Broken Promise (The Denton Family Legacy #1)(17)

“And in return?”

“You go on a date with me. It will be a combined date of knowing what I do, and having dinner with me.”

Gritting her teeth, she saw that he had her interest piqued, which only annoyed her.

“What is it going to be?” he asked.

Several seconds passed until she finally caved. Her parents wouldn’t let her know anything, and she was always left in the dark about what they did. She knew they operated the illegal fights, but that was it.

“Yes, I’ll go on a date with you.”

“Wednesday night,” he said.

“Why then?”

“Because your brother doesn’t start until Thursday, and it’s the night I’ve got free. Now, let’s take you home.” He grabbed her arm, and together they made their way out of the strip club. Before she left, she looked over his arm to find all the strippers out and dancing for the men. When she caught sight of her brother sucking a woman’s breasts, she winced, and turned back to the front.

“Someone ever told you that curiosity killed the cat?” he asked.

“How did you know what I saw?”

“I didn’t. I guessed.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I didn’t take my car tonight. I walked.”

Jacob paused, glaring down at her. “You walked?”

“Yes.”

“What the fuck! Do you know how fucking dangerous this place is at night?”

“I’m not in the mood to be badgered. Are you taking me for food or not?”

Jacob opened the door, and they made their way out into the warm night air.

“From now on, you either come by car, or you call me.”

“Not happening. I’ve agreed to go on one date. That’s all. I’m not going to have my life invaded by yours.”

Jacob caught her arm and pressed her up against his car. At least, she assumed it was his car. “Are you going to be a pain in my ass all the time?”

“Maybe.”

He pressed his body against hers, and she struggled to think of a reason as to why he shouldn’t be touching her. One of his hands gripped her arm, and the other touched her waist. Her heart was pounding.

She didn’t mean to be a pain in the ass, but it was so damn easy to be a bitch. It was easier never to expect anything from anyone, so she was never disappointed. Growing up, she’d been disappointed her whole life, from Christmas to parents, to parties. She had learned at a young age that her parents were not like others. The best way to protect herself was by not letting anyone get close. It sucked, but it worked.

“You were nice to my sister, Lou.”

“It’s Louisa.”

“And I think there’s more to you than you let anyone see. Riley, he was talking about how damn sweet you are, and yet, you’ve been nothing but a bitch to me.” Jacob smiled, gripping her hip a little tighter. “I think I’m looking forward to finding that sweet woman you hide from the world.”

He released her, easing her away from the door, and opening it up. “Let’s go and have some food.”





Chapter Five



Taking a seat in the booth opposite Lou, Jacob couldn’t look away. She was a beautiful woman, no doubt about that. He loved her green eyes, and the way they kept looking at everything but at him. Jacob wondered what she was thinking. She reached out, picking up the menu and opening it up. Her blonde hair looked a mess where it was bound at the back.

“Release your hair,” he said. He wished to see those blonde locks falling all around her.

“What?” She lowered her menu, frowning at him.

“Your hair, release it.”

The pulse at the side of her neck started to pound. They were only subtle changes, and he had to wonder if she even realized that she was attracted to him.

“Are you crazy?”

Jacob sat back, staring at her. “I’ll take you to the casino to meet my father, and you can see where we do business.” She didn’t need to know that he had every intention of showing her everything. He wasn’t going to hide who he was, and he saw that with Lou, he’d have to be open and honest.

“You’d do that? Doesn’t that break some kind of Denton rule?”

He shook his head. “Take your hair down.”

“If I don’t?”

“You don’t get to see it.”

“Ugh! See? You had no intention of showing me shit.”

When she made to move, he pressed his leg against her seat and grabbed her arm, applying a little pressure. He didn’t try to hurt her, just enough to make her stop.

“I’m going to show you a great deal. You’re not part of the family. I’m offering you a deal to go out with me.”

“You’re not making any sense at all.”