Page 38 of Sovereign Oaths

“Sorry about that. Had some emails to catch up on.” He apologized just as the driver announced our arrival.

“I don’t mind. I’m getting a morning with you all to myself. Of course you have things to check on.”

He climbed out and studied me for a moment, grinning. “You’re amazing.”

I smiled back, and the driver opened my door. Expecting him to take the day off from work entirely was unreasonable and something I’d never ask of him. No wonder he liked having me as a girlfriend so much. Maybe that was rare for him, but I’d never been the type to need a man around all the time. In fact, I preferred my alone time.

Not that I’d done much dating within the Pack. That would ruin the untouchable-bitch persona I’d worked so hard to create.

Alessio gave our name to the hostess, and she led us to a small table toward the end of the large open dining room. I fought hard against the urge to look around.Cruz had confirmed we’d have a clear view of Martin’s party. He told me to have Alessio sit with his back toward the wall, as he usually preferred, and let him find them on his own. Derek stood several steps behind me.

Fortunately, it didn’t take long. Our waiter took two steps away after getting our drink order, when every inch of Alessio tensed. His eyes narrowed, and he stared just over my shoulder.

I delayed my reaction, giving him time to watch and absorb before pulling him back to me.

“Babe?” I leaned slightly to catch his eyes. “Is something wrong?”

He blinked and met my gaze. “I’m not…excuse me for a second.”

Before I could respond, he was up. I twisted in my seat. Alessio marched back toward the entrance rather than to Martin, who hadn’t noticed his boss.

Wherever he was going, the guys would be able to listen. We planned on this, but I was surprised he didn’t confront the man directly.Maybe he’d taken my no-more-fights rule to heart.

My phone vibrated in my bag.

Marco: He’s asking someone to look into Martin. Find out who he’s with and trail him for the rest of the day

Em: He’s pissed. Rough day.

I put my phone away and placed my purse back on the side of my chair and smiled up at the waiter as he returned with our mimosas. “Thanks.”

“Do you have any questions about the menu?” He glanced down at the cream paper I hadn’t even picked up yet.

“No, but my boyfriend needed to step out for a phone call. We’ll be ready in a few minutes.”

“Of course.” He stepped back and went to another table.

I sipped on my drink and exchanged subtle funny faces with Derek until Alessio came back into the dining area. He glanced at Martin but sat back down without speaking to him.

“Is everything all right?” I sat my glass down and picked up the menu.

He shot me a quick smile as he lifted his own. “Yes, sorry about that.”

I didn’t press him, skimming over the options as if nothing was unusual. “I can’t decide between the eggs Benedict or the goat cheese frittata.” He didn’t respond, so I lowered my menu. He was staring down at his phone. “Baby?”

“Yes?” He looked up.

“What are you going to get?”

“Um…” He looked at the menu. “The huevos rancheros look good.”

And he was back on his phone.

I didn’t push—yet. His freak-out mode simmered, but I didn’t want him to snap. Then again, he was on thin ice, and ignoring me wasn’t the smartest choice.

“Are you two ready to order?” The waiter returned, looking down at me.

“Yes. Could I get the eggs Benedict, please?”

---