Page 48 of Tabitha

Chapter Fifteen

TABITHA

The adrenaline rush from taking the car around the curvy mountain roads fades when I spot the guys parked in front of the café. As I step out of the car, my good mood sours.

When they said they were going to lunch, I didn’t expect them to join us.

It’s obvious they don’t trust me, and the notion stings sharper than I expected.

That’s what I get for allowing myself to get distracted and think of the men as potential friends rather than assets to be used for the job.

I shake off the distraction, determined not to let the ass clowns ruin my fact-finding mission before it even starts. I round the hood of the car, coming to an abrupt stop when I see River hooting and hollering on the sidewalk.

Much to my confusion, my annoyance with him slips away before I can tell him to fuck off.

The rest of the men join River, creating a line of muscle that leaves Banks standing in the background. Displeasure radiates from him, the promise of pain darkening in his eyes.

If looks could kill, the soldier boys would be dead.

“Where did you learn how to drive like that?” River asks, not waiting for me to respond. “I can’t wait for us to face off in a race. None of the other guys can even put up a challenge anymore.”

“I’ve never raced against anyone before.” I tip my head consideringly. “It sounds like fun.”

The guys begin hustling me toward the café, and I’m not aware of following them until the door chimes open. I halt on the spot, slapping away their hands. “Wait…what are you guys even doing here? I thought you were going to get lunch or something.”

Because even I know crashing a date is considered rude.

I don’t wait for them to respond, just shake my head and stride back toward Banks. “Sorry for the interruption. Shall we get our coffee?”

Banks shoots one last glare at the guys, then peers down at me, his stiff posture relaxing infinitesimally. His brown eyes lose their flat look, warmth slowly bleeding back into them. “I would like that.”

He slips his hand around my waist, guiding me forward, and it’s all I can do not to grab his arm, twist, and flip him over my shoulder. I don’t like anyone touching me without permission, and I definitely haven’t given him permission.

Something about his touch makes my skin want to crawl off my body. I skip a step forward to get away from the sensation and grab the door, pretending the guys don’t exist. As we enter the café, Banks leads us toward the front window. He seats me, then takes the spot across from me. Before we have a chance to order, the guys follow, their tall forms looming over us. A look passes between them, then they grab a nearby table and chairs, drag them closer, and join us.

“What do you think you’re doing?” The men seem impervious to my death glare as they make themselves comfortable, and my fingers itch for my blades, wanting to punish them for being a bunch of dicks.

“Coffee with our girl sounds great,” Pierce answers, completely unrepentant. “We thought we’d take a break and join you.”

I’m so pissed, it’s all I can do not to lunge across the table and nut punch him for his insolence. I stupidly thought we’d be able to work together.

I feel like such an idiot.

All they’re doing is screwing things up.

“Why don’t I order us some coffee while you send your boy toys away?” Banks rises to his feet, pretending like the guys aren’t even present.

“She prefers tea,” Pierce calls after Banks, not even phased by my anger.

“Boy toys.” River smiles broadly, shooting me a wink. “I like it.”

Bast snorts at the term, seeming content to let his men wreak havoc. Gage looks like he smells the stench of decomp and wishes he could be anywhere else.

He and I are in agreement, for once.

I glare at the lot of them. “Go. Away.”

Pierce shows at least a little bit of self-preservation and stands. He tips his head toward me, then walks out the door, and I feel a tiny pang as he leaves.

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