“What’s wrong with your Maserati?” Dane asks.
“Nothing.”
He raises an eyebrow.
I shift my weight back and forth. “I just wanted to buy a normal car that won’t stand out so much.”
“And you’ve come to this decision after having the Maserati for over a year?”
“I can pay you back.”
“You’re going to do more than that. You’re going to owe me one.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine.”
He shakes his head. “Never say ‘fine’ when somebody says you’re going to owe them one. The answer should always be ‘go to hell.’”
Whatever, I think, but don’t dare say it out loud. The Reptile might not give me the money.
“Even if I gave you the cash, you still wouldn’t be able to buy a car anyway.”
“Why not?”
“You’re seventeen, Elizabeth.”
I stick my tongue out…almost. “Wrong. I’ve been eighteen since ten hours ago.”
“Ah, that’s right. Your birthday’s today.”
“So what are you going to give me?”
He gives me a look that says I’ve lost my mind. “Eight grand not enough?”
“But I’m going to owe you one!” Shaking his head, he starts to walk away, and I trot after him. “Hey, why don’t you help me with car shopping?”
“Because I have better things to do.”
“If you’re with me, no sleazy salesman’s going to try to rip me off. Please? What if they try to sell me a lemon?”
He comes to an abrupt stop. I almost bump into him, but catch myself in time. He turns and levels his gaze on me. “Call my assistant.”
“Thanks, Dane. You’re the best.”
“Not bad for a reptile, I know.”
I choke, unable to decide if he’s joking from his absolutely flat, emotionless delivery. I swear I’ve never called him that when he could hear. Before I can recover, he climbs into his Lamborghini and leaves.
I take a steadying breath and smile. I’ll call Dane a “friendlier than expected reptile” from now on.
Chapter Eight
Elizabeth
Two days pass before Dominic calls. I’m only in town because I delayed my trip…on the off chance that he’d call.
“Forty-eight hours,” I say, half teasing, half serious.
“I know,” he says with a soft sigh. “I would’ve called yesterday, but my sister caught me and insisted I had to wait three days.”