Digits

Reign sat in the cafe’s outdoor seating, enjoying the salty breeze from the ocean. His mind was preoccupied with the news from Kane. Would Kane or Leo ever kill someone? Would I?

Sure he’d beaten plenty of guys close to it, but never finished the job so to speak. The Truman Group was renowned for its ruthlessness. Just how did Kane get involved with them in the first place? And now out of the blue, he was supposed to just get along with their members?!

A cute figure in a beige dress walked up the wooden steps. The movement dragging him out of his thoughts. Reign caught June’s gaze, watching her lift her head. A glossy pair of lips smiled at him. Dumbfounded, he waved his hand, without saying a thing.

“Did I keep you waiting long?”

“Uh, not at all, I just got here.” His sorry arse had been early.

“Oh good.” she nervously looked around.

“Shall we go inside and order?”

The two sat at a table waiting.

"Thanks for helping me clean up those macarons the other day."

"Don't worry about it. Did you get in trouble?"

"Well luckily we had enough without them so it was okay, but I was scolded for being careless." June cringed at the memory.

"I didn't even ask if you were alright. You mentioned you had an accident too." She recalled his alcohol-soaked uniform.

"I'm fine. Just an unruly and tipsy guest."

The waiter brought out their drinks.

“A caramel frappé and unsweetened ice tea.” The lady left them on the table. Reign swapped the drinks.

“I swear this happens every time.” he sighed. Reign’s face was tinged red.

“I know the feeling, every time I order black coffee, a beer, or whisky.” June laughed.

“But I don’t let others stop me from enjoying it and neither should you,” she added. “Here’s your phone by the way.” June pulled out his phone from her bag. “I didn’t think we’d both have black cases.”

“I shouldn’t have been careless enough to leave it in the first place.” I should have checked before I even left the premises.

“I made sure to put a sticker on mine so it doesn’t happen again.” She smiled, showing him a delicate white rose on the back of her case. Her shiny pink nails contrasted against the black and white.

Heaving a sigh of relief, he held the phone, turning it over in his hand. Thank god I have a lock on this thing. Reign put his phone away. I'm not losing it a second time, he resolved. With that said, his forgetfulness did manage to help him to meet her. And I’m not going to let the chance to get to know her better slip away.

“You said you came to town for work? Is it for more catering?” he asked his attention now fully on her.

“I’m not really in the catering business, the party was a favor for a family friend. My father owns a pastry shop, and I’m studying under him. We were looking to open either a bakery or pastry shop here. I came to town looking at the competition and potential buildings.”

“Find any you like?”

“I wasn’t sure a smaller place would be a good fit, but I think I’m coming around to the idea.” she said batting her lashes.

“You have plenty of tourists who come to see the ocean. I think the locals would like another place to get something sweet too.”

“You think?”

“I know.” Reign gave a cheeky chin.

“I think you make a good case.”

“I’d like to have a solid argument and persuade you some more. How about a tour down the coast sometime?”

"Are you offering to be my personal tour guide?" She smiled.

"But of course. I can show you the sights. A few hidden spots for a great view of the ocean too."

"Hm, I'll have to take you up on that offer another time. I actually have to go back soon." She took a sip of her tea, placing a strand of hair behind her ear. She looked a little somber.

Is she disappointed or did she not like that idea? Reign tried to read her expression.

"Anytime you're in town, my offer stands." He got up and paid the bill as thanks for bringing the phone. With a goodbye, she was gone as quickly as she had come. I wonder what she thought of me?

Reign sat down in his vehicle. Using the straw he moved the ice around in his cup. Black numbers caught his eye. He quickly turned the cup over. A string of digits with a heart made him grin from ear to ear.

Pressing a button on his phone it sprung to life. He entered his password. Creating a new contact, he saved June's number. Score. I can call her back, and ask about a date. Now let's get to work and see what Kane wants.

Opening the message, his eyes skimmed through the documents.

Looks like Mr. Merrill has been busy. Loans to pay back loans. Doesn't usually work when you borrow from two sharks. A few lovers, those are some big names. It shouldn't be too difficult for him to get something from his celebrity women. So why hasn't he? He read a note on the page. Check back, pending. Looks like Boris couldn't be bothered to dig up any more info and that’s just the last few years. I think this should be enough to pressure him for now.

He looked through the information relating to any family he could use. His focused expression cracked. One line stood out on the page from the rest of the text. He read the name once, then twice. You've got to be kidding.

Daughter, June Merrill.