I shrug. “I’m not sure how it all works. I guess I was wondering if you thought I was pretty or if there was another reason.”
Suspicion flashes through his eyes, but he otherwise keeps his fake smile on. “You were gorgeous walking around that room in that white dress. You looked like a bride just waiting on her groom. I could see myself standing next to you at the altar. That is why I made the offer.”
I nod. “I remember talking to you that night. You were kind. I appreciated that.”
His eyes soften. “Not all the men there are good men.” He leans in closer to me, whispering, “I’m glad the Russian is gone. I did not like the way the old man looked at you.”
I smile. “You’re not out of competition yet,” I tease.
Georgio’s eyes darken. “Your father would be dumb to choose the Yakuza. They are your enemy. I don’t even know why we are keeping up the pretenses at this point. We all know I will be chosen. I should be able to take you home with me,” he says with disdain.
So he doesn’t see Kai as competition, and he mentioned my father. Two strikes.
“Have you spoken to my father?” I keep my tone light and hopeful, hoping he takes it as me wanting to go with him as well.
He reaches out, brushing a piece of hair from my face. I force myself not to react. “I’m working on it, darling. Don’t you fret your pretty little mind about it. You’ll be coming home with me before long.”
I swallow hard. That doesn’t sound like he hasn’t spoken to my father.
Trust the system.
That’s what I need to remember.
I see movement out of the corner of my eye and see Callum making his way to me.
“Is everything all right?” I ask as he approaches.
“Sorry to cut the date short Georgio but Cleo and I are needed elsewhere, you understand?” Callum smiles.
“Of course,” Georgio grits out, grinding his teeth.
Standing, I offer him a weak smile. “Until next time,” I say before all but running off before he can even stand, putting an end to this horrid date.
I step outside before Callum, tilting my face up toward the sky.
“Really Cleo?” he deadpans.
“Sorry, but dear lord this is all painful.” I sigh.
“That might be but next time follow protocol,” he says, raising a brow as he opens the car door for me.
After I get in, Callum shuts the door and I rest my head against the window. Relaxing for the first time since the date started.
I hear Callum get in and shut his door. He doesn’t move to start the car and I feel him staring at me.
“Yes?” I ask, looking at him out of the corner of my eye.
“How do you feel about ice cream?” he asks randomly, making me sit up.
“Callum, have you ever met an eighteen-year-old girl who doesn’t like ice cream?” I ask, turning toward him, giving him my full attention.
“No,” he says slowly.
“Then the answer is yes. The answer is always yes when it comes to dessert and me.”
Callum looks away as he taps his finger on the steering wheel. “Would you like to make a pit stop on the way home for some then?”
“I know just the place,” I say quickly as I pull my phone out of my bag, making him chuckle.
