Page 10 of His Dark Pact

“Promise me you’ll take a taxi home.”

“I will.” That was an easy vow to make since that had already been her plan. “I promise.”

“Good.” He leaned forward, and for one heart-stopping moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. Time stood still as his tempting lips and mesmerizing gaze neared, her heart galloping at the intimacy, but in the end, only his hand moved, rising in slow motion to her face, which he cradled gently.

“You’re cold.” His eyes were knowing. “Let’s get inside.”

“Yes.”

It took every inch of her willpower not to lean into his palm and enjoy its warmth, but as it lowered to collect her hand, she acknowledged how much she craved the caress he was yet to offer.

Even though it was ridiculous to lust after a man who promised nothing more than dinner. Even though she had far bigger concerns in her life than a meaningless kiss, a part of her was still bereft at his absence.

“This way.” He’d already moved by the time she registered his prompt, his long limbs taking him halfway up the white steps. His fingers clasped hers, though, ensuring she couldn’t change her mind.

For a moment, she contemplated whether she appreciated his ‘take-charge’ attitude. She wasn’t used to being berated for her choices, let alone in public, but then, what had she anticipated? Kyle was obviously a man who liked to take control of a situation. He’d demonstrated that much at the grocery store. That was what she’d liked.

As he tugged her up the stairs, past other customers who appeared to be waiting for their turn, she reconciled herself to play his game. It felt good to have someone care for her welfare for a change. Even her late husband hadn’t been overly worried about her safety on nights out, although she was sure he’d cared for her in his own way.

Reaching the zenith of the short climb, the warmth radiating from Worthington’s dispersed the debate. Let Kyle play the scolding hero for the evening. Perhaps she’d grow to appreciate being looked after.

“Mr. Kyle?” A man who she assumed to be the maître d’, based on his penguin-like attire and austere expression, pushed past the staff greeting customers to meet them. “How are you, sir?”

Guiding Amy against his body, Kyle met the guy with the same debonair style she’d come to associate with him.

“Robert.” Kyle thrust out a hand in the maître d’s direction. “It’s always a pleasure.”

“As it is to see you, sir.” Robert’s focus slid from Kyle to Amy. “I see you require a discreet table for two?”

Discreet?

The word grated as she struggled to comprehend what was happening. How did anyone just bypass the rather tangible line outside and know the maître d’ by name? Clearly, her beau frequented Worthington’s a lot. But that didn’t explain the maître d’s assertion that they’d require an inconspicuous table. What did Kyle get up to with his guests when he usually visited? The questions loitered in her mind as Kyle replied.

“This isMrs.Kendal.” Kyle emphasized her title as he gestured to her. “And yes, my normal table, please, Robert.”

“It’s an honor to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Kendal.” Robert’s smile was insincere as he approached her. “Please, follow me.”

“Thanks.”

She glanced between the two men, suddenly aware that all eyes were on her, but as quickly as the attention landed, it was gone, and with Kyle’s hand still firmly enmeshed with hers, there was little choice but to cede as the two men walked away.

“Do you come here often?” she whispered as she caught up with Kyle. She wanted to ask how he preferred to be referred to—Mr. Kyle was getting a little old—but passing other people’s tables hardly seemed the right time to inquire.

“I do.” The wink he threw her sent the butterflies in her belly fluttering in various directions. “It’s nice to have a good-quality place to rely on. I hope you enjoy it, Amy.”

Nice?Glancing around at the lavish décor, the word barely seemed adequate.

“I’m sure I will.”

Meeting his smile as Robert presented them with a table at the far end of the restaurant on a separate, elevated level and Kyle gently squeezed her fingers, she was conscious that she might have more than only dinner on her mind.

Dessert was looking increasingly alluring, too.

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