Page 39 of Sovereign Oaths

“Excellent choice. And for you?” He looked at Alessio, who was oblivious to his presence.

“Baby?” I leaned forward.

He held up a finger before typing. Oh, no. I would not let the rudeness slide, but the poor waiter shouldn’t have to deal with our drama.

“He’ll have the huevos rancheros,” I ordered for him. Our waiter left, and I crossed my arms and waited.

Finally, at least three minutes later, he came back to reality and took in my frown. “I’m sorry, I––”

“You didn’t have to come. You could have told me no if you were too busy.”

He leaned in. “No, amor, something came up.”

I looked away from him. “Then why don’t you just go? I’d rather eat alone than be ignored.”

He reached across the table, and I stared down at his outstretched palm. “Millie, I really am sorry. I’ll put my phone away.”

I dropped my shoulders and took his hand. “Thank you.”

He grinned and leaned over to slide his phone into his pocket when he froze.

He got another message or call. We stared at each other while he debated what to do. He wanted to check, but he also didn’t want to piss me off.

I narrowed my eyes. “Are you okay?”

He swallowed and straightened, making his choice. “Yes.”

Good boy.

Almost.

He didn’t check his phone while we waited or as we ate, but his attention was focused just a few inches above my shoulder. How Martin didn’t clock the intensity of his boss’s gaze was remarkable. Also concerning.

That was a basic skill anyone in his position should have. Not my problem. That was something Alessio should address.

My attention was focused on my so-called boyfriend and waiting for him to realize how annoyed I was. I didn’t have to fake it. I couldn’t help but want to wave my hands in his face and remind him that his patient, forgiving girlfriend was sitting across from him and quickly reaching her limit.

At least the food was good. If it wasn’t, I would have bolted a while ago. As we finished eating and waited for the bill, I came up with the exact words to convey how royally he screwed up.

He put his black card back into his wallet and signed the slip before finally looking at me. “What would you like to do now?”

I lifted my purse and stood in one graceful move. “I’m going home.”

He shot to his feet. “What do you mean?”

I wasn’t going to do this in front of a crowded room, so I strode to the exit with my head high, knowing he’d follow.

Once we were outside, where his driver was waiting, I stopped and waited for him to catch up. Derek stood beside our black sedan, a knowing smirk on his lips. We hadn’t discussed plans beyond getting Alessio here, but he knew me well enough to predict I’d be ready to get away from him when the meal was done.

My heart swelled, but I pushed it down and kept my face neutral.

“Amor? What’s wrong?”

I put a hand on my hip. “Seriously?”

He looked around as if the explanation for my mood would be printed on the building.

“You were distracted through the whole meal. You didn’t even say a single word to me after you sat back down.”

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