Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 13

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just here for work. Whatever happened was just a coincidence.”

Garrison only gave a crooked smile, then closed the back entrance of the hotel behind him. The sound of the door shutting echoed in the alley.

That’s when I realized I might be in serious trouble. This guy was nuts. He could do anything. Three years ago, he was the reason I almost died. If I didn’t get out now, there was no telling what he’d do. A dark alley with his goons behind him… I’d be lucky to walk away.

I turned around fast, digging my key out and shoving it into the lock, ready to escape.

“Lambert, what’s the hurry? It’s been ages. Can’t we sit down and talk for a bit?” Garrison called out, his tone almost friendly.

I snapped on my helmet and didn’t bother looking at him. “I have nothing to say to you.”

There was nothing for us to talk about. Only old grudges and scars that hadn’t healed.

Garrison started walking toward me, acting like none of it mattered. “Come on. After all these years, you don’t think we have things to talk about? The past, what’s happening now… we’ve got plenty.”

I ignored him and focused on my bike, ready to get the hell out of there.

But then he stepped right in front of my motorcycle, hands shoved in his pockets, blocking my way.

I glared at him. “What do you want?”

He just grinned. “Nothing. Just thought we could catch up.”

“Well, I’m not interested.”

He smirked. “You’re not interested? Funny, you had time for a little run-in with Claire tonight.”

So he’d been there the whole time, watching. He didn’t step in, didn’t say a word, just waited until now to show up. What was he playing at?

Garrison just smiled wider. “You sure about that? She’s about to be my fiancée, you know. Isn’t my future wife’s business also my business?”

He looked proud of himself, almost like he’d already won. He’d taken my family away, and now he wanted to take the only woman I ever loved. I couldn’t stand it anymore.

I didn’t get to choose last time, but this time I wouldn’t just sit back.

I glared at him, my voice shaking with anger. “Stay away from Claire. She deserves so much better than you.”

Garrison looked at his guys, then laughed. “He thinks I don’t deserve her. What do you think, guys? Me or him?”

His men glared at me, like they were just waiting for a reason to jump in.

Garrison’s face changed, his eyes cold. “Even if I’m not good enough, do you really think you are?”