Hard Rules (Dirty Money #1) - Lisa Renee Jones Page 0,85
There’s no other option.”
The cab stops in front of the blue glass building in the center of what seems to be a high-end shopping district. Shane pays the driver and exits first, offering me his hand, and helping me to my feet, allowing me to discover we’re nearly on top of a mall. “I’m no longer objective about this apartment,” I say. “It has me at shopping.”
He laces his fingers with mine. “I’ll bring you back another day and show you around. Unfortunately today, I have some business to attend to.”
“I know your family will be cautious with me now, but I’m still close to your father. Tell me what to be looking for and if I can help I will.”
“Not this time,” he says, draping his arm around my shoulders to put us in motion toward the front door of the building. “I don’t want you anywhere near this problem.”
Like I don’t want him anywhere near my mess, I think, and it’s not a good thought. Suddenly, I can’t help but wonder if we are the right people but at the wrong time. But how could this ever be the right time in my situation? I wouldn’t want to miss knowing Shane and I don’t know where that leaves me, or us.
I’m still trying to figure out the answer when we reach the double glass doors of the building. Shane opens the door for me. I step inside the foyer, seeing gray stone under my feet, a capped high ceiling above me, and a luxury seating area outlined by an expensive-looking blue oriental rug. Shane joins me, and I say, “It’s pretty, but kind of sterile, where the Four Seasons feels warm and friendly.”
“‘Sterile’ seems an appropriate description,” he agrees, motioning toward the seating area where a man and woman, both in business casual attire, are chatting.
His arm returns to my shoulders.
“I feel underdressed and like I need a shower,” I say, as we start walking.
“I’m spending millions on this place if I buy it,” he says. “They’re the only ones who need to take a shower.”
“Only you could say that and not sound arrogant,” I comment.
“Because I see the influence of money as a fact,” he states. “It’s about knowing where your power comes from.”
Knowing where your power comes from. Those words resonate with me, and in my mind, I believe my phone will ring now. Because I took the power I still had left, and used it when I left that message. I’m so lost in thought I don’t immediately realize the woman is walking toward us, and not only is she elegant in black pants and blouse, she has spiky blond hair and her name is Jessica.
Instantly on the defensive, I try to pull my hand away from Shane and he catches it on the other side of his hip. “Shane, let go, damn it.”
“She’s already seen us, sweetheart, and I trust her. You can trust her too.”
“Why didn’t you at least warn me?”
“I didn’t know she was going to be here until we walked in.”
It’s at that moment that we halt in front of Jessica, her attention settling on me. “Hello, Emily.”
“Hi, Jessica,” I say, giving an awkward wave. “Sorry I didn’t tell you, but it just wasn’t the right time.”
“I’m using her to get information,” Shane says. “Hiding in plain sight. Understood?”
“To protect her,” Jessica concludes, her gaze flickering between the two of us. “Understood. You could have told me right out of the gate.”
“We’re telling you now,” Shane says. “And Derek and my mother know.”
“And your father?”
“Assume he does,” Shane states, and obviously done with the topic, adds, “Let’s get this viewing done and over with.”
“All right then,” she says. “But before I introduce you to Frank, our Realtor today, you should know I’d describe him as ‘difficult.’”
“My money isn’t,” Shane replies.
“Well then,” she replies, “it seems that in your present mood, Frank doesn’t stand a chance.” She steps backward and leads us in his direction.
Frank, a fifty-something man with glasses and a pretentious attitude he doesn’t need words to reinforce, greets us with handshakes, and quickly directs us to an elevator bank. Once inside, Shane stands behind me, one possessive hand on my shoulder. “This property will go fast,” Frank states, standing near Shane. “How motivated are you to make a quick decision?”