Secret Designs(35)

"Enough, guys. I don't want to talk about this," Dylan said quietly.

"I understand what you're going through, Dylan," Adam said sympathetically. "You guys get me in this space often enough."

Dylan grimaced. "Sorry, dude. Now I get it."

"What do you plan to do now?" Trey asked.

Dylan was silent for a moment, considering his answer. "Well, so what if she's interested in my money? It's not like I don't have any."

Trey's eyes bulged out. "Are you kidding me?"

"As long as she also wants me. The way I see it, my wealth and success are part of who I am. Shouldn't she embrace that, too?"

"What if she only wants you for your money? If you don't have it, or if you refuse to use some on her, would she leave you for another guy?"

"Well, we'd never find out, would we? Because I can't change the fact that I've earned shitloads in the last few years, and I kind of like the idea of looking after her. Who knows? I could get sick of her before she gets sick of me."

"I'm with you on this, Dylan," Adam said. "I'm still with Sandy because she's an absolute stunner, she's great in bed, and I really like her. I know a huge part of what attracted her to me was my income and the lifestyle that gives her. But, you know what? She treats me well because she doesn't want me to dump her. And we do enjoy each other's company. We have great fun together. She loves to shop, but I can damn well afford to pay for her expensive tastes. As long as she doesn't cheat on me with another guy, as long as she's not scamming to steal from me, then I don't have a problem. And let's be honest here. Who doesn't want to be rich?"

"I don't believe this," Trey said, shaking his head. "You guys have rocks for brains. Have you forgotten why we want to put girls through the ISAG in the first place? Dylan, you almost lost our money because you were crazy for this chick who wanted to steal from you. Adam, you've had two girlfriends who couldn't stop flirting with the next rich guy and we had to mother you while you were crying your eyes out from being dumped. At least I've learned my lesson. When I got jilted at the altar by that gold-digging bitch, I knew what I wanted when it comes to women. Have sex with them? Yes. But take care of them only to be cast aside in the end? No."

"Ari likes me, money or no money," Dylan said.

"How do you know that?" Trey challenged.

"What's not to like?" he grinned.

"Sure. Rich, good-looking guy that you are," Trey said sarcastically. "My sister said to me the other day that I'll never find someone who'd want a serious relationship with me because I can't be trusted to keep my dick in my pants around beautiful women. Does Ari know about your playboy past?"

"Hey, I wasn't a playboy. I just didn't want a relationship," Dylan said heatedly.

Trey smirked. "Think about this: if you didn't have this apartment or your car or your money, would Ari be so quick to be with you, knowing you're someone who was only interested in one-night stands for the last five years?"

Dylan glared at Trey. Now he was more confused than ever.





CHAPTER FOURTEEN





"Did your friends leave early because I'm here?" Ari asked Dylan after he saw Trey and Adam off.

"Nah, don't worry about them," Dylan responded, giving her a small smile. "Do you want to watch a movie? I have a few Blu-rays here," he asked, walking over to his entertainment unit.

Her brows furrowed. Something was off with Dylan. "Is everything okay?" she asked as she put an arm around his waist.

"Sure," he said, kissing her forehead.

She watched as he continued to rummage through his vast collection of Blu-ray movies.

"You want to choose?" he asked, seemingly distracted.

"You can choose," she said, not really interested in a movie, but looking forward to cuddling on the couch with him. Maybe they could have sex on the sofa. It looked comfortable.

"This one?" He pulled out a title of an action movie.

"Sure. I haven't seen that one yet. Do you want me to pour us some drinks or make coffee?" she asked.

"I wouldn't mind finishing that bottle of wine that we opened for dinner."

"Okay."

She went to the kitchen to get the bottle and two wine glasses. When she came back, Dylan was sitting on the couch and staring at the TV screen, although he didn't seem to be paying attention to what was showing. Something was definitely wrong.

She sat down next to him and poured the wine.

"What's wrong, Dyl?" she asked as she handed him his glass. He took a sip from it before placing it down on the side table next to him.

He looked at her and shook his head, smiling. "I just had a disagreement with Trey. It happens."