“Firstly,” Devon says, “Multi-billionaire and second, didn’t get that way without being a bit frugal.”
Cole gapes at us. “Billionaire? Holy shit. I guess it kinda figures, though,” he says, gesturing to the jet.
I giggle at his incredulity. “You are no stranger to money yourself, I believe,” I point out.
He shrugs. “I know, but mine has a shelf life. Yours…not so much.”
And there it was again. I grimace as I feel Devon’s eyes on me. He also picked up on it again.
Ignoring it, he says to Cole, “I could help you with some investments if you want?”
Cole nods enthusiastically. “Yeah, that would be great. Liv tells me you are a finance wizard.”
Devon preens at the compliment. “Did she? Well, someone has to be the brains of this operation.”
Insulted, I chuck the first thing I can get my hands on, directly at his stupid head. He deftly catches my phone with his Vampire reflexes. “Hey, that’s a bit shitty,” I scowl while the chuckle brothers laugh it up.
Tossing my phone back to me, he says, “You know I’m only teasing. If I had half your brains, we’d be even better off.”
Cole smirks at the ‘we’d’ of that remark but remains silent. Flicking his gaze back to Cole, Devon says, “Get your accountant to send me your files when we get home. I’ll hash out a portfolio for you.”
“Great, thanks.”
Then dinner arrives.
CHAPTER TWENTY
“Who’s the Scotch for?” Cole asks as we stroll through JFK duty free.
“CK,” I say absently, still thinking about the elephant and its unsavory ramifications.
“You know, I think I’m going to need to know a bit more about how to successfully navigate this meeting,” he says meaningfully.
I snap back to the present. “Yes, of course. Anything you want to know, just ask.”
“Well, you said if he senses fear, he’ll pounce? How do I show him I’m not afraid?” he asks quietly.
“Hold his gaze. Don’t flinch and don’t look away unless there’s a reason to. Stand up straight and don’t be defensive,” I instruct.
“Defensive?” he asks.
“Don’t cross your arms. Stay relaxed, but alert,” I clarify. “He can be…no, he is intimidating, don’t let it faze you and don’t let him bait you. And he will try,” I warn.
“How so?” he asks, genuinely riveted to my advice.
“Sires are very territorial, as I’ve mentioned,” I explain. “He won’t perceive you as a threat, but he will see you as taking my attention away from him. He will be possessive of me. Touch me, to make a point. Even kiss me.” I look him dead in the eye. He might as well know what he’s in for. Although, in all fairness, in light of recent events, I fear this meeting is going to tank in the biggest way. I can’t tell Cole why, but I can prepare him the best way I know how.
“Kiss you? As in kiss you?” he asks, a bit annoyed.
“Yes. Don’t let it bother you. It’s just him staking his claim. He’s smug, arrogant, self-assured, shrewd, cold, calculating, and can be a colossal arse.” I huff as I think about my sire’s less-appealing traits. “Don’t back down and don’t lose your temper. He sees both as weaknesses.”
“Gee, he sounds great,” Cole says dryly, but I can see he’s worried.
I smile. “He is, to me. I love him dearly and he loves me. Don’t let my familiarity with him influence you. He tolerates my defiance and behavior because he enjoys the challenge and it amuses him that someone has the nerve to stand up to him. Oh, and don’t, whatever you do, call him ‘CK.’ He likes the moniker, but only from me. Remember all that and you’ll be great.” I smile to soften the seriousness of my words.
He’s pale, so I take his hand. “Don’t worry about it, my love. You will be perfect. And if all else fails, at least it can’t go as badly as when he met Devon,” I joke weakly, knowing that it can. It really, really can. He smiles then, reassured.
“What about Devon?” Devon inquires, joining us at the checkout.