Page 63 of Quiver of Cobras
‘I’m sure she’s on her way.’
He swung his head round, eyes flashing at the other diners as if Julie’s lack of punctuality was their fault. ‘As much as I like you, Madrona, I’ve got better things to do than have dinner with you by candlelight. If she doesn’t show, I’ll hold you personally responsible.’ He leaned forward and licked his lips. ‘Despite the truce, I can still make your life very unpleasant.’
‘Seriously?’ I stared at him in disbelief. ‘I’m making your dreams come true and you’re making threats? I thought that you were a great asset. It turns out I was off by two letters.’
He knitted his fingers together under his chin and regarded me. ‘A sharp tongue is no indication of a sharp mind. You would do well to remember that. Morganus didn’t have to put up with this kind of bullshit. You have to watch your mouth.’
Not for the first time, it occurred to me that there were substantial differences between the two brothers. I probably insulted Morgan more than I insulted Rubus and yet Morgan, even if he didn’t really like me, didn’t patronise me or treat me like a child in the way that Rubus did.
Despite Rubus’s promises to re-open the borders, I was befuddled that so many faeries chose to follow him. Where was the supposedly suave intelligence and forward planning that I kept hearing so much about?
I toyed with the stem of my empty wine glass. ‘Do I intimidate you, Rubus?’ I asked softly.
‘I have more power in my little finger than you have in your entire body, Madrona. DoIintimidateyou?’
I was saved from answering by the tinkle of the restaurant door opening and Julie’s blessed appearance. Every head turned towards her and a rippling murmur of awed surprise drifted through the restaurant. It wasn’t only because she was instantly recognisable; she was also looking remarkably glamorous.
I got to my feet and started clapping. I just couldn’t help myself. Several waiters sprang over to help her with her coat – just as I belatedly realised that she was wearing a dramatic diamond necklace. Before Rubus spotted it, I jumped over to her and blocked her from his view.
‘Darling!’ she beamed, drawing me into a loose hug and planting an air kiss near my cheek.
‘Lovely to see you again!’ I chirped back. ‘Take off the damn necklace,’ I hissed in her ear. ‘I told him no jewellery.’
She blinked, startled. I growled at her under my breath and she turned round. ‘Where’s the powder room?’ she enquired.
With a star-struck expression, the maître d’ gestured to the left. Julie smiled prettily and headed that way. I crossed my fingers that Rubus hadn’t noticed anything untoward, especially since he no doubt had the same enhanced Fey super-hearing skills that I did. With any luck, the whispered delight of the others in the restaurant had drowned out my whispered command.
I returned to the table. Rubus was also on his feet, looking slightly nonplussed. ‘Where did she go?’
‘To take a piss.’
He grimaced. ‘You might take a piss, Madrona,’ he scolded. ‘Ladies like Stacey powder their noses.’
I rolled my eyes. ‘I’m pretty certain her bladder works the same way mine does. And, as I keep telling you, her name is Julie.’
Rubus gestured to the waiter. ‘A bottle of your most expensive champagne,’ he said grandiosely.
‘Of course, sir.’ The waiter bowed. Now that he’d realised who we were meeting, he was falling over himself to please. There was a lot to be said for this celebrity business although, I conceded, that was probably what life felt like for Rubus all the time, given how many loyal hangers-on he had.
Rubus sat down again just as Julie emerged, her neck thankfully now bare. He immediately shot back up again and trotted over, obsequiously taking her hand and leading her to the table as though she couldn’t possibly cover the ten or so steps on her own.
‘Julie,’ I murmured, ‘this is Rubus. He’s a big fan.’
She laughed lightly and patted her carefully coiffured hair. ‘It’s so lovely to meet you. Normally I don’t meet fans in this way but darling Madrona said you were a wonderful man. I’m sure we’ll get on famously.’
To my astonishment, Rubus’s cheeks turned red. He was genuinely smitten. He pulled out the chair next to his. Like a queen, Julie smoothed down her dress and sat down gracefully. I could only marvel; she was truly a consummate actress. Almost as good as me.
The waiter returned with the bottle and presented the label to Rubus with an overly dramatic flourish while another brought over an ice bucket. When the first waiter received the nod, he popped the cork. Julie let out a delighted giggle. Rubus blushed a deeper red.
We waited until our glasses were full and the eager wait staff had left us in peace. Julie raised her glass by the stem in a fluid, elegant motion. ‘To new friends,’ she purred.
‘To new friends,’ I agreed, copying her action.
‘And maybe something more,’ Rubus murmured. He didn’t exactly leer at Julie but there was a definite aura of sleaze to both his words and his expression. Surprisingly it discomfited me, as if somehow I’d expected better of him.
I took a sip of the champagne, barely pausing to savour it. ‘I had a lovely day today,’ I said, with fake warmth. ‘I was out with Lunaria.’
Rubus looked irritated that I’d attempted to start a conversation but Julie was on her best behaviour. She leaned forward, looking interested. ‘Oh yes? Who is Lunaria? Should I know her?’
