Page 17 of Nest of Thieves
Licking my lips, I nod. “I’d love that.” Forcing myself to sound out of breath is obnoxious but necessary.
The diners around us glance over when Edmund snaps his fingers. I clench my teeth to keep from calling out his rude behavior. He wouldn’t like that. The frazzled waitress comes over, wearing a grin as fake as mine.
“How is everything?”
Oh, her customer service voice is good. I can barely tell she wants to throat punch him for snapping at her. Kudos to her.
“Check, please.”
“It was wonderful,” I cut in. “Thank you so much.”
Edmund gives me a funny look as the waitress sets off at a clipped pace to get our check.
“Do you come here often?” I run my hand over the nice table cloth. “It’s so lovely.”
“You don’t have to pretend to be nice to her. She was slow.”
“I’m not pretending, Edmund. The restaurant is full. I’m sure she’s doing her best.” Out of habit, I stack our plates on top of each other and add the silverware.
“She was slow and the service was horrible,” he says in a low voice.
I flick my gaze over his face. The corner of his lips are pulled down in annoyance and his left eye is twitching.
Time to kiss ass.
“You’re right. Shewasslow.” I frown and pretend to be disappointed. “Perhaps we can speak to the manager?”
Please don’t do that, I add in my head. The waitress doesn’t deserve to be reported. Every table is full and there’s a line at the door. She wasn’t being rude, she’s busy.
“No, we don’t need to take it that far. I’ll let her know exactly how I feel about her service on the tip.”
I nod and internally cringe. He’s going to stiff her. I have some money in my purse, not enough for twenty percent, but at least more than he’s going to give her.
“I have to run to the ladies’ room before we head out. You still want to go somewhere after?”
“Absolutely.” His whole demeanor shifts when I stand. He hungrily rakes his gaze over my exposed flesh, reaching out to run his palm over the curve of my hip as I walk toward the bathroom. I fight off a shudder and dig my fingers into my clutch. The waitress passes me and gives me a tight-lipped smile.
Yeah. She’s pissed.
I use the bathroom quickly, touching up my lipstick and adjusting my wig. I grab the forty dollars from my purse for the waitress. Edmund is staring at the bill when I emerge. I slide my gaze around the restaurant. Our waitress is standing at the end of the bar next to another server, just out of Edmund’s sight. I approach them, catching the end of an insult aimed at me. They snicker and I clear my throat.
They both jump and spin around.
“Oh, hi. Did you need something?” My waitress glares at the other, like it’s somehow her friend’s fault they got caught talking shit.
“No. I wanted to give you this and apologize for my date.” I check on Edmund. He’s glancing toward the bathroom. “I hope your night gets better.”
Guilt flashes over her features when I hand her the money. I leave before she can muster up some half-assed apology. They can think whatever they want about me. If talking smack makes her feel better, then so be it. A few people sneer at me as I pass, judging me for what I’m wearing. This job isn’t winning me any friends but that’s fine by me. I’m not here to make besties. I’m here for business.
I run my hand over Edmund’s shoulder. “Sorry about that. Ready?”
“I was wondering if I scared you off.” His eyes roam over my body before he lifts his gaze to connect with mine.
“Don’t be silly. I don’t scare easily.” I bat my eyelashes.
Edmund stands and I let him brush his chest over mine. “Is that so?” He leans in and kisses me.
I force myself to relax and hum in approval. He pulls back and smirks, grabbing my hand and dragging me from the restaurant. My fingers itch to tranq his ass, but I can’t do that until I’m inside his home.
