Page 88 of Renard's Deliverance

“Did he just invite me to a family lunch?” Renard asked.

“Um. Yep,” she replied. “And that’s a big deal.”

Renard scowled. “Not sure I like it.”

She barely refrained from rolling her eyes. Of course he didn’t like it.

“Know what happens, you go to lunch, next thing you know you’re part of the cult. Going to every family get together and there’s a lot because they fucking breed like rabbits. Then all of a sudden, you’re in charge of bringing the egg salad and you can’t get out . . . because there always has to be egg salad and you’re the one bringing it. It’s a set-up.”

“Totally a set-up. I’ve never agreed to bringing the egg salad.”

“You making fun of me, Gem?”

“Ahh, nope. I was totally agreeing with you,” she told him.

Grunting, he got up and moved into the kitchen.

Well, maybe she was laughing at him.

But just a tiny bit.

16

“Itold you that there was nothing much that could be done,” she complained as Jenna left her house later on.

“Better to be safe than sorry,” Renard grumbled.

He was so stubborn.

Jenna had told her that she’d likely pulled a muscle. She’d explained why she didn’t like painkillers in the house and thankfully, Jenna had a few stronger painkillers with her which Opal had taken. They were slow release so would last her through to the morning.

Jenna was going to send a script to the pharmacy for a strong painkiller in liquid form for Opal to pick up tomorrow morning before work.

Renard walked over to crouch in front of her where she sat at the small dining table. “I have to work tonight.”

“Oh, of course.” It was silly to feel so disappointed. She couldn’t expect him to spend all of his time with her.

In fact, she should feel good about getting some time to herself where she could do what she wanted.

Because Renard certainly liked to be in charge.

He kept bossing her around constantly.

Yep, he was so annoying.

And she was going to miss him. It was ridiculous. She shouldn’t feel this attached to him already.

“Want you to come with me.”

“Come with you?” she repeated, confused.

“Yes. To the restaurant.”

“You want me to come with you to the restaurant while you work?” she said, unsure that she was understanding him right.

“Yep. You might want to bring a book to read. And a blanket, in case you want to sleep.”

“How the heck would I sleep?” she asked, incredulous.

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