Page 226 of Titus

“Mateo said this was one of your favorite breakfasts,” I said, watching Titus cut into his eggs.

His mouth twitched. “It is,” he swallowed, then he eyed my fried potatoes and onions. “Those potatoes will absolutely blow your mind.”

I took a bite and was surprisingly shocked by the seasonings Mateo used to make such a simple recipe explode with flavor in my mouth.

“How are the eggs?” I asked.

“Delicious,” he said after another bite. “Did you make them?”

I took a sip of orange juice. “You ask that as if you already know that Mateo didn’t,” I said with a laugh.

He smirked. “I’m merely curious.”

“Bullshit,” I answered. “You didn’t ask about the potatoes?”

“Fine,” he conceded with a sip of his orange juice. “Yes. Mateo seems to have magic hands, and everything he cooks has a distinct flavor and texture.”

I sighed. “Well, it looks like I failed to meet your expectations,” I teased, taking another bite of my eggs.

“I don’t think you’ve failed to meet a single expectation I’ve ever had.” His mouth curved slightly. “Thank you for this,” he said, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “I believe this is the best breakfast I have enjoyed in this home.”

“You’re very welcome,” I answered. “How’d you sleep last night?”

He arched an eyebrow at me, knowing that all we had done was take micro-naps until the sun began to rise and we fell asleep tangled up in each other.

“What sleep I got went extremely well,” he said. “The only reason I am awake is that my attorney called this morning, and I chose to answer the phone.”

I looked over at him and saw his expression change. The softness from earlier remained, but something heavier settled over his features.

“I’ve got meetings all afternoon on Monday.”

“Attorney meetings?”

He nodded. “And I plan to meet with Christian.”

I swallowed my bite of food. “You’re meeting with Christian?”

“I am.”

“Titus…”

His eyes lifted. “What?”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea. With the investigations still going on?”

“I made Jonathan aware,” he answered. “I need to see him.”

“Why?”

He stared out toward the ocean. “Because I need to understand.”

I frowned. “Understand what?”

His jaw tightened. “How someone becomes that obsessed.”

I continued watching him.

“I’ve been dealing with competitors all my life, Catalina,” he said. “People have hated me and resented my achievements and success. That’s fine. That’s part of business. However, this?” He shook his head. “He spent millions trying to ruin me.”