Page 40

I drum my fingers on the worn tabletop, scanning the diner again. No security cameras except one pointed at the register. No tinted windows on any of the cars in the parking lot. No one who looks like they don’t belong. I’m being paranoid, but with Vega involved, paranoid is the right call.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in.”

I look up to find Lainey Ruins standing by my table, coffeepot in hand, her blonde hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. Her smile is warm and genuine, the kind that makes this place feel like home even to strangers.

“Morning, Lainey.” I return her smile and feel some of the tension ease from my shoulders. “Marcus said you were off today.”

“Cook called in sick.” She pours coffee into my mug without asking if I want it. “Want your usual?”

“No thanks,” I say, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “I’m waiting for someone.”

Lainey’s eyebrows lift slightly, but her expression remains neutral. “I figured you might be.”

She doesn’t press, doesn’t ask who or why, just gives me a look that let’s me know that Marcus probably told her about last night. I’m grateful for her discretion. The last thing I need is questions I can’t answer without revealing too much.

She moves on to refill other cups, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the growing knot in my stomach.

The bell above the door chimes, and my head snaps up.

Audrey steps inside and scans the diner until her eyes find mine. She’s wearing a white shirt and a short denim skirt. Her dark hair falls loose around her shoulders, and she’s bare-faced except for a touch of lip gloss that makes her mouth look even more kissable.

She’s fucking gorgeous.

And she’s not wearing her engagement ring.

The sight of her naked left hand sends a surge of satisfaction through me. She walks toward my table with a nervous energy.

“Hi,” she says softly when she reaches the table.

I stand immediately, unable to stop myself from cupping her face and pressing a quick kiss to her lips. It’s risky as hell in a public place, but I need to taste her.

“Hi yourself, princess.” I pull back to study her face, noting the flush that spreads across her cheeks. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” She glances around the diner nervously. “Are you sure this place is okay?”

“Trust me, it’s perfect.” I guide her into the booth across from me, my hand lingering on her lower back. “No one here gives a damn who we are.”

Lainey appears at our table almost immediately, coffeepot still in hand. “What can I get you folks?”

“Coffee, please,” Audrey says, offering Lainey a genuine smile. “And could I get the chocolate chip pancakes?”

“Coming right up. And for you, Reign?”

“Steak and eggs, medium rare.” I keep my eyes on Audrey as I speak. “Extra bacon.”

“You got it.” Lainey fills Audrey’s mug and tops off mine. “I’ll get this order in.”

Once we’re alone, I lean forward, my voice dropping to that low rumble I know affects her. “Good girl. You followed my instructions.”

The flush on her cheeks deepens. “About what I’m wearing?”

“About everything.” My eyes drop to her left hand, bare of jewelry. “Especially that.”

She follows my gaze, twisting her naked ring finger. “I couldn’t wear it. Not after last night.”

“Good.” The possessiveness in my voice is unmistakable. “That ring has no business on your hand anyway.”

Audrey glances at Lainey and frowns.