Callum smiles warmly. “Alright. Now that we’re on the same page, I believe there is something going on in your father’s business that isn’t quite right. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t want you to worry about it. My main job is to keep you safe.”
“So what do you need me to do then?”
“I need you to give these dates your full attention. Get to know the men. Don’t be too obvious, but maybe try to find out more about them. Why do they want you? Killian’s hands are tied, but he wants to make the best choice for you and the family. So keep your ears open and learn as much as you can.”
I nod. “That I can do. Can I ask what you think of each of them?”
He sighs. “I’m worried the Yakuza sent Haruaki in to glean information from you or mess with you. Either way, I don’t trust his intentions, even if he impressed Killian. The Italians are the least extreme of the three chosen. I believe they will not harm you physically, but it may not be a happy life. As for the Russians, if it had been one of the members who live here permanently, I wouldn’t be so worried, but they are offering up one of the motherland members. That worries me. Once over there, we may never see you again.”
My heart clenches. “I can’t go to the Russian.”
He gives me a solemn nod. “The Russian is included at the behest of your father. Trust me, he’s not the one Killian nor I want you with.”
“So you would want me with the Italian?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know yet. While I know of reputations, looks can be deceiving. Maybe Haruaki is a saint and treats you like a queen while the Italian beats you. Maybe the Italian has a heart beneath his exterior. There’s never any way to know, but if you look closely, they will show their true colors.”
“Do you think they are putting on a facade on these dates?” I ask, with Kai in mind.
“I think that’s exactly what they are doing. They know you’re not who they need to impress. They are trying to impress Killian. The dates are a formality that aren’t required nor typical.”
“What do you mean?”
“Usually we would choose an offer the same night as the fundraiser. Killian refused, as he felt he received several viable offers. At least that’s what he told them. The men may not be happy about having to compete for you.”
“Why are you telling me all of this?”
“I don’t agree that women should be kept out of business. Yes, you should be safe and if you choose to remain oblivious, then that’s your prerogative, but if you want to know, you should know. I have a feeling you are tired of being kept in the dark and would like some say in your future.”
“I do.”
“That’s what I thought. I’m giving you the information you need to navigate this situation.”
“Thank you.”
We ride around the city for a while longer in silence; me lost in my thoughts. It’s not until we finally come to a stop that I realize it's time for my date.
I was so caught up in everything Callum told me, I didn’t even have a chance to get nervous.
Georgio is standing outside the café, waiting when Callum ushers me from the car.
He doesn’t give us a chance to greet each other as he leads me inside to the same table as before. Callum nods to Georgio. “She stays in sight at all times. If she’s uncomfortable, I’ll come get her.”
Without waiting for a response, Callum takes up a table by the door.
Slowly, I turn toward Georgio.
“Hello, Cliona.” Georgio smiles warmly, taking my hand in his.
My body tenses.
Kai’s words ring through my mind.
Don’t let them touch you.
I pull back before he can kiss the back of my hand, taking my seat quickly.
“Hello, how are you today?” I ask politely.
