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Chapter Three
Royce fisted his fingers on his fork in an effort to avoid throwing a punch at the man sitting across from him next to Susan. Such a loving fiancé she’d burdened herself with, a moron who would put her to work and plan to live at her expense. Royce hadn’t missed the surge of panic in her onyx eyes. She was trapped and hating it, yet unable to free herself from the noose about to strangle her.
“This has been a delectable dinner.” Carole Chen relaxed against the back of her chair, apparently oblivious to the drama devastating her daughter.
Prompted back to his duties as host, Royce turned his head toward her and stood. “Kasem, help clear the table. No, ladies. Don’t move. You’re our guests.”
He removed his plates and Mrs. Chen’s and tossed a meaningful look at Kasem who followed suit with Susan’s plates and his own.
“If you’re going to share my condo, I expect you to share the responsibilities. Fair enough, my friend?”
“Fair enough. I’m sure things will change when your wife comes back.”
He winked at Royce.
“We have tiramisu for dessert,” he said, ignoring the comment.
“Yummy.” Kasem rubbed his hands. “Bring it over, my friend.”
“It’s just behind you in the fridge. Would you get it, please?”
“All right.” Kasem opened the fridge, as Susan and her mother exchanged an amused glance.
“While you’re at it, bring the dessert plates and forks,” Royce added with the clear firm tone he used with his nephews and nieces.
“I’ll bring a big plate for the cake,” Susan offered.
“Plates please,” Royce reminded Kasem. “And forks and a spatula. Mrs. Chen, will you do us the honor?” He transferred the tiramisu to the big plate and handed her the spatula.
By the end of dessert, Susan indulged in several big yawns. “Sorry, I’m so sleepy. Mae, are you done?”
“I’ll have another piece. This cake is heavenly.” Kasem presented his plate, and Mrs. Chen cut him another piece.
Susan yawned again. “I think I’ll call a cab. I’m too sleepy to wait another minute.”
“No, no,” Royce protested. “I’ll take you home. Kasem, when you’re done, please put the tiramisu in the box and store it in the fridge. Put the dirty plates into the dishwasher. I have to stop by my brother’s on the way back and may be late tonight. Don’t wait for me. Give me a minute, ladies.”
Worried that Kasem might snoop around and realize the master bedroom didn’t bear any trace of a feminine presence, he locked the bedroom door.
“Ready?” Susan asked impatiently.
“Susie babe, don’t forget to call your brother,” Kasem said. “Remind him to have the car delivered to Royce’s address.”
“No, to my address,” she said. “I have to get to work.”
“I’ll drive you.”
“No.”
“How do you expect me to get around?” he whined.
“We’ll discuss it later. I’m too tired now. Goodnight.”
She opened the door and walked out, her mother following her.
“See you,” Royce threw over his shoulder, before shutting the door.
Susan settled beside him, but didn’t say a word during the ride home. When he parked in the driveway, he opened the garage door and helped her mother out.
