Page 75 of Renegade Rift

FORD: I’m still asking myself the same question.

Soph knows who Juliet is to me. She knows about searching for her, and that we’re friends. Now she’s aware we’re something more, but I haven’t bothered telling her none of it is real. At least not yet. Maybe someday over a bottle of whiskey I’ll explain the ins and outs of…whatever it is Juliet and I are. Then again, maybe if I’m lucky I won’t need to.

But baby steps. First, I want to giveJuliet everything she deserves.

Starting with her confidence.

Taking another sip of my old fashion, I keep an eye on the door hidden away in the corner of the bar. This place is the full fairytale experience. I remember when Soph came to me and Mercer and told us she wanted to create a place with the restaurant being an enchanted forest and a hidden bar that’s Wonderland.

And boy did she knock it out of the park.

Each of the booths along the wall give the illusion that they’re nestled beneath giant flowers, dark yet vibrant thanks to the black lights situated above each one. The bar is one giant tea party with the stools made to look like mushrooms, and all of the specialty drinks are served in various styles of tea cups. Nothing about this should work paired with the attached three-star Michelin restaurant. But somehow Soph took her vision and made it something people clamor to get a reservation for.

It’s another fifteen minutes before Sophia and Juliet come waltzing into the bar. And I do mean waltzing. In fact, I’m fairly certain Juliet would be floating if gravity wasn’t there to hold her down.

God, she’s stunning. If I had any right to throw her over my shoulder and bee line out of this place, I would. Unfortunately, even if I wanted to claim I was teaching her a valuable lesson—that any guy worth her time would absolutely carry her the fuck out of here and straight to his bed—I don’t think it’s one she’d appreciate.

Which is why I settle for the next best thing.

If she asks, I’ll blame the whiskey as to why I step forward and take her into my arms the moment she’s close enough.

She sucks in a sharp breath and tenses for a split second, unsure if she’s okay with it.

I know I’m pushing her boundaries and forcing her to decide if this is what she wants. Not me specifically, but the lesson of allowing someone to be intimate with her.

Come on love, be brave. Let me in, or tell me to fuck off.

The endearment slips free. It’s one of the few things I remember about my dad. I can still hear clear as day the way the word used to roll off his tongue with nothing but adoration for my mom.

I never imagined I’d meet someone who would be worthy of the sentiment.

Fuck, I’m so screwed when it comes to this woman.

Juliet looks up at me, as if to check and make sure I’m okay, and when she sees my easy smile, she relaxes into the space between my thighs.

“Good girl,” I whisper against the shell of her ear, inhaling her scent, her presence, this moment. “Thank you for letting me hold you.”

A shiver rips through, and she glances up at me again, this time stars in her eyes like I’ve just given her a fucking puppy on Christmas morning. It only makes me hold on tighter.

Fucking Tyler.

I’ll never forgive him for the things he must have said and done to make this woman so starved for a gentle touch and simple thank you.

Soph snorts, effectively ending what could’ve continued into a moment with Juliet.

“You know there’s a hotel upstairs. You two could just get a room.”

God, damn it.

“Oh.” Juliet shudders and tries to step away, but I’m quick to keep her in my arms.

“I’m sorry. I?—”

“She’s fucking with you, love,” I say, glaring at Soph who gives me a shrug. “It’s payback for all the times I gave her and Sydney shit for being cutesy in front of Mercer and me.”

“It’s true. I couldn’t help myself,” Soph explains. “Speaking of our third Chicago cohort, have you heard from him?”

I shake my head. “No. He won’t return my calls, but Willow’s talked to him, and I’m helpingget some final testimonials to get him reinstated. Have you heard from him at all?”

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