Zach’s smile fell, and he squinted at me.
“I’m working,” I mouthed.
“Oh.” Zach glanced at Lothair, and to my horror, his eyes brightened with recognition. “I see.”
But of course, who in Ardaine, especially an omega of a certain age, wouldn’t recognize Lothair?
“I had no idea you were here with someone. Sorry for interrupting. Have a great night.”
He was about to leave. Phew. The next time I saw him, I’d have to thank him for his discretion.
“You’re not interrupting at all, beautiful. Come have a drink with us.” Lothair moved back and gestured to a barstool between him and me.
Fuck.
Zach gave me a meaningful look, hesitating only for a second before he climbed onto the stool.
“I’m Lothair.”
“Zach. Very nice meeting you.”
“I haven’t seen you here before.”
“I rarely come since my weekends are busy. But I hear you are a regular guest at Rosebud.”
“You work on weekends? That’s tough.”
Zach shrugged. “I study full time and work Saturday and Sunday evenings.”
“What’s your major?”
“Electro engineering.”
Ashamed, I realized I’d never asked Zach anything like that. I’d just fucked him.
“Wow. That’s amazing. And where do you work?”
“Rafaelo, of course.” He pointed a finger at Lothair, smiling flirtatiously. “But I’m not on the job tonight, so don’t get any ideas.”
Lothair lifted both palms up. “I’m just enjoying your lovely company.”
Zach’s drink landed in front of him.
“Put that on my tab,” Lothair said.
“Sure, Mr. Courtemanche,” replied the bartender.
Zach lifted his glass in a cheers gesture. “Thank you.”
“How do you know Terrance here?” Lothair’s question held an obvious implication.
“We met at a party through mutual friends.” Zach smiled at me sweetly, mischief lurking in his eyes.
Lord, between him and Lothair, I was a sitting duck. But Zach had apparently decided to cover for me, and I was so grateful I could kiss his tall, chunky boots.
“Actually, if I’m being honest, I begged my friend to introduce us. Terrance was all aloof and polite. I took it as a challenge.”
Lothair laughed. “And did you succeed in tackling that challenge?”
