“How can I help?” She cast a curious glance between all three of us.
I dragged my wallet out of my pocket and handed her two fifties, which had her smile brightening even more. “Can you close my bill? I’m paying for whatever he had.” I nodded at Flynn. There was a snort behind me I pretended not to hear. “And can you bring me two desserts to go. Anything is fine as long as it’s sweet.”
Her eyes sparkled as she folded one of the fifties in half, then in half again, and tucked it directly down her shirt with a sweet scrunch of her nose. I had to laugh even though I didn’t know her because her joy at the tip was too real. “Sure thing!” She turned and rushed off so fast her long black ponytail almost smacked me in the face.
Corey shoved me, and I spun toward him, but he wasn’t looking at me. Apparently he’d decided to try to beat me at my own game, but I knew he would lose.
“Who is this kid?” he asked, hooking a thumb at me while he stared daggers at Flynn. “Don’t tell me he’s a friend because I know I don’t pay for someone I don’t intend to take home.” He winked, but his jaw was tight and his shoulder muscles were bunched as if he was getting ready to spring up and punch me.
Flynn’s face flushed and he cringed back, tracing a finger over the tabletop. Had I done the wrong thing in sending him out here to deal with this man on his own? Technically Flynn had created the situation, even if he was uncomfortable with it, but... part of being a Dom was making sure your sub was safe and happy. I was beginning to feel like I’d fucked up by thinking he might want the freedom to do this his way. I ran a hand over my face and sighed. Why did life have to be so difficult?
I turned to Corey and gave him a smile, trying to keep things civil. “I already told you once. I’m his boyfriend, and he’s done here.”
Corey let loose a loud, obnoxious laugh designed to draw attention. I didn’t give a fuck, but Flynn sank down in his seat. “Is this the real reason Chris left? I mean, maybe he had grounds to take all that money.” He shook his head at Flynn, and I came close to getting myself into trouble. I forced my fist behind my back.
“I told you what happened!” Flynn gasped and gripped the edge of the table.
Corey crossed his arms and snuck another peek at me out of the corner of his eye. “Yeah, well, Chris was always a good guy. Stealing isn’t like him. Maybe he had a compelling argument for doing it, if I were to listen to him, that’s all I’m saying.” Corey reached toward Flynn’s hand again, and I slammed mine down on top of his.
“Wait for me outside,” I murmured to Flynn.
He sucked in a breath and his face flushed an even deeper shade of red. For a second, I thought he would say no because his lips twisted into a horrified frown, but I was proud of him when he nodded, got up, and walked calmly to the front door. It was so fucking satisfying to have him listen to me.
Corey jerked his hand away, and I slid into the seat across from him, sizing him up. He stomped on my foot, and it hurt, but I simply turned so I would be out of the way. He probably deserved to get one in on me after I busted up his night and cockblocked him twice.
Corey flashed me a grin. “You want to fuck him that bad? Or did you want to have me all to yourself, honey?” He gave me a smile I was sure got him a lot of play. The worst part was that it seemed like he thought there was a real chance I wanted a ride on his cock.
“I already fucked him, and he’s mine.” I leaned across the table. “Back the fuck off.”
His eyebrows flew high and he crossed his arms as he sat back.
“If I see you near him again, I’ll bring three of my buddies and make you regret it.”
He chuckled and dipped his chin toward his chest. I could see he was considering everything I’d said, trying to decide if he thought Flynn was still worth chasing. If it was me, it would be a no-brainer—I would scare off a hundred Coreys to have Flynn—but I wasn’t sure this man was invested in the chase. Unease slithered down my spine as if someone had walked over my grave. What if he didn’t stop? Was I prepared to back up my bullshit? I worried myself a little because I knew, deep in my heart, I meant every word I’d said so far.
He cocked his eyebrow and smirked, showing off his dimples. “You don’t think you can take me alone? You’re pretending to be tough shit for Flynn.”
“Oh, I can. I will.” I straightened in my seat and rolled back my shoulders so I was sitting taller than him. “The only reason I’d bring them along is because I’d need help hiding your body. Don’t so much as fucking breathe near Flynn again.”
He nodded and glanced around the restaurant. “He called me.”
“Block his number. He’s mine.”
Corey snorted. “You’re fucking serious?”
“Yes.” There was nothing else to be gained from this. I’d told him to fuck off, and as far as I was concerned, I’d meant every single fucking thing I’d said. I stood and headed for the front of the restaurant. I didn’t give a fuck if Corey stayed or left, but I was getting Flynn out of here.
The server flagged me down when I was almost out the door, handing me a white paper bag with a smile. “Thanks again, and thanks for the tip. Hey,” she said, turning to frown at someone behind me. “You didn’t pay.”
I pushed open the door and went out into the small parking lot that was packed with cars. The oval stained glass window along the front of the building glowed like a jewel. Overhead the sky was a deep velvety purple that was nearly full dark and the stars were brilliant. My blood hummed with excitement. Flynn leaned his strong body against the driver-side door of my Lexus where I’d parked it all the way on the far side of the lot in a spot that wasn’t really a spot, almost blocking the alley that went around the side of the white cinderblock building. I didn’t want to run—How uncool would that be?—but I picked up the pace. Flynn stared at me as I approached, eating me alive with his gaze. I fucking loved it.
“Corey drove you here?”
“Yeah,” he said, a small frown tugging down the corners of his mouth.
“I’ll take you home. No worries.”
There was the rev of an engine behind me, and I almost swallowed my tongue as I dropped my bag and dodged to my left. I ran toward Flynn and dragged him around the front of the car, and he flinched as the sound of crunching metal hit my ears. I whirled around in time to see the rear quarter panel of my Lexus getting dented in by the bumper of a Jeep with a brush guard. Flynn slapped my arm and gaped. The Jeep pulled back and the engine revved again as Corey drove off out of the parking lot onto Church Street. I found myself chuckling even though I was furious as Corey flipped me off while tires squealed and the Jeep peeled away down the street. I hoped he drove like an asshole and the cops picked him up.
