find a way to get Titus to murder someone so we could be together. Jesus. “I can’t do that. Have you lost your mind?”

“Oh my god, you two would drive a saint to drink. He’s mafia, I’m sure he has buried more than one body in a desert.

Listen to me, if you can tear him away from her nasty ass claws, then do it and don’t feel bad.

He doesn’t even want to marry her. It’s so obvious.

You’re just giving him a shove, or her a shove, into the dark ocean to be eaten alive.

” My mouth fell open. “Joke.” She rolled her eyes. “Maybe.”

“I’m not going to dignify that entire idea with a response.

You really think I could live with myself?

Besides, he told me that it was complicated and that he had to marry her.

I’ll be honest, I think he would cancel the wedding if he could.

He hasn’t said it, but…I feel it. I know him.

Titus is far too honest and honorable to marry someone he doesn’t want to unless it’s for a good reason.

So, if I’m right, then tell me what sleeping with him will accomplish other than making it harder to watch him marry that?—”

“Hoe.”

I smiled. “Yes, hoe.”

“Well…he’d get you off, so there is that. It’s a hell of a good reason any day if you ask me,” Steph said, and held out her hand, inspecting her perfect French manicure for the millionth time.

“Yes, I’m sure he would. But again…it won’t save my heart and I don’t need any more pain.”

Steph sighed.

“Fine, don’t fuck him and continue this weird dance you’re doing over and over. You think that’s any better? Because it’s blatantly obvious that you both want one another.” I glared at her. “Seriously though…I get not wanting to get hurt. Maybe even a little more than I did a few weeks back.”

“Really? Who are we talking about? You haven’t mentioned anyone.” Only mildly annoyed by her secrecy, I shifted closer for her to tell me.

Steph blushed, her cheeks flaming bright red. I’d never seen her like this.

“Do you remember that hot bouncer from the club? You know the one that stayed with us while Titus was on his way.”

“Oliver? Sure, he’s at the house three times a week now working for Titus.” She just smiled at me. “No…really? Oh my god. He’s so cute and nice. Totally not your type,” I said, teasing her.

“Bitch…” Steph burst out laughing. “I know, I normally love the bad boy and no strings. But there is just something about him that I can’t explain.

” She dropped her voice, leaning in closer.

“And the things he can do with his hips. Let’s just say he knows how to use what he’s working with, and…

he loves to do it in the morning and then makes me breakfast while I’m still recuperating.

No joke, like Eggs Benedict and fancy crepes. Who is this guy?”

I grabbed her hands and squealed, not caring if we drew looks from the surrounding tables.

“I’m so stinking happy for you.”

Steph blushed again.

“Me too, and it’s so strange. I honestly figured I’d always be single. I just never saw myself settling down. But Oliver…”

“There is just something you can’t explain. It’s almost magical,” I said, sighing.

We burst out laughing. Then, Steph sobered and linked our fingers together.

“You have to do what feels right in your heart. If moving out is the answer, then I’ll support you. But be sure you’re ready to close that door.”

“I waver, but…I think it’s time, Steph. I’ll be honest, I’m at this weird point emotionally where I need Titus to fight for me if I’m who he wants.”

Steph smiled, which I didn’t expect. She practically dragged me out of my chair to hug me.

“Forget what I said. That has to be the bravest thing you’ve ever said to me. You’re right, you’re worth fighting for. Titus needs to kick Vera to the curb, and then, win your heart back.” She held my shoulders. “You can still move into my pool house. The offer stands.”

“I would, but…if I’m doing this, really doing this, then I need to be on my own for a while. I went from a horrible home life to Titus. It’s time I took care of myself.”

“I get that. But just know that you can change your mind at any time.”

“I know. Thank you.” We smiled at one another, and I felt the connection that had always been between us. A girl power sensation and a bond that made Steph feel more like a sister than a friend. “Want to split dessert?”

“Do grapes grow on trees,” Steph asked.

“Technically, I think they grow on vines.”

“Oh, for god’s sake,” Steph muttered, but laughed. “Order whatever you want, I’m going to use the washroom.”

I signaled for the waiter as she walked away and ordered the molten lava chocolate cake. He’d no sooner left the table when my phone rang with an unknown number. Not this again.

“You better not just breathe in my ear again. It’s weird,” I said firmly.

“Well, I’ll be honest, I hadn’t planned on it,” a man said, and I gasped as the voice clicked.

“Mr. Mikhailov, I’m so sorry. I had a prank call earlier and…anyway, my apologies.”

This was so humiliating. Titus’s father had never called me before. I’d only ever seen him in person twice, but he had a distinctive huskiness, with a slight Russian accent that I would know anywhere.

“How can I help you?”

“There is an important matter that I need to speak to you about,” he said, and I cringed.

Had Vera run to Dimitri to tattle like a child? No…maybe.

“Oh…um…I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but we’ve never really spoken. Can you tell me what this is about?”

“An opportunity. One that could prove quite lucrative. I know that you’re an animal person, like Titus, and he mentioned you’re studying to be a veterinarian. Very ambitious, I like that.”

“Oh…” I said, even more stunned than before. “Thank you. What is the opportunity?”

“It’s late and I’m heading out to dinner, but why don’t we meet this week. I have time tomorrow evening or Friday during the day.”

“I can do tomorrow. What time works for you,” I asked, pulling up my calendar.

“I have meetings until six. Let’s say seven at Stoneridge. I’ll send a car to pick you up from the house.”

“It’s okay. I know where it is, I can drive.”

“Nonsense, I’ve invited you out. I insist. The car will be there at six-thirty. See you tomorrow, Fawn. I look forward to our meeting,” Mr. Mikhailov said, hanging up just as Steph sat down.

“What…what’s wrong?” I shook my head.

“You’re never going to believe this,” I said and started in on what happened.

Titus had always told me not to trust his father, but he’d seemed polite, sincere even on the phone. Besides, I could admit that I was curious about this opportunity and to get to know the man who had helped create Titus.

Now the only question was, should I tell Titus?

The answer was no. If I was really embarking on my own, then decisions like this needed to be one hundred percent mine from now on.

Titus needed to trust that I could stand up for myself, even in the face of his family.

If I didn’t like the deal, then all I had to do was say no.

Smiling, I scooped up a spoonful of the chocolatey goodness and moaned as the flavor touched my tongue.