Page 21 of Scarred Heir

“You jerk,” Chance said. “I told you we can’t fucking trust him.”

“Watch your mouth.” I leaned across the table. “Or I’ll beat the fucking shit out of you in the middle of this restaurant, and I can guarantee you no one will stop me.”

“Stop it,” Sable whispered. “Chance, you’re not helping.”

“I agree.” I motioned toward the bar. “Go wait over there, so the adults can work out the details of this arrangement.”

He didn’t move.

“Do I need to have my security team take you out back and remind you how they treated you last week?”

“Chance,” Sable said. “Give us a few minutes.”

“Fine.” He got up and pushed the chair hard enough for it to hit the table with a thud before storming to the bar.

“He’s going to be a problem.” I turned her chair to face me. “I don’t like problems.”

“I’ll talk to him.”

“I’ll give you a shot at getting him in line, but someone has to teach him how to be a man.”

She nodded as she fidgeted with her hands.

“Your anxiety bothers me.” I placed my hand over hers. “You came to me.”

“I know.”

“I let you walk away last week, so why did you come back to me?”

“I didn’t have a choice.” The despair in her words bothered me more than her anxiety. Were things really that bad that I was her only choice?

“How did you even know where to find me?” I asked.

“You’re a popular guy.” She slid her hand out from underneath mine. “People like to post your whereabouts.”

“You’re stalking me?”Who knew?“I didn’t see that coming.”

“No, I just…” She rubbed her palms on her thighs. “What are your terms?”

“I haven’t fully decided, but I’ll work it out.”

“That’s not a good way to do business.”

“It is when I hold all the cards.” And I always hold all the cards.

“I’m just supposed to move in with you and do whatever you say?”

“Pretty much.” I caressed her cheek. “That’s how I do business.”

“That doesn’t seem fair.”

“You came to me. You needed something and I gave it to you, no questions asked. Now I get something in return. That’s how a contract works.”

Not that we could ever enforce this contract in a court of law.

“I guess.”

“Don’t look so worried. I promise, it’s going to be a better life than the one you’re living.”