Page 8 of Ruled By Wizard

Sliding the tray of knots into the oven, she turned back to Arden and finally noticed the kitchen staff listening intently while pretending to work.

Walking back to the prep table, she began cleaning it before preparing another batch of knots.

“Arden,” she said, lowering her voice as she wiped the table, “I saw what the club members were doing when I went inside the clubhouse. Those men use women for sex.”

Arden moved closer and lowered her voice also. “The women use the men for sex, too. It’s a two-way street.”

Natalia gave a sarcastic snort. “From what I saw, it was more a highway.”

Arden nodded in embarrassment. “I can’t disagree with that assessment.”

“There was no need for you to lie about Rocco. I can handle myself where Wizard is concerned.” Natalia sniffed haughtily then sniffed again. The smell of burning bread reached her.

Rushing to the oven, she cursed when she saw the blackened mounds. “Putain!” She slammed the tray onto the prep table and began throwing the burned knots away.

Arden stared at her sympathetically. “They would’ve been too garlicky, anyway.”

Natalia glared at her. “They would not.”

“You used an entire container of garlic on them. Would you like me to prepare some more?”

“No, I will.” She sighed. “You’re right. They wouldn’t have met my standards.”

“Not everything does, Natalia.”

“What does that mean?”

“You set very high standards for everything. Food … men …”

Natalia rolled her eyes. “That isn’t true. I don’t expect the men I date to live up to my standards.”

“You do, and if they don’t meet the standards you set for them, you cut them loose.”

“What standards do I have other than expecting them to hold down a job and not cheat?”

“They’re not allowed to raise their voices at you.” Arden raised one finger. “They’re not allowed to come to the restaurant while you’re working.” She raised another. “Your dates have to revolve around your work schedule.” A third finger went up. “They’re not allowed to discuss anything about the restaurant—”

“You’re being a pain in my ass.” Natalia stopped her before she could raise another finger.

Arden laughed. “The truth hurts, doesn’t it?”

“It doesn’t hurt. You’re distracting me from my work.” Natalia shrugged and reached for the garlic.

Arden raised her hands in surrender. “I’d better get to work before I lose my job.”

Stricken, Natalia looked up from peeling the garlic. “You know I would never fire you.”

“I know.” Arden’s warm smile showed she hadn’t taken her seriously. “I just didn’t want you to ruin another batch of knots.”

Natalia glanced up again and saw that Arden still hadn’t moved away from the prep table. “Is there something else you want to say?”

“Uh … purely as a matter of interest, did you tell Wizard that Rocco is your brother?”

“Of course. I don’t need to pretend Rocco is my boyfriend to protect myself from that idiot.”

“Doom told me how Wizard got his nickname.”

“I don’t care.” Natalia shrugged.