Page 13 of Sacrifice
Define The Relationship conversations after three dates are presumptuous, and I can't?—
"My company's having a benefit next weekend. Black tie, good cause, open bar. Would you be my date?"
Oh. That's... better? Worse? I don't know anymore.
"That sounds fun," I hear myself say.
"Great! I'll email you the details. It's at the Governors Club, so you'll need?—"
The door opens and every nerve ending fires, every muscle tenses.
The air changes, becomes electric.
Emil walks in with Tor, Rio, and Magnus.
Club business, from the look of them—cuts worn open, that particular swagger that says they're here for more than the excellent steaks.
His eyes find me immediately.
Of course they do.
Emil's always had a sixth sense where I'm concerned.
For a moment, everything stops.
The restaurant noise fades.
Brandon's still talking about the benefit, but I can't hear him.
Can only see Emil's jaw tighten, his hands clench.
Then he's moving.
"Oh fuck," I breathe.
"What?" Brandon turns, following my gaze. His face pales. "Is that...?"
"You again?" Brandon's voice cracks slightly as Emil reaches our table.
"Me again," Emil confirms, but he's not looking at Brandon. His eyes are locked on mine, dark and dangerous. "Saga."
"Emil." My voice comes out breathier than intended. "What are you doing here?"
"Business with Doran." His gaze drops to where Brandon's hand still covers mine on the table. "Didn't know you'd be here."
Liar. He probably has a tracking app on my phone or something equally psychotic.
"We should let you get to your meeting," Brandon says, pulling his hand back.
"No rush." Emil's still staring at me. "How've you been, Saga? Haven't heard from you in a while."
I hear him loud and clear.
Twenty-seven missed calls, forty-three texts, all ignored. I know because I've counted every one.
"I've been busy," I say.
"I can see that." Now he does look at Brandon, and I see my date shrink back slightly. "Third date, right? How's that working out?"
