Page 89 of Titus

“When I’m returning to my home in Pacific Palisades, yes,” I said. “If I were staying at the hotel, then no. I’d use my driver.”

She studied me for a moment, then her lips pursed in a way that concerned me.

“Something wrong?”

“No,” she tilted her head to the side. “It’s just that watching you act like a natural out here tonight was quite surprising. Then you mention the helicopter, and I just can’t help but wonder⁠—”

“Who am I really?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “Either you’re a damn good actor, or, correct me if I’m wrong, a man who was lost in his own empire without knowing it until tonight.”

“Acting is something I could never be good at, even if I tried,” I answered her honestly. “I didn’t get to where I am today by playing a role. So no, tonight is not an act.”

“Then?”

“Yes, perhaps I have been suffocating in my own world without realizing it,” I answered her directly. “And I appreciate this reprieve more than you know. Consider your debt of gratitude paid in full.”

She smiled at me. “Did you grow up this wealthy?”

The beer had us both loosened up, but that question caught me off guard. Not because she asked it, but because I wanted to answer it. I wanted her to care enough to know more about me.

“Mostly, yes,” I answered. “My father started this company years before I was born. His dream was to bring it to the level I took it to, though he was more… let’s call it brutal in business than I am.” I glanced toward the patrons in casual conversation, knowing this one would be a million times heavier.

“You seem pretty brutal,” she said, her eyes studying mine.

I smiled. “I don’t naturally seek to consume businesses and leave my associates bankrupt, looking for jobs at fast food restaurants after my company has acquired theirs.”

“Oh shit,” she said, seemingly intrigued by the bastard my father was. “Your father did?”

“He promised wealth before devouring businesses and the dreams of his associates, then left them fighting for their spot in the unemployment line.”

“So, he bought out their businesses and fired them?”

“Among other things,” I answered. “I try not to dwell on this company’s haunted history, but moving forward, I keep my word and deliver the wealth I promise when I acquire a company. I build them up and make them grateful they met me.”

“Then the rumors aren’t true? That you’re a brutal bastard in business?” she smirked, enough to force a smile on my face.

“Oh, I believe those rumors are true,” I took another sip of my beer. “I am brutal, but only when it comes to enemies or threats to my company.”

“Have you ever dealt with that?” she eyed me, more comfortable now. “Well, I’m sure you have, considering the first night we met and all those guests on your yacht.”

I eyed her, considering bringing up Christian Jameston, but since I was only just beginning to earn her trust, it was best not to burden her with my irritation toward the man. That conversation could wait. Maybe for another night... or perhaps the morning after she woke up in my bed, smiling as I held her close.

“Still with me?” I heard her ask.

“I am,” I smiled, embarrassed that I’d started daydreaming like a teenager during our conversation. “And yes, you are correct. From time to time, I still run into people who hold a mean grudge for what my old man did to them.”

“And how do you deal with them?” she asked, intrigued.

But this wasn’t a conversation for tonight.

“Perhaps we should change the subject, Ms. Veléz,” I said with a smile. “What’s your background? How did you manage to become more knowledgeable than most about planning events on such a grand scale?”

“I’m sorry if my questions upset you.”

“Not at all,” I said. “I just prefer not to talk about my business tonight. I’d rather enjoy your company.”

She studied me for a moment again. “And once again, you’re proving my assumptions about you wrong.”