Page 111 of Princess of Pride
She smiles at him then at me, taking me in quickly as if I’m covered in sparkles. “Can I get ye anything else?”
Her accent is so thick, I almost miss what she says.
“Fish and chips and a water for my wife.” He nods at me.
I fight a sneer and say to Alice. “For Emery. Thank you.”
She smiles brightly at me and ambles toward the bar. If I sit back, I’m not on full display. I have no idea how I’m going anywhere without people watching me. That, however, could work to my advantage.
I sip the ale. It’s good, but also beer isn’t my favorite drink.
Lachlan watches me as I people-watch, skimming quickly past the ones who are stealing glances at me, a slight smile on my face so I don’t look like a bitch. I know how to play this part.
“The ale tastes better with fish and chips,” Lachlan says, drawing my gaze. I nod and notice a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Is this place everything you hoped it’d be?”
“It’s as I imagined.” To my surprise, although the people are a little less fairy tale and more real than I pictured. I don’t say that out loud in case I’m overheard, and it’s taken the wrong way.
He nods and continues to watch me sip the ale. I’m itching to go to the bathroom, but I need Lachlan to think I’m relaxed, so I wait until the food comes. I have some with the ale like he suggested. It is better.
Lachlan seems pleased by my reaction. He’s shocked when I dip a fry in the ale and eat it. “Mmm.”
With a tight smile, he shakes his head. “Always surprising.” Now that his eyes are glittery with laughter, I decide to excuse myself.
“I need to use the bathroom.”
“I’ll take you.” He slides across the bench.
“Seriously?” I say before he can stand and stay in my seat. “This place is like Fort Knox. I don’t need you to hold my hand, and it will look like I can’t do anything by myself to these people. As it is, you have me tucked in this corner like you don’t trust them.” I have no idea where this came from, but it’s flowing, and it sounds good. I hope he buys it.
“You have to go downstairs,” he says like that’s a bad thing.
“Okay.” I shrug like it’s no big deal.
“I won’t be able to see you.”
“But everyone else will.” I lower my voice and lean across the table. “How much do you want to bet they’ll track my every move?”
“That’s a fact, not a bet.”
“Don’t you want to watch me walk away? A little treat for the eyes.” I bat my lashes and leave my purse on the table afterpocketing my phone. “Drink your ale. When I get back, I’ll have a little dessert for you. Something moist and lacey.”
Promising my panties may urge him to follow me and screw me in the bathroom. Or it may be exactly what I need.
He points at a doorway to the side of the bar.
“You won’t get what you want from me here. But if you’re good, you will getwhateveryou want from me back home.”
His nostrils flare. “Home?” he repeats the word, his eyes narrowed.
“Watch me.” Slowly, I stand, holding his gaze, before turning and walking toward the hallway. I don’t have hips like Pippa, but I mastered her walk long ago. I also rarely use it, but Lachlan needs a good show. He could follow me. You never know with him.
People watch me as I cut through the crowded space. I keep my shoulders back and my chin high, like I was trained to do, but add a soft smile so I don’t come across as snobbish. These people are like nothing I’m used to.
Rory eyes me as I pass directly behind his stool. He winks, and I pray Lachlan doesn’t gouge his eyes out.
The fact that he’s relaxed is a good sign. Right? If Lachlan were stressed, Rory would be.
One of the girls he’s with, the redhead, follows me down the hallway. Damn. Is it a coincidence or did Lachlan have Rory send her?
