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Ten
Cade
My mate’s family leaves something to be desired. There’s no denying that. Still, I think poisoning me must have some consequence. Now, because that act of violence is what brought Leona to me, I’m willing to make some concessions. If possible, I’ll spare Melony.
At the back end of the rose garden is a stone patio with a white canopy.
Patty rushes forward wearing a lemon-yellow dress that flies in the breeze. “I’m so glad you’re here, Cade. We’ve been waiting.” She gives Leona a hard look.
“My fault,” I say. “I’m afraid my morning went differently than intended, and I had to deal with some issues.
“Oh dear. I hope everything’s okay.” Patty takes my arm, forcing Leona to walk behind us the last few feet to the table.
A cook from the resort’s kitchen mans a grill, and a two-person wait staff bustle around, making up plates as we sit.
The first course is a wedge of cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto and drizzled with olive oil.
I’m glad to have Leona beside me, but my beast is on full alert, waiting for an attack. Surely, Derek won’t do anything in front of his new in-laws and the wait staff. I lean in. “You’re not eating, love.”
She gives me a side-eye. “You’re kidding, right? Who can eat?”
Sympathizing, I don’t want to arouse suspicion of the watchful jerk across the table. I carefully cut my appetizer and eat all of it.
“Maybe you can give me some stock tips, Cade.” Derek’s voice is full of false charm.
“I’d be happy to assist with your portfolio. Though that might be a conflict of interest.”
“Why is that?” John asks around a mouth full of food. “I wouldn’t mind a few tips myself.”
“It can be a bad idea to advise family, and I fully intend to be around for a long time, sir.” I shift my attention to Leona and enjoy her rosy blush.
“That’s good to hear,” Patty says, grinning like a hyena.
John frowns. “I see. I would hope you two would get to know each other for more than a few days before any serious decisions are made.”
It’s a sensible response from a father. I give him a sober nod. “As a gentleman, I don’t disagree with you, sir. Though, as a man smitten, I’m loath to wait any longer than Leona requires.”
“Okay. That’s enough talk about me and my life. This is still Melony and Derek’s weekend.”
Right on cue, Melony pouts. “Thank you, Leona. It’s about time someone remembered that important fact.”
The grilled steak is served with roasted potatoes and asparagus.
Across from me, Melony tugs her shirt so that the thin tank barely contains her boobs. Looking at me through her long eyelashes, she licks her lips.
My stomach turns, and the steak is going to be difficult to eat. I suppose I’m going to have to go along with their scheme for my plan to work.
I never thought small talk would be a relief, but it is and it fills the remaining time at the table while sorbet is served with fresh berries.
As soon as it’s appropriate, I excuse myself and head inside, under the guise of needing to use the bathroom.
Inside the main building, Brian gives me a nod, confirming that the appropriate calls have been made.
“Are you alright, Cade?” Melony simpers and gets close enough that her tits graze my arm.
“Fine. I only needed the restroom. Can I help you with something?” A totally loaded question.
Like some kind of femme fetal in an old movie, she runs her hands through her hair and down her face before caressing the tops of her breasts. “I think I may have made the biggest mistake of my life. I mean, I should have been honest when I came to your house. I need help, and I don’t know who else to turn to.” Now she shifts her hands to my upper arm and chest. “You just seem like the kind of man who would help a girl in trouble.”
