Page 40 of Betrothed in Fury
Besides, if the date goes sideways, I’ll have Hayes drive me to a club and find a girl to fuck around with. Of course, that would mean calling it quits on our agreement…or bluffing, see if Killian makes good on his threats, what he swore he would do to anyone I fucked around with. And unfortunately, that’s something I wouldn’t be able to bear.
Once I’m ready, Hayes and Lowes escort me to Mortimer’s, a fancy Midtown restaurant known for catering to guys like meand Killian. At least if he’s forcing me to go on a date with him, it’s a nice place where I can have some steak and garlic mashed potatoes.
Jaime and Krychek are at the door, and Lowes joins them, the three of them checking the place out before Krychek returns to fetch me.
“Not gonna put a knife to my throat tonight?” I ask.
“Only if that’s what you want,” he says through his teeth, as if he knows he shouldn’t speak to me like that, but can’t help himself. Must admit, he amuses me.
Krychek leads me into the restaurant, which boasts a lot of gold and black, an art deco aesthetic with geometric patterns along the tiled floor, like a path leading me to my destiny. The place is busy, everyone dressed in suits and gowns. Pretty typical for a Friday night. Krychek guides me to the back corner booth, where Killian slips out and stands, like a gentleman might for a lady.
“I know you think the wifey thing is funny,” I say, “but this is getting out of hand.”
As Krychek joins my guys and Jaime a few yards away to give us space, Killian waves for me to take a seat, and I roll my eyes before settling into the booth. He reclaims his seat as I grab my menu, pretending to look through it, though I’ve been to this place enough to know my order. “If you really want to be a gentleman, I guess you should know it isn’t polite to coerce a woman to go on a date with you.”
“You realize you’re the woman in this scenario, right?”
I glare at him. “You’re missing the point.”
“That’s not true. I’mignoringit.” That sly smile plays across his lips. “How has your week been?”
“Since you attacked me in the shower?”
“Sinceyouattackedmein your bathroom,” he emphasizes again. His smile doesn’t shift, nor does he let up his eye contact.He’s so full of shit, but something about his expression makes me think he actually believes he was the one who was attacked, and it won’t do any good to contradict him.
“It’s been fine. Business as usual. Wrath is doing much better. The bruises are healing up.”
“He’s so sexy, I’m sure he can still get anyone he wants even with a few bruises.”
Like a bolt of lightning in my chest, rage sweeps through me, and I lean toward him. “You touch my brother ever, and you’re a dead man.”
My words are a weapon, usually inciting fear in those I threaten, and though I see a flash of worry, it’s quickly replaced with that trademark sadist look and a grin. He reaches across the table, resting his hand atop mine. “Don’t worry, Log. There’s only one Wilde I have my sights set on.”
I realize I’m digging my fingernails into the table, as if trying to keep from lunging across it and attacking him, but I also notice that his assurance sets me at ease.
“I like when you get jealous,” he says, gripping my hand gently.
Another pulse of adrenaline kicks through me, though not nearly as strong as before, and though I don’t want anything to do with this fuck, it makes me question my reaction—was I jealous? No, that’s absurd. I hate this guy. This is all part of this hypnotic spell he has over me. Even the way he’s touching me now.
I yank my hand away, which makes him chuckle, like he knows my resistance is futile. I guess because it is.
“What are you planning to order?” he asks.
“Steak and potatoes.”
“And a salad, I figure.”
“I don’t do salads.”
“They’re good for you.”
“I don’t really care.”
Jesus, we can’t even talk about what we’re eating without it turning into a fight.
I consider asking him what he’s going to order, but I don’t give a flying fuck.
The waiter materializes beside our booth. He pours water into the glasses on the table, then says, “Our best cabernet tonight, as usual, Mr. Lorde?”
