Page 18 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Mafia Princess

“I read that one. That’s why I’m here.”

“That isn’t better.”

“No. It isn’t.”

Talia turned to him. “You sent me to a man who had no idea I existed. I could’ve arrived alone. He could’ve been dangerous. He could’ve left days ago.”

Cade’s jaw tightened. “You’re right.”

“My driver left because your acceptance told my family this arrangement was legitimate.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You should be.”

“I am.”

She waited until he shifted his weight.

I closed the folder. “You’ll forward every message once you reach service. You’ll also give me access to the account.”

“I will.”

“You aren’t coming back up here until I tell you to.”

His eyes met mine. “I understand.”

Cade climbed into his truck and backed down the road without another word.

Dust hung in the sunlight after he disappeared.

Talia stood beside me in my shirt, stilettos, and enough jewelry to pay for my truck twice over.

“I owe you an apology,” she said.

“You don’t owe me anything.”

“I accused you of lying.”

“You had evidence with my name on it.”

“I still accused you.”

“You were wrong.”

Her eyebrows rose. “You could make this easier.”

“I could.”

“You’re choosing not to.”

“I’m accepting your apology.”

“That didn’t sound like acceptance.”

“I believe you.”

She let out a breath that almost became a laugh. “Fine. I’m sorry I thought you’d arranged this and then pretended you hadn’t.”