Page 37 of Bishop's Queen

“A water for Ella,” the bartender said. “Anything else?”

“Double the order of nori rolls. And throw in some bread or something.”

“We don’t have bread.”

Ella’s laugh slipped out when she saw Bishop’s expression. She could imagine what he thought at that revelation.

“Oh, really?” he muttered.

The bartender didn’t laugh.

Bishop patted her hand. “Falafel us.”

With a quick nod, the bartender went to punch in their order.

She giggled. “Your face was comical.”

He smiled. “When?”

“Just now. No bread, and it was like your world shattered.”

“Nah.” He tilted his head, a questioning look loosening his face. “Though, really? No bread.”

“I promise.” She finished her drink and reveled in the buzz from slamming her cocktail. “If I had known you were such a carb guy—”

“It was for you, babe.” He rotated on his quick check through the bar. “You warned me; I was prepared for a lightweight. Though a pleasant, giggling Ella has me off guard.”

“I just…” She sighed, now feeling the vodka in her blood. Both false courage and the uncanny inability to shut up were edging close. She wished the falafel or nori rolls had arrived as soon as he ordered, but magic was impossible. “Truth is…”

He didn’t say a word.

“The stalker thing… sucks.”

Bishop nodded.

“I don’t let anyone know. Everyone thinks I’m rock solid. But it’s all…” She shrugged. “How do you know what you’re looking for when you do that thing?”

“Thing?” he asked.

“When you check the room. Look over here and there, but casually. You have a pattern.”

A moment of surprise washed away, and Bishop studied her. He rolled his bottom lip into his mouth and let it go. “Sometimes, people behave certain ways. Sit or act in a particular manner. But primarily, I’m a solid reader of people.”

She narrowed her eyes and leaned forward, curling her finger for him to lean in.

He chuckled but inched closer. “What?”

“I heard you call me Crazy under your breath. You can’t bethatgood.”

He laughed, tossing his head back. “You do some crazy-ass shit, Ella.” But then he put an arm around her shoulder and huddled them close again. “I can tell you have a strong backbone, stronger will, and an inner strength that some men I’ve served alongside would kill to have.”

Her mouth parted, and a tingle of electricity ran along her neck.

“That’s why you have the following you do.” Bishop ran his hand up and down her back before sitting upright. “You’re the real deal.”

His belief in her sent tingles cascading across her skin. Even the little hairs on her arms stood up, as though they believed him too. Bishop needed to give a few of these lines to Tara. She hadn’t called or texted with anyhelpfuladvice in the last two days.

Bishop winked. “I didn’t expect to leave you speechless.”

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