Page 53 of Devious Eyes

“Then eat.”

He seats himself and begins to unfold a crisp linen napkin, taking up his knife and fork. I watch for a moment, studying his body language. Tension pulls at his muscles, carving peaks and valleys over his back. I don’t know why, other than my information, but he’s frowning all the time, like he’s got something to say but won’t say it.

The smell of something buttery sets my feet into action, and I take a chair next to him. A plate of poached scallops and some sort of risotto sits waiting for me. “It smells delicious.” I pick up my fork and dig into the soft grains.

“I know you like seafood,” he grumbles between mouthfuls.

“Nate, I know I hurt you. I’m sorry. Leaving is the last thing I want to do again, but I will if you’re going to stay pissed at me.”

“I’m not pissed.”

“Really? I call bullshit. Besides, who the fuck are you anyway? An accountant? Who owns a casino?” He sighs and takes a forkful of food.

“So, you do know what Cane means.” It’s said with little emotion, just another statement of fact rather than information about who he is.

“Well, Mortoni gave me a clue. Said this is a Cane casino. Pretty impressive for an accountant.” Despite my confessions, Nate stays silent, digging into his food again and ignoring my jibe. “Nate?” My appetite vanishes as I contemplate having to walk out on him once more. I can’t change who I am, nor will I.

Not even for him.

“You know, fuck you.” I stand, not able to take this one-sided conversation any longer. “If you won’t talk to me, I’m wasting my time.”

My heart tightens in my chest, strangling the oxygen from my chest. I storm away from him, but hear plates crash to the floor as he catches my arm before I can escape.

“We’re far from fucking finished here, Gabby.” He tugs me back against his chest, arms surrounding me as he leans in and steals a kiss I didn’t expect him to give. It’s a kiss that I’ll happily return time and time again, regardless of this atmosphere between us.

The seconds slow until the moment we’re in feels like it could last a lifetime.

“You’re not leaving. You’re not sleeping. And you will remember how I like you doing as you’re told.” Nate’s fingers run up my neck and through my hair, holding me to him. “Are we clear?” His nose rubs against mine, an affectionate gesture that melts my heart all over again.

“Clear.”

“Good, because I’m suddenly hungry for something other than this goddamn food.”