Page 2 of His Dark Vices

I relax in my seat and start ripping up bite-sized pieces of the toast with my fingers. My editor will be happy to know I'll be done soon with the scoop on Charlie, but what's my next focus? I take my laptop from its bag and boot it up, pushing bites into my mouth at the same time.

"Companion," I say thickly, talking to the virtual assistant on my wrist. Well, it's more than that. Companion does everything.

"Mark my interview complete."

It vibrates, and its narrow screen flashes green. I polish off at least half of the toast, then take a few more gulps of soda, focused on my upcoming work schedule. I feel a huge burp coming, so I turn my head away from the window and let it out.

Urrrp!

"Excuse you."

"Oh!!" I yelp, jolting in my seat.

I've just discharged a burp right into some guy's crotch. He's staring down at me, his green eyes steadily fixed on mine. It takes me a long moment to realize he's not a waiter.

"You're sitting in my seat, drinking my soda and eating my food," he continues, gesturing at the table without looking away from me.

"What?" I blurt out. "The staff ordered this for me," I explain without conviction. "They knew I'd be coming in, so they… got my regular booth ready with my usual order…"

He narrows his eyes, looking at me like he thinks I'm as stupid as I sound.

"You come here everyday at the exact same time and get the exact same order?" he asks slowly, knowing that's not what happened.

"Not every day," I say quietly, feeling like shrinking in my seat. I close my eyes as realization dawns on me. "Oh my god."

"You sure did come with an appetite today," he notes.

"Where were you anyway?" I shoot back, but after one look at him raising his eyebrows at me, I immediately wish I hadn't said anything.

"Sorry, I didn't know hungry college kids wait until you're not looking to eat your food. Next time I won't go to the bathroom."

"I'm not in college!" I say defensively.

"High school?"

I hold his mocking gaze for a beat, wanting to slug him in the stomach. But I'm the one in the wrong. I swallow down my pride and take a deep breath.

"No, you're right. I mean, I'm not a student, but I shouldn't have assumed this food was mine. You didn't do anything wrong, this is totally my fault."

I slam my laptop shut, feeling my face heat up with embarrassment. The plate is a mess—there's no way I can give it back to him, and there still isn't a waitress in sight. I don't know what to do other than get my things and go.

"You've already eaten so much, might as well stay," he mutters, looking around the café. "I better get going, anyway." The guy sighs and shrugs. "Looks like you scored a free meal on me." He laughs, not going easy on me one bit.

I feel guilt sink into my stomach like a heavy weight. I don't want this guy to think I'm rude and entitled, and I really can't believe I just started scarfing down some random person's food. I have to make this right somehow.

"Wait, please don't leave yet. At least… at least let me buy you food to-go."

"I have somewhere to be," he replies shortly, sounding annoyed.

"I'm sure you do!" I add quickly, sizing him up.

The guy is tall and handsome, of course he has better places to be. I don't usually go for guys with long hair, but that tousled, layered look is doing him a lot of favors. Not to mention that strong jaw.

He narrows his eyes at me like I'm being weird, and I realize I should have followed that up with something else instead of just staring at him.

"U-um, I mean, I really am sorry. I always sit here and get a strawberry soda. I thought the manager left this here for me or something, which is soo dumb now that I'm saying it out loud. Can you wait 10 minutes while they make you fresh food? I can totally pay."

I'm already getting out of the booth and groping around in my purse for my wallet. When I stand next to him, I have to look up to see the dismissal in his green eyes.

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