“Of course not, but we don’t encourage guests to monopolize our pianist.”
“You don’t need to worry.” Zayn leans in and inspects his name badge. “Pierre. Any monopolizing will take place strictly outside working hours.”
“Zayn!” I hiss as my cheeks flare. I will kill him if he loses this job for me.
“And in case you get any ideas, she’s spoken for,” he adds in a voice that is transparently threatening.
“Pierre, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine, Ms. Emery.” The manager smiles at me, losing it as he returns his attention to Zayn. “We don’t want any drama, Mr. Becker. Why don’t you give Ms. Emery your request and return to your companion?”
“Yes, why don’t I?” Zayn says in an obtuse tone, and I wish the ground would open and swallow me. Zayn hands me the piece of paper, purposely brushing his thumb across the back of my hand in the process.
Delicious tremors whip over my skin and up my arm, and I can’t stop the shivers that skate over my body as I fidget on the chair. The asshole notices, smirking and winking as he returns to his seat.
“I can ask them to leave if they are bothering you,” Pierre says, leaning down to talk quietly in my ear.
It’s so tempting to say yes, but Zayn would not go easily, and I don’t want him showing me up anymore than he has.
“It’s fine. I was just a little taken aback. He’s an ex and I haven’t seen him for a year.”
“Ah, that explains it.” Pierre looks over at Zayn. “I don’t think he quite understands the ex part though.”
A laugh bursts from my lips. “I’ll make sure to drill that point home later.”
“We look after our employees, Ms. Emery, so if anything changes and you would like him removed, just come and get me.”
“Thanks for understanding, Pierre.”
“Of course.”
He walks off, and I wonder if he can feel Zayn’s daggers embedding in his back.
I take a few seconds to compose myself before opening the note. I barely resist rolling my eyes when I see the music he has requested. It’s a good piece but very cliché. I peer straight at Zayn as I start playing. Beethoven’sMoonlight Sonatawas written for a woman the composer loved he could never have, and the message is not lost on me.
I try my best to ignore the two guys sitting directly in front of me, but it’s challenging when Zayn keeps his gaze trained on me the entire time. When my break arrives, Zayn is up on his feet in a nanosecond. “Come sit with us,” he says.
“We just ordered chocolate mousse,” Everett adds, leaning over his friend. “Hi, Emery. It’s good to see you. You play beautifully, and you belong on a stage.”
I can’t help the blush that stains my cheeks. I have never learned to accept compliments without blushing. Zayn’s bravado fades a little, and I can tell he doesn’t like that. Time to rub it in, I think. I like Everett. He’s a bit of a clown, but he was always nice to me. “Stop it, or I’ll get a big head. By the way, you look so hot in a suit.” I flash him a flirty smile, and I can practically feel the angry energy bristling from Zayn. “And it’s good to see you too.” I toss a scathing look at Zayn. “Your friend, not so much.”
Everett chuckles.
“I deserve that and more. Come on, Em. Please. Just give me five minutes.”
I deliberately ignore Zayn, refusing to play his game.
“Join us.” Everett offers me his arm. “I’ll keep him in line if he misbehaves.”
“If?” Derision underscores my tone.
“Okay, when.” Everett smirks.
“No thanks,” I say, and Everett lowers his arm. “I mean you no offense, but I’d rather stab myself in the eye than sit at a table withhim.”
Everett chuckles again. “I don’t remember you being this dramatic.”
“I’m not the same girl you knew. Afterhefucked me over, my life as I knew it came crashing down around me, so excuse me if I’m a little melodramatic. It’s that or smash his face in the nearest hard object.”
