“Your grandma was protected, Morina. We need to be protected too. In most circles, I’m a well-known businessman. I’ve been photographed around the country. People follow me all the time.”
I sat back, eyes popping wide. “People follow you?”
“You don’t pay attention to the entertainment news, but I own enough that, yes, people are watching. People will be watching you too, those who knew your grandmother. I’m sure there are families and syndicates paying very close attention. Your identity as a partner in this oil port could spark concern in underground gangs, in greedy businessmen, and overall some very dangerous people.”
“I don’t think so. They already knew my grandmother was a partner, I’m sure.” But my mind was racing. Had she organized protection for me? What did protection even mean?
I gulped down some of my diluted champagne and eyed the bottle again.
“Your grandmother had my father. She had ties to other syndicates and families. All that protection died with her. Through all this will business, she basically assigned me as your protector.” He waited a beat. “I’m not happy about it. I’m sure that’s the case, though.”
“So, what? I have to move in with you to be protected?”
“Or simply because that’s what normal engaged couples do. They find a place for them both to stay. We can go look at penthouses near the port tomorrow.”
“What about this place?”
“Keep it or don’t.”
“I can’t make up my mind.”
“Do you live somewhere else?”
“Mostly, I live in the food truck now.” It was a quiet confession. Only a few people knew I slept there. “I store my board there and there’s a little bed above the food level. It’s pretty amazing.”
I didn’t see any judgment in his dark brown eyes. For that, I was thankful.
Then he asked, “Have you read her letter?”
“Um, I haven’t gotten around to it.” It was a terrible excuse and I winced even as the words came out of my mouth.
That brow that questioned all my actions lifted, and I felt a little ragey. He didn’t say what was obviously on his mind though–that I’d had time, easily.
“I mean, yes, Bradley was here this morning, but I’ve been busy with the food truck and I volunteer at the humane society.”
I waited for him to say he understood, but the man lifted his other brow too. It was a total accusation even if he didn’t say a word.
“I’m sorry I don’t think about business all the time like you, Bastian.” I threw the accusation right back at his brows. He deserved it.
He nodded and glanced around. “I guess it’s only believable we’d be fooling around at first. So, Bradley shouldn’t be a problem. People get cold feet all the time.”
“Well, what about when we’re married? Do you honestly want to be celibate for five months?”
“I think we can navigate just fine.”
“Navigate a fake marriage? Do you hear how crazy that sounds?” I bit my lip.
“Your grandmother got the idea,piccola ragazza, not me.”
“That’s not a good nickname for your fiancé, Bastian.”
“You were just fine with it on my jet.”
“Oh, my God. Don’t bring that night up. Ever. Again.”
“I’m happy keeping our sex life in the past.” He shrugged. “Six months of us putting on a show, Morina. That’s it. Is that something you can do?”
“I have a feeling I’m going to hate your condescending tone by the end of these six months because I already dislike it.”