Page 24 of Temporary Vows

His gaze drifts over me again. “About why you look like hell.”

Heat pricks the back of my neck. “Thanks. That’s exactly what every woman wants to hear.”

“Relax, I’m just curious, little lamb.”

Little lamb.

The old nickname slams into me like a slap made of memories.

I haven’t been called that name in years, and somehow, it still finds the softest parts of me. I earned it because I used to follow him and Jack around like they hung the moon—or ratherhim.

“I’m just tired.” I force a smile.

“Then let’s start with some coffee.”

“I can get you coffee.” No matter what he said, if Beth sees me sitting here, she’ll have my head.

“No. Stay. She can do it.” His gaze shifts over my shoulder, and he raises a hand.

I turn to look, and my heart stops when I see Beth making her way over to us. The heavy scowl on her face suggests she was already coming to chew me out.

Shit. She’s already upset with me. This will make it worse.

The glare she throws my way when she reaches the table could incinerate. But she’s cool as a cucumber when she switches her gaze to Dorian.

“How can I help you, Mr. Vale?” she gushes.

"Can I get two coffees? Black for me, and a latte with almond milk for her."

Oh my God, he’s ordering forme. And he remembered I like almond milk. I’m not lactose intolerant; I just like the taste.

Beth and I both stare back at him, stunned. Except she looks royally pissed.

“With all due respect, Mr. Vale, my barista is still on her shift and should be working.” Beth pushes her shoulders back, happy to inform him that she practically owns me. “She will be happy to get you?—”

Dorian holds up a hand, cutting her off. “No.”

“No?” Beth blinks.

He gives her a toothy shark smile. “No. Elodie is going to sit with me for a while. While she’s here,youwill serve us. And you’ll do so with a smile on your face. Now, shall we start over?”

Oh my God. Did he seriously just say that?

Beth goes pale but pastes back on her fake smile. “Of course,” she says tightly. Her eyes cut to me, a warning buried in the sweetness. “Two coffees. Right away.”

She turns on her heel and stalks off toward the counter, spine ramrod straight, every line of her body screaming how much she hates this.

I sit there, dumbfounded, my pulse fluttering in my throat.

Dorian Vale just ordered my boss to wait onme.

For one surreal, stolen moment, it feels like he dragged me out of the line of fire and stepped into it himself for me.

It shouldn’t feel like a victory. But watching Beth march off to get me coffee is something I’ll never forget.

I look back at Dorian and find he’s already staring at me.

“She is going to skin me alive.” My fingers knot together in my lap, nails biting into my palms as if I can hold myself in place long enough to survive Beth’s impending wrath.