Page 103 of Cuffed By Love

“We’re just friends. We hung out last night, and it was late, so Levi suggested I stay here.” Mira explains. “That’s all.” She adds, looking over at me briefly and averts her gaze. “It’s nice to meet you finally. Dev’s talked a lot about you.”

Megan beams and looks back at me. “Aww, he has?” I smile at her and nod. “So you know Devin too? Oh wait, you’re that Mira. Their childhood friend everyone keeps talking about.”

Mira looks at me again and nods, forcing a smile on her face. “That’s me.”

“Well, I’ve heard a lot about you over the years, Mira. Come, let’s have some breakfast, and you can fill me in on Devin’s childhood.” Megan all but grabs Mira and pulls her toward the kitchen.

“Uhm, o-okay, sure.”

The most awkward breakfast I have ever had in my life. “Aren’t they so cute together?” Megan gushes, looking over at Mira and Levi conversing. No, they fucking aren’t!

“Mhm,” I utter, nodding, deliberately stuffing oatmeal into my mouth, so I don’t have to speak, and maybe she won’t detect the bitterness in my tone.

“There’s no way they’re just friends. I mean, look at them. I’ve never seen Levi look at anyone like that. She’s special, I can tell.” I groan inwardly. “Oh, I have a great idea.”

I scowl, “What great idea?”

“Let's go out to dinner tonight. All four of us.” Megan chirps. Mira and Levi stop talking and look at her like she'd sprouted a second head. Myself included. “I've always wanted to go out on a double date. Oh, please say yes. Levi?” She gives him a pleading look, and he looks at Mira. The look in her eyes is screaming hell fucking no. I’ve seen that look one too many times. “I would love to get to know Mira better and hear more about your childhood,” Megan adds with a pout and lays her head on my shoulder.

“Yeah, sure, why not.”

Idiot!

Mira and I glare at Levi, who winces. I know for a fact Mira just delivered a swift kick to his shin. “Yes! I’ll make reservations immediately.” She jumps up to her feet, kisses me, and walks off with her phone.

“Levi, what the hell?” I grit irately.

He shrugs indifferently. “What? What's the big deal? It’s just one dinner, brother.” He turns his attention to Mira, who has sunk back into her chair, deflated. Levi drops a kiss on her temple. “I’m going to shower real quick, and then I’ll take you home, okay?” Mira nods wordlessly.

The moment Levi leaves the room, she looks at me. “Can you get us out of this?”

I shake my head. “No, she’s like a dog with a bone. I’ve been vague about you over the years, and it's not helped her curiosity. It’s better to get it over with. When Megan sets her mind to something, she won’t stop till she gets it.”

Mira sighs, “Great. Exactly how I want to spend my Saturday night—being interrogated. Should I expect the Spanish inquisition?”

I rub my forehead. “You should have thought about that before you came here. You’ve only got yourself to blame.” Mira’s brow goes up. “Am I wrong? You knew she was here. Did it not occur to you that you’d run into her? Or were you too engrossed in my brother to take notice of that matter?”

“What is your problem?” Mira hisses furiously, leaning over the table. “What is it you’re digging me out for? What do you want to hear, that I’m sleeping with him? Would it make you happy to know that I am?”

“Do I look happy?” I grit back, and she glowers at me.

“You should be; you’re an engaged man after all.”

“I am not en—”

“Table for four is booked at La Fleur at eight. I hope you like French cuisine. The chef is a friend of mine, and he’s ah-mazing.” Megan announces, walking back into the kitchen. Mira slaps the fakest smile I have ever seen on her face and nods.

“Sounds delightful.” She simpers and rises to her feet. “I think I’ll go check on Levi.” She declares, shooting me a snide glare as she walks off toward the bedroom. I stare at her retreating back and nod.

You want to play with me, Tinks. Let’s play.

* * *

Later that evening,sitting in the restaurant waiting for Levi and Mira to show up, my nerves were running high. I need to keep myself in check, calm and composed. I’m going to give her a taste of her own medicine. She wants to provoke me. Two can play this fucking game, and when I play, I play to win.

Before I even set my sights on her, a shiver passes through me. She looks in-fucking-sane. My eyes glide over the length of her as she walks over to the table. Mira’s in a two-piece red number. The skirt she’s wearing is long, high-waisted with a very high slit up the front, a matching tube top, more like a piece of cloth that just covers her breasts. Her silky smooth, tan torso on display for all to see. Every man in that restaurant, including me, gaped and leered while the females sneered with envy as she walked by.

We stand to greet them when they reach the table. Megan hugs Mira, and I nod to Levi, and he does the same. When Megan embraces Levi, I lean over and press a lingering kiss to Mira’s cheek. The fresh and fruity smell of her perfume makes my head whirl. When I draw back, she looks up at me through her lashes, and I feel my cock stiffen. “Got something to say, King?”

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