Page 34 of The Ruthless Note

I feel Dutch’s eyes perusing me. His fingers drum on the table. “You’re hilarious.”

I point a smug smile at him and then nod to Finn. “And for you?”

His eyes squint as he peruses the menu. “Any vegetarian dishes?”

“Do you see this place?” I ask with a hint of sass.

He chuckles.

“Are you a vegetarian?”

“No, I just prefer to eat healthily when I come to diners like this. And I figured the lettuce here might be better than any of the meat on those grills.”

“Trust me, no one asks for the lettuce. Ever. I don’t think Frankie even knows how to make a salad.”

Laughter glints from Finn's eyes. He tilts his head. “Alright, I’ll have the same as them.”

“Aren’t you going to write it down?” Dutch asks.

“It's all right in here.” I tap my forehead. “Three whoppers, two waters and a heart for you since you clearly don’t have one.”

“Who says I don’t have a heart?” Dutch eyes me intently. “I was gracious enough to come all the way here, so you could serve me.”

I want to light into him so bad that my entire body trembles with it. “Go to hell.”

His eyebrows hunker low over his eyes. He stands abruptly, his massive chest grazing my shoulder.

His voice is low and steady when he says, “Maybe I’ll just drag you there with me, Brahms.”

I tip my chin up. “I’d like to see you try.”

Zane groans. “Again, I get that you have to do this, but I really am hungry.”

I turn abruptly. “I’ll be right back with your drink orders.”

Warm, slender fingers wrap around my wrist to stop me. Dutch leans in. “I want a lime soda.” His breath caresses my ear. “With lemon. And a hint of mint leaves.”

“We don't serve that here.” I snatch my hand back. “If you want fancy water you should go to a fancy restaurant.”

Dutch eases against the table and crosses his legs like he has all the time in the world to toy with me. “Your manager said that you would take care of us. Do you think he wants to hear that you're giving trouble?”

I curl my fingers into fists. My veins throb with my hatred for him.

“I’ll be right back.”

Hunter motions to me after I give the girl behind the counter Dutch’s drink order. I step between his legs, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Is he your ex?” Hunter asks, rubbing his nose against mine and talking in a hushed tone.

“He wishes.”

“So why are you going to all this trouble then?”

I let loose a loud giggle and bury my head in Hunter’s neck. “It’s complicated.”

The tray of drinks lands harshly down on the counter. I jump and notice my co-worker glaring at me.

Well then…