Page 35 of The Ruthless Note

“I’ve got to go,” I tell Hunter.

He holds my hand. “I’m not ready to let you go.”

“I know.” I caress his head and play up the ‘we’re so in love’ act by wrapping him in another hug. “I can’t wait until my shift is over so we can be alone.”

His eyes glint with the promise, even if it’s fake.

I hurry away from Hunter and expertly deliver the drinks to Dutch’s table. To be honest, I’m surprised there evenisa table given the fire that’s spurting from his eyes.

Acting nonchalant, I do my job without acknowledging him.

“Here you go.” I slide the drinks over to Zane and Finn.

When I’m in front of Dutch, he grabs my wrist. “Bring me a closed water bottle.”

I storm away and return with it.

When I get back, I see that Hunter is now sitting in the booth behind Dutch. I’m keenly aware of him, and Dutch seems to be too.

He folds his arms over his chest. “The table’s dirty, Brahms. I can’t eat like this.”

How childish.If I had the ability to shoot lasers from my eyes, Dutch would have two holes in his skull.

“The table’s perfectly clean, Dutch. I have other customers to tend to, so don’t waste my time.”

“Take care of it,” he demands tightly. “Now.”

My nostrils flaring and my anger expanding beyond the limits of my restraint, I bite out, “How about I use your head as a dish rag?”

His jaw flexes. I’ve never seen him this close to exploding anger before.

The tension mounts.

Zane and Finn look on with tight expressions.

A hand encircles my wrist. It’s Hunter’s.

“Is there a problem here?” Hunter demands, a vein bulging in his neck. His eyes are digging right into Dutch’s face.

“Why don’t you mind your own damn business?” Dutch growls.

“Sorry. I can’t do that.”

“Who the hell are you to intervene?” Dutch’s voice is low and penetrating. I feel it rattling through me.

“I’m her boyfriend.” Hunter’s stare is hard. “I’ve been watching you pick on her like a damn toddler on the playground and I can’t sit still any longer. What the hell is wrong with you, man? Didn’t your parents teach you basic respect?”

Dutch unfolds himself from the table and rises to his full height. He’s about the same size as Hunter and the cold smile he flashes sends a shiver down my back.

“This is between me and her.”

I could choke on all this testosterone and male ego.

Their intensity sets me on edge. Hunter might be older, but Dutch is pure, brute strength. If it comes down to a fight, I don’t think Hunter will be able to take it.

I feel responsible for this stupid mess and I will never forgive myself if Hunter gets hurt because of Dutch’s idiocy.

“Hunter.” I put my hand to his chest. Eyes locking on his, I try to give a silent communication that it’s okay. “Don’t.”