Page 119 of Bossy Wicked Prince
“Fuck,” Nate mutters, dropping his cards face down.
“How did you miss that one?” Luke asks. “It was written all over his face!”
“What did you have, a pocket pair?” Beau demands.
James shakes his head. “He doesn’t have to tell us.”
“Nate’s a little distracted tonight.” Ryan says, leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head. “What’s on your mind? It’s not our little feline friend here, is it?”
“Who the fuck goes in with that hand anyway, Archer?” Nate snipes, wiping a hand over his mouth.
I shove to my feet. “I should get some ice,” I say dumbly before I hightail it to the bar.
Once I’m far from the table, I pull out my phone. The guys’ obvious attempts at matchmaking have gone straight past sweet and straight to deranged. I get that they’re trying to help out a friend, but no part of Nate seems happy about this.
I should just leave, but Beau promised good tips, and I’m going to need them if I plan to find another apartment that isn’t surrounded in UPS cameras.
I need some moral support if I’m going to get through this. Fortunately, a text from Pippa’s already waiting for me.
Pippa
I’m lighting a candle for you. I don’t know how to cast spells or anything, but I’m sending a wish that Nate’s hair catches on fire or something.
Smiling, I type in an answer.
Cat
Nate’s not so bad, but I’m starting to see why you’re not Ryan’s biggest fan.
Pippa
What did he do??
Cat
He tried to get me to sit on his lap. The guys are trying to torture Nate, or get us back together. Not sure which.
Pippa
Oh, hell no! I’m coming down there. I’m going to give those assholes a piece of my mind.
I blanche. It’s one thing to bitch to Pippa over text. I’m not ready for her to actually show up and defend me.
Cat
No!! Stay home with Waffle!! I got this.
No answer. Shit. If I know Pippa, she’s down the stairs to an Uber right now. I might be able to get away with pouring a shot on Ryan, but Pippa brings a level of violence which might get me fired. Shit.
I glance at the time. There’s only half an hour left on my shift, anyway. All I have to do is survive that long, and hopefully I can intercept Pippa before she does something I’ll regret.
Over at the table, the guys’ voices raise again. I know nothing good will come from me listening in, but I can’t help it.
“Who the hell needs to call you eight times in a row?” Luke’s asking Ryan.
“I told you, it’s nobody important.”
The phone dings again, and Beau snatches it out of Ryan’s hands. “What the hell?” Ryan yells.
