Page 4 of Kiss Marry Kill

He lifted one shoulder. “Mostly because I knew it would upset you.”

“Finding out like this is way worse.”

He sighed. “Of course. This was never the plan.”

“I’m trying to understand why you’d buy that land in the first place.” I watched his face closely, searching for any sign he was trying to deceive me.

River avoided my gaze and moved to inspect some photographs on the mantel over the fireplace. “Land is always a good investment.”

I nodded. “Sure, but why that particular lot?”

“It’s a valuable piece of property.”

Royce narrowed his eyes. “I gotta say, even I find it odd you’d buy that parcel, River.”

Glancing over his shoulder, River said, “Really?”

“Yes.” Royce joined River near the fireplace.

“Why?” River turned to face Royce.

“Well, for one thing, I know for a fact the family who owned that land didn’t want to sell.” Royce managed to sound pleasant, not accusing.

I had to admire his self-control. I was seething and finding it difficult not to tell River exactly what I thought of him.

Royce added, “Other people have tried to buy that property, but the owners wouldn’t budge.”

River lips twitched. “Well, I don’t know what to say since, obviously, they sold it to me.”

I frowned because he seemed to be enjoying this way too much. “Why did you wantthatspot?”

He flicked his gaze toward me. “Why not that spot?”

It was like he was taunting me. We weren’t on good terms with each other, and he had to know that. I’d never really been able to hide how much I disliked him. From the moment I’d met him, he’d gotten under my skin. Was he pushing and pushing so that I’d snap? Did he want me to lose my cool so that he could play the victim?

River sighed. “There’s nothing sinister going on, Maxwell.”

“Hmmm.”

He laughed. “I’m serious. My financial advisor has been nagging at me that I need more tax write-offs. Buying real estate is a no-brainer when it comes to that sort of thing.”

“Of course I get the concept of investments. I bought the building where my clinic was for that very same reason.”

“Well, then, you should definitely understand. I’d also think you’d be happy that I’m your landlord.”

“Why?” I frowned.

He sputtered. “Wouldn’t you rather have a landlord you know than one you don’t?”

“Not necessarily,” I murmured. “Especially when they send me pay-or-quit notices when I’ve been paying the rent.”

“I told you, Tristan did that all on his own. I knew you’d be upset. That’s why I dropped everything and rushed over here.” He pouted. “But you’re being so suspicious, you’re making me feel bad.”

If he wanted me to comfort him, he was out of luck. “I’ve paid the rent faithfully, but it must have gone to the wrong address. Of course it would because I didn’t know there’d been a change in ownership.”

He waved his hand toward me. “Yes, I know. I told Tristan that was what must have happened. I explained that you and I are good friends.”

I did my best not to recoil.