Page 83 of Her Selfless Warrior (Omega Sky)
“Because it’s going to look more natural if Amy has a man with her.”
“She’s not going to be happy,” Lark grumbled as they exited the garage and headed to the casino entrance.
“Yes, she will. Ryker always makes a good impression with the ladies.”
Lark glared up at him. When they got into the actual casino, she looked up at the overhead signs. “That way,” she pointed. Kostya figured he was going to have to order her a drink, STAT.
“I see you.” She squinted her eyes as she gave him a sideways look.
“What?”
“You’re planning on getting me liquored up.”
How did she do that?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said innocently. He let go of her hand and put his hand around her waist. He scowled at the two men at the blackjack table who had turned to ogle her. He saw the sign to the Blossom Nightclub up ahead. As soon as they entered he saw Ryker at a table in the middle of the room. There were three women at the table with him.
Figures.
He gave him a chin tilt as he and Lark walked to an empty table cluttered with glasses in the far corner. As soon as they sat down, Lark checked her cell phone.
“Amy said she should be here in twenty minutes. I should have just told her not to come,” she muttered.
She’d been saying things along that line since they woke up this afternoon.
“You told me that she was looking forward to a night out,” Kostya reminded her. “This way it’s safer.”
“I don’t know what in the hell you’re talking about. I told you—” Lark stopped talking when the waitress came over and started cleaning off the table. “Hi,” she smiled brightly. “What’s your name?”
The woman looked pointedly at her nametag, then answered, “Andrea. What can I get you two to drink?”
“I’d like a Jameson straight up.”
“Reserve?” she asked.
Lark shook her head.
“And you?” Andrea asked Kostya with more of a smile.
“Same.”
“I’ll be right back.” She carried her loaded tray and headed to the bar. Kostya saw Ryker heading toward them. He was relieved to see he wasn’t bringing any of his fan club with him.
“Well, hello.” Ryker gave a sunny smile to Lark. “I didn’t know my lieutenant knew such a stunning woman.”
Lark rolled her eyes and sighed. “You must be a baby SEAL. Always with the charm and testosterone, but please don’t tell me you’re short on the ability to converse.”
Ryker’s lips twitched.
“Sweetheart, if you’re measuring stick is Kostya’s conversational abilities, then I’m going to be just fine.” He slipped into the chair across from her.
Kostya waited to see how Lark would respond. She didn’t keep him waiting long.
“Ahhh, all the misplaced confidence of a newbie.”
“I’ll pretend you didn’t say misplaced, and take the rest as a compliment. As for you calling me a newbie, I guess my skincare regime must be working.” He winked at her. “My name is Ryker McQueen by the way.” He reached over the table to shake her hand.
Lark gave a resigned laugh and shook it. “Lark Sorensen.”
