“Yes way. I’m not delving into the details, but he ruined my dating life back then.”
“He cares for you, Vee. Remember Ace?”
I winced, remembering how Saph stood in the firing line, rescuing me from the abuse, and called Jules to deal with Ace. If it weren’t for Saph, I’d have more scars than the one on my ear. “Thank you,” I said, touching her hand. “You’re the sister I never had.”
“I’m glad we met.” Saph’s eyes beamed.
“Likewise.” I smiled. My eyes darted to the gluten-free jam doughnut on Saph’s plate. My kale salad tasted...well, bland.
“Do you want some? Here, try it.” Saph offered a chunk of her doughnut.
I took the piece, stuffed it in my mouth, and enjoyed the sweetness of the treat. Saph removed her scarf to adjust her blouse, revealing love bites all over her neck.
Shit, those hickeys are ugly.
I raised my eyebrows at her ravaged neck and tipped, “You’d better put your scarf back on, hon.”
“Is it bad?” Saph grimaced.
I chuckled, shaking my head. “Yeah, it looks like you’ve been mauled by a beast. Tell Jules to be a little more discreet with his kisses.”
“Did I hear my name?” Julian’s deep voice asked.
“Hiya. You need to find a chair,” I said.
Julian kissed the love of his life, then glanced at the woman with the Prada bag. “Hey, is this chair taken?” he asked.
Miss Prada turned to him, eyes wide open, and immediately removed her bag from the chair. “Take it. It’s yours,” she offered with a sickly sweet smile.
Sapphire wrinkled her nose. “Hey, you said it was taken a few minutes ago.”
“Oh, did I? It was a misunderstanding,” the Prada woman replied, feigning innocence in front of Julian.
Moments later, when he was in the restroom, I noticed Saph glare at Miss Prada. “Don’t get into the mud and wrestle with a pig. Trust me, you’ll be the only one not enjoying the mud,” I advised, stroking her arm.
“I know. You’re right.” she peeled her stare from the woman. If crossed, Saph could hold a mean grudge. We were similar in that respect. “Vee, I’m going to chat with one of the staff. Rosie’s a friend of mine. I’ll be back,” she said, getting up.
My phone buzzed.
I’ve just finished work. Are you hungry?
I grinned, then replied to Alistair’s text.
I’m starving. Casa de Amor?
I was thinking about my place. I’ve got a few surprises.
Good surprises?
Only the best for you, sweetheart.
Ooh, will you play ‘police officer’ and handcuff me?
You’ll have to come over and find out.
I’ll be over in about twenty, Officer Scott.
I’ve got one rule: no panties.
