Dare To Run (The Sons of Steel Row #1)(77)

I lifted my chin. “Guess you don’t know him as well as you think, then, because it sounds like him to me.”

“It makes me wonder just how much you mean to him.” He tilted his head back, focusing all his unwavering attention on me. I didn’t like how his single look almost made my legs quiver. “And letting such a vital piece of information get out to the general public? He knows better.”

Even though his words sent a shiver down my spine, I refused to show it. Refused to let him get to me. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I mean that you’re obviously important to him,” Scotty said, scanning his gaze over the crowd. “It was clear from the second he saved you, completely disregarding the ramifications of his actions. In doing so, he revealed his biggest, and perhaps only, weakness. You.”

“He was doing the right thing,” I said quickly, forcing a laugh. “That’s it.”

Scotty flexed his jaw. “If you say so, sweetie.”

Rage, hot and red, flashed in front of my eyes. The fact that he could stand here, idly chatting with me while he plotted to kill the man we spoke of, chilled me to the bone. “Don’t call me sweetie. I’m not your sweetie.”

Chris chuckled. “Like I said. Balls, doll. Balls.”

“Scotty,” Lucas said. I’d sensed him before I heard him. He walked up behind me, and the tension rolled off him in waves. Tidal waves. “Is there a problem here?”

“Nah.” Scotty dropped his hand and ducked his head. “No problems here. We were just chatting.”

I dug my nails into my palm. It was either that or scratch Scotty’s face off. “It was lovely meeting you, Scotty.”

“Yeah.” Scotty flushed at the nickname. “Likewise.”

When Scotty didn’t walk away, Lucas tipped his head. “Was there something else you needed, brother?”

He stared at Lucas, long and hard, and then stepped closer, lowering his voice. I barely heard him, so I knew Chris didn’t, though it looked as if he strained to do so. “You shouldn’t be so obvious about your feelings, you know. You taught me better. You never know who might be watching.”

Lucas slung an arm over my shoulders. He looked relaxed and totally unshakeable. As if nothing affected him, least of all Scotty. But I could feel the tension in his biceps. He was far from unmoved. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Tate walked out, a glass of champagne in his hand. Lifting it high, he came over to Lucas’s side. The cop set his drink down and left the room, as if he knew what was coming and wanted plausible deniability. “Everyone, I’d like to raise a glass to celebrate. As with all loyal members of this organization, Lucas has done his time, kept his mouth shut, and now he will be rewarded. You’re looking at the new head of imports and exports.”

A few low murmurs spread over the room. Lucas’s hand stroked my bare shoulder as if he didn’t have a care in the world, but I knew better. That muscle in his jaw was ticking away like a clock. Scotty watched Lucas, but he had a hard glint in his eyes. It legit sent a cold fist of fear squeezing over my heart. Fear for Lucas. Something was very wrong with Scotty, and he was fixated on Lucas.

He smiled and held his hand out, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Congrats, brother.”

“Thanks.” Lucas smiled back at him and shook his hand. “Just goes to show what a little hard work and time can do.”

“Is that what you’re calling it?” Scotty asked.

Tate watched the two of them, his brow furrowed. “Is there a problem here?”

“Nope,” Lucas said.

“Absolutely not,” Scotty said. “I was just leaving, actually.”

He walked away, his strides long and unhurried. He looked as if he had all the time in the world to kill his brother . . . and didn’t mind the delay in the slightest.

It was terrifying.

“Ignore him,” Lucas said to Tate, still not speaking to me even though his grip was unyielding. “He’s been anxious for his shot at the big leagues.”

Tate nodded. “He might be a little upset, but you earned it. He’ll accept that and move on.” He paused and gripped my shoulder. “You okay, Ms. Greene? You look a little pale.”

I bit my tongue. I wanted to tell Tate so badly that Scotty was trying to kill Lucas. Yet if I did that, I’d be betraying Lucas, and there would be no coming back from that. “Y-yes, of course. I’m just so happy for Lucas.”

“Me, too,” Tate said, smoothing his suit jacket. “Now that the announcement’s out, time to get down to business. If you’ll excuse me?”

“Mind if I cut out early?” Lucas asked. He smirked and ran his hand down my bare arm. “We’ve got some celebrating to do, if you know what I mean.”

Tate laughed. “Of course. But I’ll expect you at the office first thing in the morning. We have lots to go over.”

“Of course,” Lucas murmured.

“It was lovely meeting you, Mr. Daniels,” I said quickly, extending my hand. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

He kissed it. “Anytime, my dear.”

The second he walked away, Lucas dropped his hold on me like I was a hot potato. And his casual nothing bothers me act. “What did he say to you?”