6 Chapter 6

Aden would be ready for her when she came again. Because Darren was his now. Not hers. His.

He took his seat next to Domingo and smiled across the table at Oakes. “My apologies. I hope you don’t mind, but my colleague will be joining us momentarily.”

At his side, Domingo stiffened, though to his credit, he didn’t speak. Oakes frowned, the heavy lines in his forehead furrowing into thick folds. He was not a small man, but his corpulent fa?ade hid one of the shrewdest minds Aden had ever encountered. More than one of Oakes’ opponents had mistaken the soft exterior and slow drawl for ineptitude and suffered the unfortunate consequences. Aden would never make that grievous error.

“I didn’t realize this was a party, Aden.”

“It’s not. I think you’ll be impressed by Darren’s unique insight.”

Domingo snorted. Aden made a mental note to have a word with him when they returned to the store.