Every Little Thing (Hart's Boardwalk 2)

I sneered at Stu. “No ski mask tonight?”

Stu smiled, a smile that would never reach those cold eyes of his. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Well, it’s nice to see you, Miss Hartwell. And looking so well.” Ian gestured to my black dress. “I see your taste in clothing doesn’t translate to your taste in men, however.”

“You’re right. I have much better taste in men.”

“You do know he’s slept with every single attractive woman that’s stayed at his hotel.”

Vaughn’s hand tensed in mine as he scowled at Devlin like he wanted to rip his face off.

“Really?” I tugged on Vaughn gently and he turned to face me. “Huh. So that’s why you’re so amazing in bed. Makes sense.”

His lips twitched with laughter and his whole body relaxed.

I grinned as I looked back at an annoyed Devlin. “His experience speaks volumes.” I even winked.

Jack coughed into his fist and I could have sworn he was trying to cover his laughter.

Hmm.

“Enough of this.” Ian sighed as if he were weary. “I take it you’re here to try and stop proceedings but your sister has made up her mind. However, let me put your mind at ease, Miss Hartwell. My involvement in our inn will be a good thing. I’m going to make it the most successful business on that boardwalk.”

I bristled. “I wouldn’t get ahead of yourself, Mr. Devlin.”

“Oh? Because of the minority share? I know. But we’ll work on that. Why don’t we wait for Vanessa to arrive? Take a seat.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Vaughn moved us closer to the table. “I put Vanessa in a cab a few hours ago. She’s gone.”

“What are you talking about?” Stu snapped.

“I’m talking about the fact that I made a counteroffer. She accepted.” Vaughn put the contract on the table. “Now I own her share in Hart’s Inn.”

Fury colored Ian Devlin’s face. I thought his head might explode it turned red so fast.

Vaughn took the contract off the table and handed it to me. “Tomorrow those shares get transferred back into Bailey’s name.” His expression changed as he turned back to them. I shivered at the sudden blast of chill from him as he let go of me to press his hands down on the table. It brought him closer to the Devlins so they could hear his quiet but very menacing caution. “I think I warned you before that if you did anything to upset Miss Hartwell, I wouldn’t be too pleased. That’s putting it mildly, Mr. Devlin. So . . . here’s a little heads-up. One, if you come after her again, and I wouldn’t if I were you, I will cripple you financially, piece by piece. And I think we both know that is not an empty threat. Two, I was on the defense before in this little war you’re waging to get a piece of property on the boardwalk. But Hartwell, as it turns out, agrees with me. I’m making it my home. Permanently. That means I’m making it my business. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Devlin just glowered at him.

Vaughn leaned closer. “I just came off defense, Devlin. You’re now looking at an offense player.”

“You are threatening me?” Devlin spat.

Vaughn exhaled, all cool and casual, as he straightened to stand beside me again. “Just a friendly warning.” He shrugged.

Oh boy, my guy was sexy.

I took his hand and shivered at the feel of his fingers sliding through mine in response.

“Well.” I gave them all a fake sweet smile. “I’m not nearly so eloquent and scary hot as Mr. Tremaine here, so I’ll just say”—I leaned in to look at each one of them individually before focusing on the father—“you can kiss my ass.”

Jack reached for his glass, drawing my gaze, and I knew this time I didn’t miss the smile he was hiding behind his drink.

Apparently, I was never going to understand that man.

“You all have a nice

evening now.” I gave them a taunting finger wave as Vaughn led us out of the restaurant.