I look down and rearrange the two sides to cover the metal staple. “That worked.”
“It did.” He hands the stapler back, and I slot it back in the glovebox.
“Right,” he says. “Ready?”
I meet his eyes, and for a moment, our gazes lock.
“I’m really nervous about this,” I say, not sure why I’m making the admission.
His expression softens. “I’ll be there if you need me.”
For some reason, that makes me feel better, I have no idea why.
Chapter Six
Aurelia
When we go into the restaurant, I discover that Dom’s already sitting at a table by the window, waiting.
He watches me walk over to him, and I see his gaze slide to Luke, who’s asked to meet him before he leaves us to it.
“Babe,” Dom says, rising. “It’s good to see you.”
I stiffen as he bends to kiss my cheek, sliding his hand onto my hip. I know him well enough to understand that the endearment, and the kiss, is for Luke’s benefit.
“Hi.” I clear my throat as he moves back. “Dom, this is Luke, my close protection officer. Luke, this is Dom.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Luke says, holding out his hand. His voice is slightly flat. I know they haven’t met, but he clearly already dislikes Dom. I wonder what else Marcus told him?
Dom shakes his hand, sizing Luke up. Dom’s six-two and not a tiny guy by any means, but Luke makes everyone look small.
“What are you doing with a CPO?” Dom asks me, half-amused, half-annoyed at Luke’s presence.
“Just Marcus being overenthusiastic,” I say.
“Puts a bit of a damper on the conversation when there’s a third wheel present,” Dom says.
“He won’t sit with us,” I tell him. “He just wanted to meet you, that’s all.”
“Wanted to size up the legend?” Dom asks with a grin.
“Something like that,” Luke says.
I give him an amused look. “Okay, you can leave us now.”
“Yeah,” Dom says, “good boy.”
Luke holds his gaze for a moment, and the two men glower at each other.
“Oh, good grief.” I push Luke away. “Go and have some lunch over there. I’ll pay for it.”
“I can buy my own lunch.” Luke walks off, over to a table by the window, and pulls the chair out so hard that it scrapes on the tiles. He sits and picks up the menu, but continues to watch me as I take my seat, and Dom sits back in his. I now have my back to Luke, but Dom glances over my shoulder at him. Apparently the two of them are going to glare at each other throughout the meal.
I pick up my menu, trying to focus on the dishes, but I’m having trouble concentrating. I’m beginning to think this was a huge mistake.
“Don’t worry,” Dom says, pushing down my menu, “I ordered for us to save time because I know you’re busy.”
I put it down, feeling a prickle of irritation. “Lovely. What am I having?”
