Without Limits: Austin (Rugged Riders Book 4) by Ambrielle Kirk Page A

pretty good shape. I went over some of the reports and you’ve done an amazing job of keeping things in order.”
    She blushed. “The last CFO kind of just up and left, so I tried.”
    “Zaira, I’m going to cut to the chase.” He scooted his chair close to hers and touched her forearm where it lay next the menu. His fingers felt like warm velvet against her skin. “We have some personal issues to solve before we talk business.”
    “What personal issue is there to solve?” she asked.
    He quirked one thick, dark eyebrow. “Why do you hate me so much now?”
    She shook her head. “I don’t really hate you.”
    “Then why are you giving me a difficult time?”
    She shrugged. “I was shocked at the news. My Dad interviewed dozens of candidates but he never mentioned you.”
    “That’s because he never interviewed me. We talked over dinner about a month ago and he offered me the position outright. I couldn’t accept it at the time.”
    “You were working as the controller at another company last I heard.”
    Trent nodded. “I resigned to take the role at Svelte. One thing I didn’t expect was your disagreement to me working for your father.”
    “I like looking out for my family.”
    “And that means…?”
    “You know very well what it means. Your reputation is well known.”
    “Your father has no problems with my reputation.”
    “He doesn’t know the half it,” she retorted.
    “We’re R.R. brothers. He knows me much better than you think.” He sat back in his chair, studying her intently. “Are you talking about my past business ventures?”
    “You mean your past as a professional gambler?”
    He chuckled. “You’ve given it a name. I like that. So I made my money as a gambler when I could do nothing else. Why does that scorn you?”
    “My dad can’t question what he doesn’t know about. You still gamble. You’re a womanizer. You’ve destroyed not one, but two marriages. Doesn’t that say something about your ethics and character?”
    Trent’s eyebrows slanted downward and his lips parted. Before he could reply, the waitress approached them.
    “Sir, I see your guest has arrived. Are you two ready to order now?”
    “Water and an espresso shot, please,” Zaira replied.
    “Anything else for you, sir?”
    “No, thanks.” Trent’s tone was dismissive.
    The waitress jotted something down on her pad and left them alone again.
    “You’ve been misinformed, Zaira.”
    “Are you trying to tell me that you’ve never cheated?”
    “I make legit money now.”
    “Do you find joy in dating married women?”
    Trent leaned forward. He was so close that she could smell his aftershave and breath in his husky-scented cologne. “Do you really want an answer to that question?”
    “Just answer the question,” she whispered back.
    “My answers are little more complicated than you think. A yes or no won’t suffice.”
    “Well, it’s a good thing I have a few more hours before quitting time.” She glanced at her wristwatch, and then folded her arms across her chest. “Would you like to spend it talking about personal issues that cannot be resolved or about Svelte’s financial reports which can be resolved?”
    “I multi-task pretty well, but this arrangement would be a little one-sided if we continued this way, don’t you think?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Let’s make deal.” He sat upright in his chair, throwing a challenging glance her way. “I will answer any question you want…any questions at all…”
    Zaira’s chest tightened and her head swirled with curiosity. He must have known that her interest was piqued by his character and impetuous ways. In the past, their level of bonding had never breached the intimate surface—even though she had wanted it to. They hung out with the same crew for the most part. She was the daughter of an R.R. leader. He was an influential R.R. member…
    Despite those ties, they kept their relationship friendly. Of course Trent Stone was hot,