We stalked out of the small, cool diner and into the sizzling afternoon. “Fair enough,” I muttered. I knew the story of our failed attempt at lunch would soon be all over town but really didn’t care at this point. They all needed something to talk about. Always did.
“Let’s walk.” After all that crap, I needed to burn off the energy. After we got our sandwiches, we walked back and sat on the truck bed to eat. We’d had to park at the back of the diner parking lot, so we weren’t in much danger of being interrupted.
“Well, at least now you can say you’ve tried the diner,” I joked as I unwrapped my sandwich. I punctuated it with a fake laugh. Anything to lighten the mood.
He snorted. “Yeah, that’s sort of why I was late,” he said. “I didn’t want you to think I was making excuses, but between my Aunt Carla and all the cooks in my enormous family here in Black Claw, I haven’t had a chance to go out to eat much. They always pack a big lunch or invite me to eat. This morning Carla insisted I stop on my way out the door and grab a quick breakfast.” He rolled his eyes. “My Aunt Carla has become one of my favorite people in the world, but I should’ve known better. She doesn’t know the meaning of a quick meal.”
“You were late because you stopped to eat breakfast rather than hurt your aunt’s feelings?” Well, color me embarrassed. I’d assumed the worst, but he’d been late because he was being sweet. I was glad I hadn’t come down harder on him than I did.
He nodded. “But still. I should’ve planned for that and gotten up earlier. I knew if she caught me coming down the stairs, she’d make me stop and eat.”
I stared at him for a second in shock. Why did I always assume the worst of people? Shrugging, I opened my soda and took a big swig. It burned so good, all the way down.
“That’s true. You could’ve gotten up earlier. But I’ll give you a pass this time and I won’t dock your pay. You were helpful today, much more than I expected you to be.” That was diplomatic. The best I could do right at the moment without resorting to an outright apology.
Shockingly, he blushed and ducked his head. He was pleased to have been helpful. Well, damn. That was cute. I chastised myself. No good thinking that way about Rico. He was my employee. That would complicate things for both of us, even if he was remotely interested.
“What was everyone’s deal?” Rico asked in a hushed voice. “At the diner. They were all staring and whispering. Do you get that a lot?”
I’d been trying to ignore it. But he had a right to know. “It’s a small town. They just do that. It was partly because you’re a Kingston. Partly because they love to gossip. Partly because I’m not the sort of woman a Kingston normally goes out with. I’m not...” I wasn’t sure how to describe it, so I shrugged vaguely. “I don’t know. But anyway, don’t sweat it. In Black Claw, as a Kingston, you should probably get used to stares and stuff.”
He took a huge bite of his first sandwich. He’d bought three. “Yeah, I guess I’ve seen that already. I’m sorry that blew back on you.”
Wow. The prince could be thoughtful. Amazing.
6
Rico
Kara and I ended up having a nice conversation. Once I polished off my sandwiches, I gathered our trash and stuffed it into the grocery bag. “I’ll be right back,” I said. Jogging across the lot, I opened the side of the dumpster to toss the trash. Movement out of the corner of my eye got my hackles raised. I turned to find myself face to face with Cynthia carrying a small bag of trash. She moved in close, her body nearly touching mine, and tossed the bag into the dumpster.
Backing away, I had no clue what to say. Different options jolted through my mind, but I rejected all of them. I got out of her personal space as quickly as I could.
Then Valor took over. He’d never done anything like this, and it took me by surprise. I never would’ve expected him to speak through me. My voice went low, gravelly, and unbelievably angry.
“It would be wise, woman, for you to stay away from me. And especially stay away from Kara. You’re rude and clearly a bully.”
I had to fight to take control of my voice again. Valor had never been this aggressive and certainly never forced me to behave how he wanted to before. Defending Kara was enough to bring it out of him. Kara being my—our—fated mate had really become more trouble than it was worth.
Cynthia backed away with wide eyes, nearly tripping over a broken chunk of asphalt. I stepped forward once she was out of the way and tossed the bag in. She didn’t say a word, but I couldn’t stop myself from glaring and staring her right in the eyes.
She was afraid. Whatever I’d sounded like when Valor took over, whatever she’d picked up, it had been enough to scare her.
Good. Maybe she’ll follow my advice and leave Kara alone from now on.
In a way, he was right. Still, I hated the thought of anyone, especially a woman, being that scared of me. I never would’ve hurt anyone, even a waste of space like her.
Well, not that I wouldn’t hurt anyone. I’d certainly defend myself in a fight or do what needed to be doing. I wouldn’t have hurt someone weaker than me... like a woman.
Damn it, I really did try not to be sexist. But the fact was, I wouldn’t hurt a woman, while chances were good that I’d hurt a man. If that was sexist, then so be it.
I walked back toward the truck slowly. Damn it, Valor.
