Page 16 of It Takes a Thief
“Well, let’s be honest, art history is a blow-off major. You’re going to need a husband to support you, right?”
“I don’t view it that way,” she states coolly.
“I’m interested in starting a family right away,” he says, practically talking over her.
Of course you are. Fucking creep.
“I assume you are, too, because you’re what? Almost thirty?”
“I’m twenty-four,” she corrects him in a flat voice.
“I hear it takes some women a while before they get pregnant. I’d like a big family, so the sooner we get started the better. Am I right?” His annoying laughter grates over me like shards of glass.
That’s it. I’ve had enough. I shove my chair back and take a moment to rein in my control before I punch him in his smug face. Standing to my full height, I turn to Merritt and can’t miss the crestfallen look on her face.
Sorry, sweetheart, he isn’t the guy for you.
Our gazes lock and I extend my hand. “May I escort you out of here, Princess? Because I think this jackass has wasted enough of your precious time.”
Merritt lays her small hand in mine, and I help her to her feet. Meanwhile, Assclown the Arrogant just blinks stupidly.
“Who’s this?” he finally spits out, noticing me for the first time.
“My bodyguard,” she says, sending me a smile that makes my stomach quiver.
“Bodyguard? What do you need a bodyguard for?”
“Royalty always has bodyguards,” I answer, carefully hooking her arm through mine. “I think she’s done dealing with you, commoner.”
Merritt stifles a shocked laugh behind her hand as I turn and walk her out the door.
“Royalty?” Elliot stutters behind us before the door swings shut in his stupid face.
Chapter Seven: Merritt
“What an ass,” Linc grumbles, his arm still over mine, as we walk down the crowded sidewalk.
Suddenly, I feel like the world’s biggest fool. “I’m sorry. That was a disaster, and I put you in an awkward position.”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I fight back the sting of tears.
“Hey,” he says, voice low and a little rough. “That guy was a complete douchebag. Not your fault. Don’t waste another thought on him.”
“I know.” I let out a harsh breath. “You must think I’m an idiot with unrealistic expectations. My parents were right. You were right. Who finds someone and falls in love in two weeks? So stupid.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s easy for people to hide how awful they are in an online profile.”
“Maybe I should have rules like you. Just keep my heart locked up instead of wearing it on my sleeve.”
Linc abruptly stops walking and turns to face me, but I can’t look at him because my eyes are wet with unshed tears and I’mso embarrassed. He puts his fingers under my chin, lifting it, and forces me to look up at him.
“No, don’t you dare hide that big heart. It’s one of the things I like most about you,” he admits in a gruff voice.
“I feel like a fool.”
“Going on a blind date, putting yourself out there…” His face clouds over and his fingers slide away from my jaw. “It takes courage. And you, Princess, are very brave.”
“Please, no titles. Just call me Merritt or Mer.”
