Page 72 of Devil's Claim

“What exactly am I doing? Enjoying my dinner?”

“Yeah, like I’m certain you come here often.”

“You might be surprised. You don’t know anything about me.”

I laughed and grabbed another handful of fries. “You’re right and I don’t want to.”

He took the bite and I concentrated on trying to keep Maverick from getting the ketchup all over his shirt.

“To answer your question, we Spaniards don’t eat dinner as early as you Americans. Wait until around nine-thirty or ten and this place will be filled as will every restaurant in town.”

“What about children’s dinner hour?”

“We accommodate.”

“As if you’d know about children.” Yes, I was in a nasty mood, but that’s what happened when someone told you that you were getting married. My wacky brain was trying to figure out just how often that happened in real life.

This was a nightmare.

“You’re right, Christine. As always, but I guess I’ll learn.”

“You’re not his father. Eventually the bastard will reappear. Trust me. You don’t know him.” Maybe I was pushing Kruz, both his anger and level of patience. Maybe I just wanted answers. No, I wanted the truth, something he seemed determined to hide from me.

“As I told you before. No, he will not.”

“And how can you be so certain of that?”

He leaned over. “Just trust me.”

“That’s the problem. How can I trust you?”

Reaching over, he grabbed a French fry from my carton, the wry grin on his face pushing the limit. “As I said, you will in time.”

I tried to keep my voice calm, with no inflammatory words. Even if Maverick wasn’t paying attention, it was amazing how he’d repeat something at a much later time I didn’t think he’d heard.

“No, I will not. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever. Get that through that handsome head of yours.”

He stole another fry and I reacted way too playfully, snapping my hand across his fingers. His eyes opened wide and he laughed. I wasn’t certain if I’d ever heard him laugh that way before.

I sat back, grabbing another napkin. A huge part of me wanted nothing more than to care about Kruz. That would make all this easier, but how could I? How could I dare tolerate being with a man who’d…

Seduced me.

Awakened my senses.

Punished me.

Thrilled me.

Spoiled me.

Killed for me.

Saved my son?

I looked away, hating the ache inside that threatened to breach the surface.

He gripped my chin with two fingers, turning my head. “I look forward to the challenge our life will become.”