Edward Cruz was an intimidating man to most men. Unfortunately for him, Knox Marsden wasn't most men. The two stared at one another across the fancy table setting at Giada's, an Italian restaurant Knox favored. The controlled din of the busy dining area made it a preferable place to have lunch meetings.
"I don't like Italian," Edward conplained, his eyes on the ravioli in front of him.
"We can go somewhere else," Knox said evenly, wondering why Nessa's father wanted to meet with him. Knox could feel his phone buzzing. Most likely it was from Nessa. She had been adamant about not wanting the two men to meet. Knox ignored his phone.
"You're dating my daughter." Edward speared a ravioli with his fork.
Knox nodded. "Is that why you wanted to meet with me?"
The older man's eyes crinkled as he inspected the younger man. "Perhaps."
Knox thought of all the business meeting he had endured up to this moment. Surely, he could deal with his sort-of fake girlfriend's father.
"I don't know if Nessa has mentioned this, but she's engaged," Edward said.
"Engaged?"
"That's right. I believe you know Tate Montgomery."
"I do."
"They've been in love since they were kids. Never saw anything as sweet as those two. Naturally, his father and I have decided that--"
"Excuse me, but I don't think this is something you necessarily have a choice in," Knox interrupted, smiling before he chewed a forkful of lasgana.
Edward's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"
"Nessa has told me several times she is no longer interested in her ex-boyfriend."
"You know women. They say one thing one moment and change their mind the next. Nessa is no different."
"Now that surprises me." Knox grinned. "Nessa is the most unusual woman I've ever met. She seems to have a mind of her own. Yes, she's very unique."
Edward frowned. "How so?"
Knox leaned over and whispered, "You know...the whole 'I hear dead people' thing? It kind of makes her unforgettable, don't you think?"
Knox could see Edward's hand tightening around his fork. Edward leaned back. "Are you saying my daughter is strange?"
"No, but I am saying she's unusual. I've never met a medium before."
"She's not--"
"The first time I met her, she sent me a message from my ex-girlfriend. She was spot on. I have to admit I was impressed."
"Don't be. Nessa can be a little unusual. She's always loved attention but she doesn't know how to get it in the right way."
"She certainly has my attention," Knox admitted.
Edward slammed his hand against the table. "She's not the one for you."
Knox wondered how far Edward Cruz would go to keep him from dating Nessa.
"Why not? We're pretty compatible and we're both attracted to one another."
"She's already spoken for and you don't want to date her because she's not the kind of girl you'll be able to date."
"And why is that?" Knox asked.
"Because she'll drive you crazy with her neediness and her stories about her ghosts. You may think it's cute now but she's easily distracted and just as easily becomes obsessed with things. All her life she was obsessed with Tate and when they broke up she had a break down. Don't you understand what that means?" Edward spat.
"No." Knox shook his head. "And I can't understand why you're telling me all this. You're speaking poorly of your daughter."
Edward frowned. "Nessa has always been a special child in my heart. She's the only child I have. I love her but I understand she has flaws."
"Sir--"
"I'm telling you all this because she belongs with Tate. I didn't want to mention this but he was ill. It's the only reason he broke up with her. Nessa has always wanted children but Tate couldn't give her children anymore. She's a girl who doesn't know what she wants. She actually thinks she can take care of herself."
"Nessa isn't a girl. You said so earlier. She's a woman. Despite what you think, she can take care of herself."
"You call living in a crap-apartment and working dead-end jobs taking care of herself?"
"At least she's trying to support herself instead of living off of your money. She's an independent person and that's something to be proud of."
Edward made a mocking sound and a cloud of dark fury seemed to form around them. Knox's hands tighten into fists and he pushed his chair back. "I'm sorry, sir. This has been a mistake. I don't think Nessa would appreciate you and I meeting behind her back."
"I've looked into your family and if it weren't for my relationship with Tate's father, you would be acceptable. The fact is, I know your type. You're playing games with her for reasons of your own. I've heard about the police coming to your office." Edward gave Knox a knowing look.
"I have nothing to do with what the police are investigating."
Nessa's father leaned back in his chair, his ravioli forgotten. "Surely, you know I don't believe that. Besides, if it wasn't, I could make it so. I'm a very powerful man. It would be in your best interest not to cross me, young man."
Their eyes met and held for a few moments before Knox grinned and took a step closer to Edward. "Mr. Cruz, you didn't do enough looking into me."
"Excuse me?" Edward's brows came together in surprise.
"If you had," Knox continued, his voice lowering. "You would know that I'm also a very powerful man. Your ridiculous threats might work on other men, but not me. I don't scare easily. As for Nessa, you're right. What we have isn't serious. At least, it hasn't been. She's too unpredictable. Too wild and carefree. I honestly didn't think I was good enough for her. I planned to force myself to forget her as soon as everything blew over, but after this wonderful conversation, I'm changing my mind."
"What do you mean?"
"I think I'm going to have to hang onto Nessa."
"But you just said you weren't good enough for her!"
"Whether that's true or false, I'll have to overlook it. At least I can accept her for who she is. I have to hang onto her to protect her from the likes of you. You think it's a game to set her up with Tate Montgomery when you probably already know how much he's hurt her. She's told me how alone she feels and now I understand. You've never accepted her for who she is and you don't respect her choices. If you did, you wouldn't be here."
"Now see here, Nessa is my daughter!"
Knox ignored the stares of the other customers. "And she's my girlfriend. You clearly think it takes money to take care of her. Don't worry, Mr. Cruz. I have plenty of money. More than you if I had to take a guess."
Edward made a choking sound.
Knox's phone rang. He answered the phone. "Hello? Nessa? Yes, I'm here with your father. He just asked me to break up with you. Right. I'll see you in fifteen minutes."
After disconnecting the call, Knox turned to Edward. "I better go. She can be really impatient when she misses me."
He didn't wait for Edward to respond. Instead, he left the older man alone in the restaurant. Knox missed seeing Edward pull out his cell phone to make a call.
Edward looked around before lowering his voice into his cell phone, "It's me. He refused. You know what to do next."