Page 75 of The Renter

I sigh. “Who told you that?”

“That doesn’t matter.”

“He put the company on our radar,” I share as we walk. “But our analysts ultimately made the decision.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why does it matter?”

“It feels like a lie. It also feels like a lie that you didn’t tell me that Declan is a partner in Harris Ventures.”

Greg? Allison?Why would they share all of that with her?

“Silent partner. Emphasis on silent.”

“We have the NDA. You love to remind me about that. But you don’t trust me?”

“Dani, I know the past couple of days have been a lot,” I say, grabbing her hand.

“No!” She pulls her hand away from me. “You have intentionally been keeping those two things from me. Why?”

“Really?” I look down at her. She stops walking, throwing her hands in the air in frustration. “I’m … I’m afraid you’ll leave me for him,” I confess.

58

“How many fucking times do I have to tell you, Declan and I don’t have a thing?” I scream, probably too loud, on this cobblestone path.

Adam shakes his head, walking toward our room. I stand there considering everything.Could this be the end of The Renter?Watching him walk away from me,I don’t want it to be.

“Adam,” I say, the tears welling in my eyes. “I want to be with you.”

He turns around, and I walk toward him. “Tell me the truth,” he says, in a tone I don’t like. It’s firm and cold. “Are you attracted to him?”

Now is not the time for me to be sassy. But Declan’s, like, six foot five, tatted and buff, with an amazing jawline. Of course, anyone would find him attractive. “He’s good-looking. Even Allison asked me if he was single.”

“Are you,” Adam says firmly, “attracted to him?”

“Yeah, but I’m also attracted to Henry Cavill, Sebastian Stan, I could go on.”

“Dani, it’s not the time for your little fucking games.”

“What? Calm the fuck down, Adam! Just because I’m attracted to him doesn’t mean I’m going to sleep with him.I’m your girlfriend. I would never cheat on you!” I loudly say, looking up at him. “Declan, the half-brother of the guy that abused me … are you kidding me?”

Adam huffs, then smiles. “You can be very frustrating,” he says, wrapping his arms around me for a hug.

“So can you,” I say into his chest.

“I’m happy you’re here. I’m happy you’re with me,” Adam says, brushing my hair behind my shoulders as we continue to hug. “I’ve never done the power couple thing,” he says, releasing me and grabbing my hand.

We walk toward our room, and he says, “I hope you like all of this … my life.”

“I like this life.” I smile.

“You like this life with me?”

“Especially with you.”

“Good.” He squeezes my hand and stops walking. “Are we good?”