The Boss Vol. 6: a Hot Billionaire Romance by Cari Quinn, Taryn Elliott

all.

Eight

Blake
    “ T esora mia , I have to say, meeting you tonight has been a real pleasure.” Dante Costas bent at the waist to kiss Grace’s hand, and she blinked up at him as if judging his authenticity as an actual human.
    Though I was not a member of the fairer sex, I could acknowledge the man cut an imposing figure in his all black suit, save a spring green tie. Gone was the awkward, narrowed-eyed, skinny boy I’d once known. In his place was a tall, muscular man with a keen gaze that could rake a person to the bone in ten seconds flat. I knew, because he’d done that to me before even saying hello.
    I appreciated his sharp wits and his inability to trust. Right now, I also trusted no one. Luckily he remembered our fathers close relationship and had enough appreciation for the past and family ties to show me the courtesy of a meeting.
    Of course it had been a challenge actually having it with Grace present. I was already fairly certain it wouldn’t happen tonight, but the endeavor wasn’t wasted. Grace had seemed to enjoy every moment of the meal, from the crisp, dry white wine to the leafy green salad to the lasagna we’d both had to try. Then there was the strong black espresso and thick slice of tiramisu she was currently avidly scooping up, now that Dante had finally released her from his thrall. I’d almost reminded her of the cupcakes, but had decided we could take them to go.
    I was spoiling her and myself. I figured I was probably overdue, as I’d never had anyone to spoil before. Not even a pet.
    Speaking of…
    “Jinx, come here, baby.” Dante turned his attention the slinky black cat who wound around his ankles and waited for him to pick her up. He did without compunction, apparently unconcerned with the cat hair he would soon be wearing all over his fine designer suit.
    The cat eyed me balefully, her green eyes matching Dante’s tie and the tiny bell that hung from a collar around her neck. When I extended a hand, she hissed and jumped down. She streaked away before I could so much as draw back my hand.
    Okay then.
    “She’s persnickety.” But Dante smiled, as if he liked that his cat hated most people. “Now then, your meal has been to your satisfaction? I’m sorry I wasn’t able to make it down here before now. The bar level takes most of my attention at this busy time of year.”
    “It’s delicious.” Grace licked her fork. “I wish you were in Boston. This is a bit far to go for takeout.”
    “Anytime you wish it, we will make it happen. Anything for you, Grace.”
    Her lashes fluttered and I simultaneously resisted a growl and rolling my eyes.
    Couldn’t she see through his act? Or did swarthy good looks trump all?
    Who was I kidding? Of course they did.
    “As to our mutual acquaintances,” Dante said smoothly, “I’m afraid I probably don’t have the information you’re looking for. In the months before my father’s…unfortunate passing, we weren’t as close as we once were.”
    I didn’t look at Grace, but I was quite aware of her setting down her fork. Information meant one thing to her, and that was something to do with her grandmother’s case.
    So much for our fun, lighthearted date.
    Even so, I couldn’t say I was that disappointed Dante had revealed my hand. I didn’t want to lie to her more than I had to. Yes, I wanted to shield her, but I also didn’t want to cause her irreparable damage with my unnecessary coddling. As well as cause us damage. What I was hiding couldn’t harm us any more than the fact I was hiding it at all.
    “Unfortunate passing?” I repeated, picking up my napkin from my lap and setting it beside my empty plate. “You murdered him in cold blood.”
    Grace didn’t make a peep. Nor did she glance at Dante. Her attention was riveted on me.
    “Come now, Blake, that’s hardly nice dinner conversation.” Dante gave us a wide smile and sat in the seat beside Grace and opposite me. “Your man, he plays hardball, I see.”
    Grace