Which is exactly why I should keep my distance, because I’ve been around him for less than twenty-four hours and I’m already obsessing. And it’s clear Shadow’s the kind of man who takes over without asking, and I’ve had enough of men like that to last me a lifetime. But still . . . the thought of seeing him again today sends another buzz through me, like I’ve had too much coffee.
I groan into the pillow. This has to stop.He is no good for me.
I’m sitting cross-legged on the bed, debating whether I can sneak out without anyone noticing, when there’s a heavy knock on the door.
“Wake up,” Shadow’s voice rumbles through it.
I roll my eyes but get up anyway, opening the door to find him leaning on the frame, arms crossed and his face like thunder.
“Morning, Grumpzilla,” I say with forced enthusiasm.
“Breakfast,” he says, like it’s an order. Then he turns and starts walking without looking back.
I follow, mostly because I don’t actually know the way out of here without retracing every corridor we came through last night. His strides are long and deliberate, like I’m slowing him down just by existing.
We’re halfway to what smells like coffee and bacon when Ragnor appears at the other end of the hall. He grins the second he sees me.
“Remi,” he drawls, strolling over like he’s got all the time in the world. “You’re up early. How was your first night at the clubhouse?”
Before I can answer, Shadow’s hand finds mine. Big, warm, and completely unexpected.“It was great,” Shadow says for me, voice low, his thumb brushing once over my knuckles before tightening just enough to make his point.
Ragnor’s eyes drop to where our hands are joined, and that easy grin of his ticks just a little tighter at the edges.
“Glad to hear it,” he says finally, gaze flicking back up to mine like he’s trying to read something in my face. Shadow doesn’t let go, not even when we reach the dining room and Ragnor falls into step beside me.
Shadow pulls out a chair for me, and I slide into it, almost smirking at his sudden interest in me now Ragnor is around. He sits beside me, and Ragnor takes the seat on my other side.
For a minute, it’s almost nice. Two men leaning in, asking if I want juice or coffee, sliding the toast basket my way. I might even be enjoying it, until I notice one of the club whores approaching.
Sasha sways past like she’s on a runway, manicured nails trailing over the back of Shadow’s chair. As she passes, she rakes them gently over his shoulder then bends just enough to whisper in his ear between us.
“I had a great night,” she purrs, her lips grazing his skin.
It’s quiet, but not quiet enough. I hear every word.
And just like that, the fizz I’d been feeling all morning is replaced with something sharp and sour. He’s a typical man. Why did I think he’d be any different?
I don’t flinch. I don’t glare. Why would I? He’s free and single, just like me. So, I butter my toast and keep my head lowered while I gain some composure.
“Something wrong?” Ragnor asks, leaning closer, his arm resting casually along the back of my chair.
“Not at all,” I say brightly, flashing him the fake smile I save for customers.
Shadow’s fork stills halfway to his mouth, and I feel his dark eyes sliding to me, but I keep my gaze on Ragnor. “So, you were telling me about your bar.”
“Yeah,” Ragnor says, smiling back, though his glance flicks to Shadow as if he can sense the tension thickening between us. “We’re refurbishing it now. Maybe you could come see it sometime.”
“I’d love that,” I reply, ignoring the way Shadow’s jaw ticks. “And I heard you were looking for cleaners?”
“Yeah, we always need good cleaners,” he says, looking slightly confused.
“Great, I need all the extra hours I can get.”
Ragnor’s smile falters. “If you need work, I’ll speak to Axel and see if he minds.” He places his fork down. “But I was more interested in taking you out, maybe for a drink?”
Shadow’s cutlery clatters as he places it down. I feel him close, his nose almost to my ear. “Thought I told you not to get any ideas, barmaid.”
I turn to him, keeping my voice low and sweet. “And I told you I don’t take orders.”
