Page 88 of Knot Without My Permission
The food is amazing, but it’s hard to beat the happiness radiating from Marie as she eats. I’m so fucking glad her stomach is no longer trying to eject her food.
Lunch passes by easily, and it’s nice to spend time with her.
“Are you up for going with us to the gun range once a week?” I ask her. “I promise no one is going to be grading your work.”
Marie smirks as she chews her bite of food and nods her agreement.
“I think that’s probably for the best. Every gun works a little differently, and I want to get used to them until I find something I really like,” she says.
No one can say that Marie doesn’t have a good head on her shoulders.
“Would you like dessert?” the waiter asks with a smile once we’re done eating.
“I couldn’t eat another bite,” Marie admits.
“This doesn’t mean you can’t take it with you,” he teases.
“What is your best dessert?” I ask, knowing he’s right. She can always have it later.
“Tiramisu,” he says immediately.
“I’ll take two,” I decide. “I’m sure the guys will be willing to help eat it.”
“I’ll make sure they’re extra large pieces,” the waiter winks, clearing our table before rushing off.
“Do you think Cerenity saw Lore?” Marie asks quietly.
Glancing over at him, I shake my head.
“She’s never met Lore, and his hair is making the man look unkept,” I chuckle. “It’s going to start to bug him soon.”
“I kind of like it,” she says, blushing.
Breathing in her scent, I shrug. “Then that’s all that matters.”
The three of us leave together once the dessert arrives boxed up and we pay the bill. I actually just pay for Lore, and the waiter doesn’t blink at it. Lore rolls his eyes at me because he’s carrying cash, but I very much enjoy fucking with him.
“Do you want to walk?” I ask them. “It’s not far from here.”
“Excuse me,” a woman says, stepping outside. She’s wearing a pantsuit and she’s really fucking tall. “You’re not from here, are you?”
“We’re new transplants,” I say easily.
“Antonia,” she says, offering her hand for me to shake. “Are you going to take the lady for a walk?”
“We are,” I grin. “I have a meeting with Cian. Do you mind if we leave our bikes in your lot?”
“Not at all. My sons will make sure no one touches them. I’ll take your boxes to store them until you’re back,” she says, snatching up the desserts. “They’re better cold.”
“Thank you,” Marie says, her hands deep in the pockets of her jackets.
“My pleasure. Enjoy,” she says before disappearing back inside.
None of us say anything until we’re far away. A family like that definitely has video surveillance of their property.
“I like Antonia, even though she’s scary,” Marie finally says.
“She definitely is that,” I murmur, kissing her forehead as I open the door to the gentlemen’s club.
