Page 72 of Sinful Promise

Instead, I jumped away from her like my fucking feet were on fire.

So here we are, sitting at separate tables like we’re strangers.

Look at me, Emily.

I try to catch her eye, but she’s purposefully not looking at me. I can only see the side of her face, but I can tell she’s pissed that I’m here.

It’s a good job I decided to ignore her request of leaving her the hell alone and handing her over to Alek.

It’s not that I don’t trust the guy. He’s worked for my brothers and me for years, but with Emily Mullens, no one is good enough to take care of her except for me.

The look on her face when she noticed I was sitting at the next table was like having a bucket of cold water thrown over me. She’sneverlooked at me like that, and I hope she never will again.

Though from how angry she sounds as she explains our situation to Jana, it’s clear she’s not going to get over my betrayal quickly. And I wouldn’t want her to.

I fucked up, and I deserve to get the cold shoulder. At least until I can prove to her I’ve earned a second chance.

Until she gives that to me, I’m going to drown my own sorrows in a cheap glass of whiskey and try to catch the rest of their conversation. It’s clear they’re talking about me from the way they suddenly lower their voices.

I’m tempted to bribe one of the waiting staff to turn down the god-awful operatic style music that is playing because I’m only catching every third word that Emily and Jana share.

Are they talking about the kiss?

Is Emily admitting to Jana what it meant to her?

Fuck, I wish I could hear them, but the damn speaker is right above my head, and if I moved to another table, I would be even further away from them.

I can’t imagine what the rest of the diners in this restaurant must think of me, sitting here alone, constantly glancing over at the beautiful blonde at the next table. I’m no better than a love-sick puppy, pining after the woman who won’t give me the time of day.

But I get it. I betrayed Emily’s trust, and now she just needs some time to process her feelings.

When she’s ready to listen, I’m determined to prove to her that the connection that has been deepening between us is real.

I caveand order another whiskey while the girls enjoy their dessert. This dinner is never-ending and from the amount of wine being consumed by Emily, I’m sure that she’s trying to numb her own feelings.

Maybe having a little alcohol in our systems might not be such a bad thing. It might make her more willing to listen to me.

Eventually, Jana asks for the bill, and I reach into my pocket for my wallet.

I feel bad for taking up a table to myself for hours and not ordering any food, so I throw a handful of bills onto the table to make up for it.

I wait until the girls reach the entrance to the restaurant before I get to my feet.

As much as I want to take off after Emily and demand she talk to me, the last thing I need is for one of the waiting staff to call the cops on me.

The restaurant is jam-packed, with a bunch of people waiting to be seated as well as delivery workers coming to collect takeout orders, so it takes what feels like hours to make it to the exit.

By the time the warm evening air hits my face, Jana has already left, and Emily is walking along the sidewalk, alone.

I grind my teeth.

Could Jana not have suggested walking with her? She clearly knows what’s going on, yet she left her friend alone when she has a target on her back.

And where the hell is Alek? He was meant to be waiting outside the restaurant, but there’s no sign of the blacked-out Range Rover anywhere.

Now I’m fucking pissed.

Maybe the second whiskey wasn’t such a good idea after all…

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