Page 87 of Illicit Monster

Carter sets the plate down and picks up all the other dishes. "Enjoy." He scurries away.

Maeve puts her hand on her stomach. "I'm so full."

"Just try a bite," I tell her, popping a strawberry in her mouth.

She chews, swallows, and then holds her hand up. "Really, I can't take anymore. I'm full."

I put a piece in my mouth and nod. "It was good, though, right?"

"One of the best meals I've ever had," she agrees.

Satisfaction fills me. I question, "So you're a sushi lover now?"

"Yea, I already told ya I love it."

"Good. I'm glad, because I love it too."

There's that fucking word again. Why is it in my vocab all of a sudden?

"Why do ya look like you're at your gran's funeral?" she asks.

"I don't," I state. I kiss her forehead and motion for Carter to bring the check.

He comes over and hands me the envelope with the Masa wax seal.

"Wow. Fancy!" Maeve exclaims.

"Aye." I open the envelope and pull the bill out. I set it on the table and reach for my wallet.

Maeve shrieks, "$1,400!"

I glance at the bill. "Aye."

"$1,400," she repeats even louder.

"Shh. Don't cause a scene," I scold.

Her face reddens. She glances around. "Sorry... But $1,400!" she whispers again.

I move the bill away from her, ordering, "Stop stating the price, Maeve."

"Sorry, but that's ridiculous for food!"

I shake my head, trying not to chuckle. I can't help it. People stare at us, but I know she's not used to money. I declare, "Aye, it was worth every penny, though, wasn't it?"

A distraught expression fills her face, as if she doesn't know if she should say yes or no.

I add, "Nothing but the best for ya, dear wifey."

She gazes at me and then her eyes dart to the bill.

I grab her hand, demanding, "Stop worrying about it."

She takes a deep breath. "I don't know how I'll ever get used to this."

"Well, ya should, because this is your new life," I remind her.

She stares at the bill some more.

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