Page 20 of Red's Revenge

“I endeavor to keep you guessing, Sugar. We’re here.” I glance out the window, and my jaw drops.

“Baso?” I stare at the restaurant as he pulls up to the valet.

My door opens, but before the valet can help me, Red pushes him out of the way with a growl.

“You handle the truck. I’ll help the lady.” The kid nods, but I catch the way he swallows.

“Yes, sir. Welcome to Baso.” He rushes around to the driver’s side after handing Red a ticket.

“That was rude,” I mumble as we make our way to the front doors, which are opened for us by the doorman.

“I’d rather be rude than let him get a glance up your dress. That view is only for me.” My cheeks heat up, and I resist the urge to fan my face.

“Reservation under Justice,” he says to the hostess.

“My Lord, as I live and breathe. Fredrick Allen is that you?” He curses under his breath at someone calling out his full name.

I glance and watch as a woman in a ballgown approaches us. She’s carrying a cocktail that is bright pink, like her lipstick.

“It is! I haven’t seen you in a spell. How are your folks?” She kisses both his cheeks, leaving lipstick on his skin.

“Hello, Dorthea. Folks are just fine. Thanks for asking. Enjoy your evening.” Red places his hand on my lower back as we startto follow the hostess to our table, but Miss Dorthea doesn’t take the hint.

“Oh, my word. I’m so sorry for this brute’s lack of manners! I’m an old family friend, Dorthea Reynolds. You are?” She extends the hand not holding the drink.

“None of your business Dorthea,” Red hisses, and the lady finally drops the nice act she was trying to sell.

“My, you haven’t changed one bit. How any woman can stand your company is beyond me.” She looks to me as if I have the answer to whatever her problem is with Red.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Do you think I know?” I laugh and shake my head at her.

“This is a business meeting, and you’re rudely interrupting. So go back to whatever gala pre-party you’re hosting and have a great night.” Red pushes me in front of him, so I’m following the host, but Miss Dorthea’s parting words aren’t lost on me.

“She’ll see your true colors like all the rest of us.” Wow, bitter Betty Barbie has some serious issues to work through.

The first twenty minutes are full of uncomfortable silence as we both look over the menu.

“Can I offer you the wine list?” The sommelier asked, and we both answered at once.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Sounds like you need a moment.” He backs away as we glare at each other.

“We agreed on no liquor.” He places the menu on the table and leans in as if he can intimidate me.

“No, you issued an order. News flash, you aren’t my father, and I’m a grown woman. If I want a glass of wine with my dinner, I will fucking have one.” His eyebrow arches, and a smirk touches his lip.

“Darlin’, you’re gonna learn really quick here that when I say no, there’s a fairly good reason, and if you choose not to listen, you aren’t going to like the consequences.” The fucking balls on this man.

“You gonna spank me, Red?” He sits back and places the napkin on his lap.

“No, Darlin’. Spankings are for good girls who listen.” That shouldn’t make me feel so hot.

“I’m not a girl.” He chuckles at me.

“Well aware, but until you start acting like a woman, I’m going to threaten you like the bratty girl you are. Now, what would you like to drink?” He lifts his chin to indicate the waiter is back, and I bite my cheek to stop cursing him out.

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