Page 63 of The Image of You

“No. I’ll be summoned soon, though.”

“I’ll go with you. You don’t have to face them alone.”

“You’d do that?”

“I’d do anything for you.”

I held her tight. “We’ll do this together.” I snorted. “Or I can call Elena. She’ll set them straight in a fucking heartbeat.”

“Elena adored you. I could see her talking to you.”

“I like her. She’s wicked. She likes my ink.” I winked. “I think the old gal fancies me a little.”

Ally giggled. “I don’t blame her. You’re pretty hot stuff, Mr. Kincaid.”

“Can I take you home?”

“Yes.”

“My home?”

“Can I use my key?”

I tucked her under my arm. “Yes.”

“Could we–could we stop and get a pizza?”

I had seen how little she ate at dinner.

I nestled her closer. “Absolutely. Extra cheese?”

“Yes.”

“No utensils,” I bargained.

“I might get messy.”

I lowered my head, my lips brushing her ear. “I’ll lick it off you.”

She shivered. “No utensils,” she agreed.

“Okay. Let’s go.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Ally’s phone chimed again, but this time, it was a different sound than usual. Bradley and her mother had tried several times to reach her since we’d left the gala last night, but she ignored them all. She glanced over from her spot in my arms, frowning.

“You need that?”

“That’s Vivian. She may need me to cover a shift.”

Reluctantly, I handed it to her. I didn’t want her going in, but I knew I had no voice in the matter. She read the screen and rolled her eyes.

“What?”

“She’s reminding me about my lieu time.”

“What about it?”