Page 53 of Heat & Deceit
“Please, don’t apologize. I’m sorry for the delay. What can I get for you?” I ring up the order, and right as I’m preparing to run the card, Javier’s hand lands on mine, grip firm and warm. The watch he’s wearing is expensive, the type of watch no low pack could ever afford.
I mistakenly assumed my bosses were from modest, well-to-do low packs, not born of the royal lines. Shouldn’t he be off buying his own island or something grander than this coffee shop?
“The drinks are on me,” he says, giving the customer an apologetic smile.
“Oh, you don’t have to—”
“I do. That’s not usually how we do business.” Javier’s still holding my hand hostage, thumb idly smoothing over the back of my hand while he talks. His touch is so comforting, yet so in control at the same time. “I apologize for what you had to see.”
“That guy’s an asshole. Honestly, I’m sad you didn’t kick his ass,” the beta says with an empathetic nose wrinkle.
I chuckle at that and tug my hand from Javier’s. “Should I comp it or—?”
“No. Run this card.” He pulls a heavy black credit card from his wallet, barely sparing it a glance as I gently take it and slide it through the machine.
“Okay, you’re all set,” I tell the beta. “Your drinks will be ready at the end of the bar in a bit.” The customer moves on, and Javier leans close before I greet the next one.
“Tell me you’re okay.” His breath caresses the shell of my ear, and I shudder, my mind going a thousand different directions but somehow ending up at the same endpoint: Javier’s hips nestled between my legs, hand circling my neck as he asks the same question.
I’d be safe with him.
With him, my old pack would never be able to hurt me. Like I said, I don’t need a hero, but I might need morally gray Javier. I might need someone who isn’t afraid to throw a punch or deliver threats that have entitled alphas shrinking in on themselves.
“I’m okay,” I breathe, fighting another shiver as his steady presence presses in. I wait for him to say something more, but after a few seconds, he steps back and jumps in to help Randal catch up.
With a shaky smile, I call up the next customer, gaze flicking to Javier and back.
The only thing worse than being attracted to my boss? Being attracted to myrichboss. One thing I know for certain? Even if I weren’t in hiding, an alpha like him would never go for an omega like me.
Fourteen
LY
“Hey,” I grunt, answering Rome’s call. “I’m still waiting.” I glance around the lobby. A grimace pulls at my lips. The only adequate way to describe it is frilly and love sick. The alpha-omega dating agency we went with has a reputation for being the best of the best.
“Remember to point to clause three.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, sir. Anything else?”
“Feel free to point out your track record. I’m sure they’d be more than happy to void the contract with that.”
“Asshole,” I mutter.
“You know Javi and I don’t give a shit about that, but it might convince them to release us from the contract.”
The door that leads deeper into the dating agency’s office opens, and Jennifer, the beta dating agent, steps out, glancing around. “Lycus.” Her eyes land on me in the next second and instantly narrow.
“That’s me. I’ll report back.” I cut the call and stand, donning a charming smile. The beta’s lips purse, wholly unimpressed. Right. Probably deserve that for one thing or another.
“This way.” The beta turns and walks at a clipped pace down the office-lined hall.
I peek into a few offices as I pass, noting hopeful-looking omegas working with their agents. Jennifer pivots as she reaches her door and gestures me in with an annoyed sweep of her arm. She’s agitated, and as her eyes bore into me, I can’t help feeling like I’m the bane of her existence.
“How are you?” I hedge, hoping some pleasantries will break the ice.
“Fine. Take a seat.”
No dice.
