Page 53 of Ruthless Beast

“Oh, yes. Our boy wonder here isn’t just a pretty face,” Sandy smiles.

“I see,” Emily says. “Not a mere jock, then?”

“Oh, no. But I’m not going to give away his secrets,” Sandy winks at Emily.

“I have a feeling you’ve said too much already. Come on, Emily. Let’s get you out of here before Sandy gives you the keys to my kingdom.”

“Oh, don’t be such a bore,” Emily smirks. “Thank you, Sandy.”

“Only a pleasure, you sweet thing.”

Sweet? Wow. I guess I missed quite a bit.

Dominick grabs the bags while Emily and I make our way back to the car.

“What a lovely woman,” Emily says.

“Sandy’s one of a kind.”

“She’s very fond of you.”

“Of course she is. I’m a great guy.”

“And so very modest.”

“Did you get everything you need?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Good. You’re welcome.”

Emily is quiet for a while.

“I suppose it’s only fair that I cook you dinner. You did spend a fortune on my wardrobe.”

“It was my pleasure. I don’t expect anything in return. But I’ll never say no thank you to food.”

“Okay. Be at my mansion at 7 p.m. sharp.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

* * *

“Do I need a taster, or is the food safe?”

“This isn’t ancient Rome, Caesar. Besides, your watchdog keeps such a close eye on me that I doubt I'd have the opportunity to harvest dodgy ingredients from your back garden,” Emily says, pouring the wine I brought.

“Ah, good old Dominick. Here for your protection, as well as mine, it would seem.”

“Correct. I hope you’re hungry. I tend to serve large portions.”

“I am. What are we having? I know it isn’t burnt toast. I'd know that smell anywhere.”

“Why? Is that your specialty?”

“No. I learned how to cook out of necessity as a young boy. My mother, on the other hand, was a burnt toast specialist.”

I don’t know why I just revealed a personal detail to Emily. It came so naturally. The words popped out with ease.

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