"Take it," Raymond Cole said, tapping the leather folder resting on the cold stone balustrade. "I'm selling it to you."
Alex didn't immediately reach for it.
For the first time all evening, a subtle flicker of surprise crossed his face. He hadn't expected the old man to give in this easily. After everything he knew about Cole... his hidden strength, his five years of calculated patience, and how fiercely he had guarded this property... handing over the deed so casually made no sense at all.
'What kind of game is this old man playing?'
Alex wondered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied the battered face in front of him.
Seeing that rare crack in Alex's composure, Cole let out a low breath through his nose. The bruised corners of his mouth twitched, slowly curling into a mysterious, knowing smile. For once tonight, he was the one holding the initiative.
