Page 29 of Fearless Sinner

His smile brightens. “Didn’t you tell me this place was the best in the city?”

“I did.”

“So I came to see what all the fuss was about.”

That can’t be all he came for. “That’s it? You’re here to try the food, not to grill me about Harlan, or something else?” I don’t even want to mention the money.

“I’m not here to grill you about anything. And while I can definitely assure you that there are other things I’d like to try than the food, I’ll start with that.” From the sexy tone of his voice there is no mistake that he’s implying something sexual. Something sexual to do with me.

That familiar heat swirls low in my belly again, but instead of settling like last time, it spreads over me.

“Okay. Have you seen anything on the menu that you’d like to try?”

“The bruschetta, but I want you to join me.” The light of interest dances in his eyes and I realize I was right in my former assumptions.

“I… would really love to join you, but we’re kind of short staffed and it’s busy.”

“Ten minutes.”

I contemplate the idea of this. It doesn’t feel good. Anyone with eyes would be attracted to this man but I’m wary of who he is and our relationship with him.

We owe him. A lot.

And I guess that’s one reason I should say yes.

“Okay. Ten minutes. I’ll go place your order.”

“Sure.”

I turn back and find Roxanne behind the counter watching me with the attention of a hawk. The expression on her face is fascinated and terrified in equal parts.

I walk toward her and she meets me halfway.

“What does he want?” She keeps her voice low.

“Bruschetta…with me.”

Her eyes pop wide and a mischievous smile dances on her lips, making her look more like the Roxanne I’m used to. “Oh, I see.”

“It’s just for ten minutes.”

“Uh huh. And the next thing you know you’ll be in?—"

“Roxanne, please, just go get the bruschetta.”

“Fine. Go back to him. Don’t keep the man waiting.”

I roll my eyes at her and turn around to head back to Cillian, who stares at me as I slip into the seat, opposite him.

“The food will be here soon.”

“I look forward to it. How’s your mother?”

Despite the circumstances, it’s nice of him to ask about her. “She’s the same.”

“Sorry to hear that. An uncle of mine pulled out of a coma after almost a year, and he's fine now. Actually one of the healthiest people I know.”

“Really?”

---