Page 24 of Bratva Beast

“You’ll love his new dishes. He’s expanded the menu but kept all the old favorites. Should there be something you want that is not on the menu, just let me know.” He nods like it’s a state secret.

My eyes scan the restaurant. Being Papa’s ward, I recognize people associated with the bratva from my childhood and living with Papa.

Cynric’s arm around my waist stiffens. I turn to catch his glare. A man is staring, and he lifts his glass to Cynric with a scowl. Shit, I wonder who that is? The host leads us to a secluded booth, and we sit.

“I’ll send over my best server. Please let me know if anything is less than perfect.” He steps away.

Cynric opens his mouth as a young woman sets a short glass with an amber liquid and a large ice cube in the center. “Your drink, Sir.”

My head flicks to the woman. Her focus is centered on Cynric. She knows him or she wants to.

“You haven’t called.”

He stiffens his jaw. “No.” She’s not wearing the server’s outfit, just a blouse and slacks. “You don’t work here.”

She shrugs. “I was a server when we met.”

Cynric’s jaw tightens. Annoyance covers his good looks, as he avoids her hand reaching for his arm. My head feels like a ping-pong ball, bouncing back and forth between them.

She glares at me and then looks back at Cynric. “It’s been weeks.” Her eyes bore into the side of my head.

Cynric shakes his head. “Months. It was sex, Dani. Just scratching an itch.” He leans back in his seat. She doesn’t know him that well because she pushes. It’s clear he’s done.

“You don’t have to take her home. I’m just here with a friend. I can go with you.”

“It would be rude not to take her home. She lives with me. You should go away, Dani. I didn’t promise you anything, and I have no need for you.”

The color drains from her face as she nods, turning to go back to the bar.

Cynric blows out a huge breath as I tap his hand. “Whatever you think is going to come out of my mouth, you’re wrong. I don’t care about what you did before. So long as you’re not banging anyone else. We’re cool.”

A slow smile creeps up. “You’re a fuck ton more mature than I expected. I appreciate it.”

I pick up my menu and scan the expensive list of entrees. He pushes my menu down with his finger. “Let me order for you.”

It’s a statement, not a request, but it feels right. I don’t need to make a decision about dinner. I’d rather just let him do it. I close the menu and smile. “Go for it.”

The server arrives with bread and escargot. I’ve never been a fan of snails, and my stomach lurches at the prospect. Cynric notices my revulsion and flicks his head to the server. “We’ll stick with bread.” The server removes the appetizer as Cynric takes my hand in his. “You okay?”

“My stomach didn’t like the smell. The one time I had them didn’t go well.”

“I can see that. They’re an acquired taste.”

The server returns and Cynric orders. There’s a little thought that peeks up in the back of my mind. I’m not clear what I’m worrying about, but I’m sure it isn’t good. We’re halfway through dinner when my mind sends the little item to the front of my brain. I gasp, setting down my fork. “Oh.”

Cynric catches the apprehension on my face. “What’s wrong?”

“I. Uh. I need to stop by the store on the way back to the penthouse.” I’m careful not to call it home.

He chews his next bite of steak and nods. “You’re still not feeling well?”

“It’s going to be okay.” Please let me be wrong. Please let me be wrong.

Forty minutes later, Cynric’s driver pulls into traffic. I lean into Cynric. “Can we stop at the twenty-four-hour pharmacy?”

He studies me. Time slips by before he begins to nod slowly. “Sure.” He leans forward in his seat. “Bogdan, stop at the pharmacy.”

Five minutes later, we pull into the parking lot. I open the door and Cynric growls. “Wait.” Cynric moves around to my door and opens it. “I’m coming with you.”

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