Page 5 of Ruthless Beast

“Two shots of Tequila, please,” I say, snapping the cupcake out of her lascivious thoughts. “Don Julio.”

She smiles bashfully at me, as if she forgot for a moment that I was there.

“That’s telling her,” David says, laughing once she’s out of earshot.

* * *

It’s 11:48 and I’m in bed with a lovely little buzz, courtesy of faithful old Don. Dannie raps on the door twice before she pokes her head inside the room.

“How’s my future husband?” she grins.

“Still as handsome as ever.”

“Did he ask you for my hand in marriage?”

“Not yet. Any day now.”

Dannie giggles and plops herself down at the foot of the bed.

“Did you have a good time?”

“I did, thanks.”

“What is it? Your mouth is saying one thing, but your eyes are telling a different story.”

“You know me far too well.”

“Spill it, Mildred.”

“I'm worried about David. I get the feeling he’s keeping something from me.”

“Did you ask him?”

“I did. He waffled on about a new client and being very busy, but I know it’s more than that.”

“Woman’s intuition is a curse.”

“It is when you can’t put your finger on the problem.”

“You know what men are like, Ems. I’m sure David will tell you if it’s serious. They don’t like to talk about feelings and shit.”

“I guess not.”

“Well, I’m paste. Sleep tight, Ems.”

“Good night, Dannie.”

I decide to send David a text before I turn off my nightlight.

Hey, Davy.

Thanks for a lovely evening. I miss you. Let’s do this more often. Sleep tight.

Love ya.

2

LUCAS LUCCHESE

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