Page 47 of Filthy Ruck

Belinda laughed. “Don't be like that. This doesn't have to be difficult. You smile, I take photos. Those photos go online for all your fans to enjoy. It's really that simple.”

“It's an invasion of privacy,” Dallas said. “I don't give you permission to take my photo.” He stomped over to the restaurant door, opened it and gestured for us to step inside.

“Sweetie, you're in a public place,” Belinda said, all condescension and vinegar-laced honey. “How can I invade your privacy when you're not in private?”

“Probably by climbing on a ladder and peering over a fence,” Frost told her.

She pretended to look shocked. “I would never do something so tacky.”

I couldn't keep quiet any longer. “You followed us. Some people would call that tacky. Some might even suggest it's illegal.”

She laughed. “I happened to be driving on the same road as you. There's no law against that. You make it sound like I'm some kind of stalker.”

“That sounds accurate,” I said. “A stalker with a camera who makes a living by taking photos of famous people. People whohappened to be eating dinner out tonight. What an exciting story.” I rolled my eyes.

“Three of you with a beautiful mystery woman,” Belinda said. “That could be a very exciting story.” She was practically salivating.

“It's sweet that you think I'm beautiful,” Chelsea said, “But I'm no one. Just a student lucky enough to get a ride here from these guys.”

In the corner of my eye, I caught Dallas twitching at her choice of words.

Don't think about riding Chelsea, I told myself. A boner would give the paparazzo something to talk about.

Belinda laughed again. “I'm sure you got a ride from them. Which one of them?” Her predatory gaze swivelled from one to the other of us, slightly frowning as she watched for any change in our expressions. Anything that might give us away.

It was Chelsea's turn to laugh. “You saw us get out of the SUV. Obviously I got a ride with all three of them.” She shot Belinda a dazzling smile and stepped through the open door into the restaurant.

I gave Belinda a last look and curled my lip before stalking away. Seeing the smile melt off her face was satisfying. Good, she could find someone else to harass. Maybe I should give her Atlas' address.

“I hate parasites like her,” I grumbled before a server led us to our table. I was so annoyed, I didn't even think to argue when Frost and Dallas sat on either side of Chelsea, leaving me to sit opposite. Dallas moved his chair a little closer, as though he couldn't bear to be too far away from her.

“She's just doing her job,” Chelsea said. “Feeding the public's need for dirt on guys like you.”

“The public should mind its own fucking business,” Dallas growled.

“Yeah, they should, but they won't,” I said. “Don't let it get to you. She'd like nothing more than to live rent free in your brain. People like her aren't worth it. Let's relax and enjoy ourselves, yeah?”

“Sounds good to me,” Frost said.

We had a table in the corner where no one would disturb us, or overhear. As long as we didn't shout, we'd be left alone.

I loved that about places like this. If Belinda followed us in and tried to take photos, the staff would kick her out. I'd seen several escorted to the door in the past. Henrietta's was so exclusive, someone like Belinda would have to wait a year for a table. She couldn't pretend she was another customer so she could sit there and watch.

“How did you get us a table here?” Frost asked Dallas. “Even if I tell them who I am, it takes weeks to get a table.”

“My sister owns the place,” Dallas said. “Makes it easier to pull strings.”

“Your sister is Henrietta?” Frost asked.

Dallas rolled his eyes. “Henrietta sold the place years ago. My sister Greta runs the place now. I have a small stake in it, so they can't refuse when I want to come here and eat.”

“Nice,” I said approvingly. “I had no idea you were so connected in Dusk Bay.”

Dallas shrugged. “It's one restaurant. It's not like I know the mayor, or whoever runs the place.”

Chelsea poured herself a glass of water from the jug in the centre of the table and took a big gulp. She started coughing and her face turned pink.

“You okay?” I asked, while Dallas patted her on her back. He left his hand there even after she stopped coughing.

---