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"Yes."
"Kane hasinvited almost everyone." The man's eyes were lit with amusementas he took a drag of the cigar clamped between his teeth. "I’venot been there yet, but my darling wife has and she’s ravingabout it."
"It's primelocation and the food is excellent."
"I‘m goingto wait until the opening." Liam gave the younger man acontemplative look through the haze of smoke. He was supposed to bequitting, but every now and then the craving would take over.
Amani didn’tapprove of course, but what the darling of his heart didn’tknow wouldn’t hurt her. Shaking his head mentally, he wonderedwhen he’d turned into a man who gave a rat's ass about awoman's opinion. That’s what happens when a man's heart hasbeen taken over completely, there’s no turning back.
"You okay?"
"Yes."Kenji took a sip of the scotch and stretched his legs out. "Gettingthere, at least. Kane is determined to keep me in line."
"He cares."
"Perhaps toomuch." Kenji said dryly.
"Is there such athing?" A whimsical smile touched his mouth. "You wentthrough hell only a year ago and for a moment there it was touch andgo. I’ve known Kane for years and that was the first time Iever saw him unravel. You’re family and he made a pledge totake care of you."
"Even given thefact that I’m an adult?"
"Even so."Liam grinned at him. Leaning back in the comfortable chair, hestretched his legs out. "Caring complicates things. I havesisters who are adults and I’m still protective of them."
"I’m morethan capable of taking care of myself." Kenji patted the pocketof his jacket and took out a slim case. Opening it, he selected acigar and leaned forward to accept the light Liam offered. "I’veproven that time and again." He drew the smoke into his lungsand closed his eyes as the taste took over.
Yes, it was a verygood idea to come here today. He could feel himself unwinding andletting go. Tomorrow would be a different story of course, but todaywas a day of relaxation and the company wasn’t bad either.
He’d hadoffers, subtle ones and not so subtle from unattached women, but he’dbrushed them aside. He didn’t need the distraction at thistime.
"I’m sureyou did." Tossing back the rest of his drink, Liam rose to hisfeet. "How about some fencing? I’m suddenly feeling verycompetitive and light on my feet."
Kenji's eyebrows roseas the battle light came into his eyes. He was an excellent swordsmannaturally and was relishing the idea of trouncing the older man. "Idon't want to humiliate you."
"Cocky, aren'tyou?" Liam grunted.
"Wouldn't you bein my place?"
"Let's go putyour words to the test, shall we?"
Chapter 3
"There’sno smoking in the building."
"I’m notin the building." He gestured to the spacious balcony with asmirk.
"In case youdidn’t notice, this is an enclosed space which means the ruleapplies."
"Sue me."He watched her through the haze of smoke and waited for theexplosion. He’d come out here to get away from his date and hermindless chatter. He’d called her up in an attempt to take hismind off his worries, but that had been a massive mistake.
"I’llleave you to it then." Her lips curled slightly in distaste, orwas it in disgust, he wondered.
"You’realready the manager of the place." His deep voice stopped her asshe turned to leave.
"What does thatmean?"
"It means youdon’t have to try and impress management. You’re alreadyat the top of the food chain."
Her eyes glowered athim and he could swear he could see fire. "This isn’tabout impressing management. I’m simply trying to ensure thesmooth running of the place, not that it’s any of yourbusiness."
