Page 116 of A Fate so Cruel

A wicked grin. “Should we see if they try to throw us out?”

“You’re going to use me to your advantage again, aren’t you?”

“Isn’t that the whole reason you’re here?”

Rion rolled his eyes and held out his arm, leading a practically bouncing Selina to the hostess stand the restaurant had stationed outside. The hostess, a female dressed in a short black dress with flowing blonde hair, looked them over and crinkled her nose.

“We’d like a table,” Selina said in her sweetest voice.

The hostess gave an apologetic smile to those waiting in line. “It’s formal attire only, I’m afraid.”

Selina made a show of looking down at herself, then to Rion. “I wasn’t aware those rules applied to a Lord of Brónach.”

The hostess’s eyes lit up, but upon inspection, her excitement shifted to disappointment. “I’m afraid you’ll have to come up with a better—”

Rion didn’t wait for her to finish her sentence as his magic came alive and swirled up his body. He’d never liked being thecenter of attention, but Selina seemed to delight in it. She even offered him a hint of a smile. He didn’t return it.

Her smile faded.

Rion thought the hostess might faint on the spot and leave them to either venture inside unannounced or seek another establishment. She collected herself and pivoted instead, gesturing them inside with her hands as though she no longer possessed the ability to speak.

They followed the female through the dimly lit space, all the way to the back where a single round booth sat on the left-hand side. A table reserved for high-paying patrons, especially those who didn’t wish to be disturbed.

The hostess set a pair of menus before them, her fingers trembling, then offered a house wine. Rion didn’t listen to her description of the flavors, he only nodded and waited for her to pour each of them a glass before rushing away.

Selina swirled the drink, staring at the contents before saying, “It really bothers you, doesn’t it?”

“What?”

“Their fear of you.”

Rion flipped open his menu. “It’s certainly made making friends a breeze.”

He glanced up when she didn’t respond and found something like sadness written across her face. She set her glass down. “I’m sorry. I should let you enjoy your times of anonymity.”

“You put yourself in danger too, you know?”

“Worried about me for a change?”

He smirked and read through the short list of dinner options. “Maybe.”

“Well don’t. I have a big bad Fae boyfriend to keep me safe.” She tapped her chin. “Although, I wonder if that male from earlier could take you on?”

He lifted a brow. “Foley? You’re not serious.”

She leaned forward. “How old were you when you first fought?”

“Fifteen.”

“It’s been a few years for both of you, then.”

“A few years that he spent in prison.”

“Supposedly. For all you know, they might have released him the very next day.”

Rion clenched his jaw at that. To think they might have been curating the poison for that long. Experimenting on unwilling subjects.

A new female arrived to refill their drinks and take their orders. Rion downed the wine, savoring the hints of a floral aftertaste.

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