Page 87 of Heart of Thorns

“Poached Pears Belle Helene,” the waiter says, quickly scurrying away.

Thorne’s hand falls to my leg under the table after I continue to stare at the pear covered inchocolate?

“Why isn’t she eating?” Mr. Thorne refuses to look in my direction.

Thorne squeezes my thigh. I clear my throat, saving him from the trouble of making up some excuse.

“I’m trying to watch my figure,” I answer, glancing at Helena next. “Us girls have to stay in shape so we can keep our men happy, right?”

I hear the faintest growl from Thorne, but surely he knows I’m just trying to appease his parents. They want some Barbie-like wife for Thorne so that’s what I’ll act like if it’ll get them off his back.

“Well then, you’re dismissed.”

I slice my attention over to the head of the table. Andrew Thorne doesn’t even glance at me. Instead, he glances at his watch, like he has somewhere else to be.

Thorne scoots his chair back but stops as soon as his father slaps the table. “Not you, Cassius.Her.”

Now it’s my turn to grab Thorne’s thigh.Calm down.

“And how do you expect her to get home?” he grits between clenched teeth.

“She’ll find a way. You and I have business to discuss.”

I can tell Thorne wants to argue, but instead of letting him, I drag my palm up his leg and latch on to his hand. Two squeezes later, and I’m placing my napkin onto the table and standing upright.

Coming to stand behind Thorne, I place my palm on his shoulder and glance to both of his parents. “Thank you so much for dinner.” Thorne reaches up and softly touches my hand. “It was so nice to meet both of you.”

Not.

Helena says some fake-nice remark, and Andrew grunts followed by a curt nod.

“I’ll see you later,” I whisper, placing a kiss on Thorne’s cheek.

I don’t breathe again until I’m outside.

Thorne texts me almost immediately.

Cassius

Uber is on its way. Check the license plate before you get in.

I send him a thumbs-up emoji.

He texts again.

Cassius

I’m sorry… for the entire night.

Me

Don’t be.

The truth is, I’m sorry for him.

CHAPTER 28

THORNE

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