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“Of you, yes. Of the sugar, no.” Star laughed at the look and immediate sexual glare in Ethan’s eyes. She’d done that. She lifted her eyebrows several times and then nodded at the dessert plate. “No. Five desserts to sample, remember?”
“I’m waiting for the sixth.” He stabbed the remainder of the cake and ate it in one bite. She laughed and took a sip of her coffee. “Patience.”
“Never been accused of having any. We could leave now.” Ethan put down his fork.
“No. We said we’d help. And I promise I’ll make it worth your wait.”
Ethan adjusted himself in the chair. “I’ll take you up on that promise.”
“Good.” She winked at him and took a sip of her coffee. Bianca had refilled their coffees by the time they’d finished the fifth one.
True to her word, she handed Star a decaf.
Star dragged her finger through some whipped cream that had fallen to the side of the dessert plate and held it out to Thor. The dog licked it off in one swipe—then promptlyattackedher hand, trying to clean up any remnants.
She laughed, pulling her hand away. "Okay, okay! I think I need to wash up now."
Ethan leaned back, rubbing his flat, hard stomach. "I think I’ve eaten enough for five people."
She pointed at him. "Youdid."
Ethan lifted both hands in surrender. "She wanted our opinion!"
Star narrowed her eyes. "An opinion could be gathered in a bite or two. You ate almostallof it."
"You shouldn’t be calling me out like that. I’m a big guy." He grinned cheekily.
Star grinned. "Oh, sir, I willalwayscall you out when you do something ridiculous. You are going to have a stomachache."
"Maybe."
Star lifted an eyebrow, and Ethan sighed, “Probably.”
She cocked her head, and he lifted his hands in surrender. “Okay, I kind of do already.”
“Glad we had this talk.” She laughed and gave Thor’s head a quick pat before heading toward the back of the store. Strong arms suddenly grabbed her from behind as she turned the corner toward the women’s restroom.
She gasped, ready to scream?—
A cloth covered her mouth.
Her heart pounded as she thrashed, trying to break free. She tried to call for Ethan, but the world was already slipping into darkness.
Then—nothing.
* * *
Thor stood suddenly,his thick fur bristling along his spine. Ethan glanced down at his dog, following his rigid stance and the deep, warning growl that rumbled low in his chest. His sharp eyes tracked down the hallway, narrowing as Bianca walked up to the table.
"Now, that's the second time he's done that today," she remarked, pausing near the counter.
Ethan straightened, instantly alert. Thor never reacted like that unless there was a reason. "What?"
"Earlier this afternoon, when Star was here—Thor?—"
Before she could finish, the back door slammed. Ethan’s stomach clenched. He launched down the hallway, Thor right beside him.
The ladies' room door was shut. He didn't hesitate.