She huffed out a laugh, some of her anger at Jolene dissipating. “It’s getting handled.”
“You look quite beautiful. I’m glad you didn’t get another wig.”
She touched her hair. “I thought about extensions, but the point of this is being visible, so I decided against it.”
“Good.” He looked over the half a dozen appetizers on their table. “You already ordered.”
“I did.”
“Did you get one of everything?”
“I wasn’t sure what we’d want. And again, the objective is a big bill.”
He picked up a dumpling and brought it to his plate. “Drinks and appetizers.”
“Not a Cheeto in sight.”
“I feel blessed.”
She smiled, then caught herself. What was she doing, borderline flirting with a man who had lied to her? Never forgetting was a superpower, but it was amazing how a couple hours of pampering could soothe a grudge.
No, it wasn’t the pampering. It was his reluctant confession.I think I like you.
Five words she wasn’t used to anyone saying to her. Five words she didn’t usually even say to herself.
“Do you think that Alexei will simply walk up to our table?”
“I don’t think even he’s that foolish. He must know we’re spending his money to lure him out into the open.” She gave a discreet glance at the entrance, where two of Sunil’s guards were hanging out. There were more guards at the exit, in the lobby, and in the room they’d reserved. Thank goodness for Sunil, his paranoia, and his little army. “But if he does, we have backup.”
Krish rested his palm on the table. “Are you okay?”
It was also annoying, how attuned he was to her moods. “I’m still pissed at you.”
“I don’t blame you.”
I’m mad at myself, too.He’d duped her more than once now. Did she know the real him at all?
Did she want to?
Yes.
He handed her a brown paper shopping bag. “I got you something.”
She accepted it from him automatically. “You mean, Alexei got me something?”
“No. I used my own cash. I mean, my mom’s cash, but I’ll pay her back once this is all over.”
“I’m not one of those people who can be appeased by a gift,” she warned.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Sejal pulled out the black purse inside. It wasn’t fancy or designer, but it was big and crescent shaped and made of ripstop nylon. The strap was thick and wide. It wasn’t particularly attractive, but it was functional. She raised an eyebrow at him.
“You lost your go-bag. I thought you could use this.”
Oh.
“Open it.”
