Page 79 (1/2)

Dane poured a fragrant pinot grigio and sat across fro, but my stomach coiled I set aside my fork

With a low grunt, he took a sip of wine and then got down to it “I had an original investues I trusted” He stabbed a prawn, sliced into it, and chewed Aggressively Then he added, “Things changed with five of them I learned —and I had to cut them out I didn’t want them associated with the Lux”

“Wow”

This was aabout The sort of aspiration thatabout it had to be perfect because the investa puzzle where pulling the wrong piece could round”

“Corrupt?” I ventured hesitantly

“Yes,” Dane said in a terse tone I felt his jagged edge of tor someone who betrayed hie

“Dane…”

“It’s these unexpected glitches that are pr

oof they’re fucking with me, Ari”

“A beaver choh—”

“There were no beavers” Dry lightning flashed against the large s, e his words “I lied To protect you I don’t want you to know about all of this I don’t want you in a position where you’re aware of things I’erous situation”

“I’erous To me, at least”

“No,” he insisted “You think being romantically involved is hazardous and that’s not true But these men are”

“Have you ever had the rug pulled out from beneath you?” I demanded “Have you ever even been in love?”

“No,” he said, a bit contrite