More of Us ( A Love You More Rock Star Romance #3) - Laura Pavlov Page 0,82

Sir. My relationship with Cruz is none of your business. I think we’re done here,” I said, reaching for my backpack and pulling it over my shoulder.

He stepped a little bit closer, invading my space. “What’s it going to take, huh? What do you think a million dollars would do for a girl like you?”

“A girl like me? What does that mean?” I hissed.

“Your father can’t make much of a living doing what he does. Sure, it’s honorable work serving the community, but I’m sure it doesn’t pay him nearly enough. What do you think a million dollars could do for a man like him? I heard he had a close call in a fire recently. Next time he might not be so lucky. But having a little nest egg like I’m offering you would allow dear old dad to take a step away from his dangerous profession, right?”

My jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe my ears. My head spun and a little buzzing noise filled my ears. What was this?

“You’re serious?” I said, trying to hide the tremble in my voice.

“We can do this one of two ways. I can transfer this money to your account today. No questions asked. Keep it simple. Just do the right thing, Jade and walk away. My son’s worth more to me than he is to you.”

My spine was stick straight now, and I squared my shoulders. “Take your money and shove it up your ass, Mr. Winslow. Cruz is worth a hell of a lot more to me than any amount of money you could ever offer me. Now I suggest you move along before I sick Bernie on your ass.”

I raised a brow and waited for him to respond.

“I’m sorry you feel that way. You just made things very easy for me, but very difficult for yourself.”

I shook my head. “You know what? I feel sorry for you. You have this amazing family and you’ve just thrown them away. Keep your nose out of my business and my father’s business, am I making myself clear?”

He studied me, and a wide grin spread across his face. “Crystal. I welcome the challenge, Jade. Have a nice day.”

He sauntered down the hall like we’d just had a casual conversation. What the hell was wrong with this man.

Bernie moved beside me, studying my face. “Everything okay?”

“I’m sorry for being such a jerk to you. I’m glad you’re here, Bernie.” I reached out and squeezed his hand.

“Shall we give Cruz a call and let him know his father paid you a visit?” he asked.

“I’ll tell him later.”

“You have one hour,” he said as we walked to his car.

“I thought you were here for me.”

“I work for him. But I like you better.” He winked.

When I got in the car, I closed my eyes for a minute and tried to think about what I’d say to Cruz. I was still processing what just happened. How do you tell the boy you love that his father just offered you a million dollars to break up with him? And why would he offer me such a ridiculous amount of money? Was Exiled worth that much to him? And why did he bring my father into it? I would never willingly lie to Cruz about something this big but telling him the truth about his father seemed cruel.

We pulled up in front of the house. “You know you can come sit inside.”

He chuckled. “That’s not how this works. But thank you. I’m glad you’re not snarling at me anymore.”

“Thanks, Bernie.”

“You know most people call me Bernard,” he said dryly.

“I’m not most people.” I patted him on the shoulder before jumping out of the car.

“Jade,” he said before I shut the door.

“Yeah?”

“Tell him about his father’s visit. Don’t make me nark on you,” he said.

I sighed before sticking my tongue out at him. Was it mature? No. But this is why I didn’t want a security guard following me around. He didn’t know what he