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“Fiancée?” I repeated, caught off guard.
“What would you rather I say?” he asked, a hint of mischief in his tone.
“Whatever will get him to leave me alone,” I said, leaning back against the couch.
“Should I make a scene?” he offered, clearly enjoying the prospect.
“If you want to eat your porterhouse, I suggest you keep it civil, or they’ll throw us all out,” I warned, glancing around the lounge to make sure no one was listening.
“Then I can take you home,” he said, the suggestion dripping with innuendo.
“Always thinking about ways to get me into bed,” I retorted, my voice a bit louder than intended. A woman nearby gave me a dirty look, prompting me to stand and move to the hallway for privacy.
“I have to go back,” I said reluctantly, not wanting to return to Victor but knowing I had to.
“Is he bigger than me?” Lincoln asked, his voice laced with playful challenge.
“Not even close,” I assured him. “Are you expecting a fight?”
“I’m sizing up the competition,” he replied, a grin evident in his voice.
“I don’t think you need to worry,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” he promised.
“Thank God,” I murmured under my breath.
“Excuse me?” he asked, teasing.
“Nothing. See you soon,” I said, hanging up and bracing myself for the awkward conversation that awaited me at the table.
I slipped my phone back into my black clutch, trying to calm the nervous flutter in my chest as I made my way back to the table. Victor was still engrossed in his steak, meticulously cutting into the last few bites when I sat down. His gaze flicked up, a question in his eyes.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his tone neutral, as if he barely cared about the answer.
“Fine,” I replied curtly, forcing a smile.
Victor took my answer as permission to dive back into his monologue about beach parties and the admiration of his summer neighbors. I nodded absently, picking at my half-eaten filet mignon and wishing the evening would speed up.
Ten minutes later, a low, gravelly voice growled into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. “Where the fuck is your ring?”
I jerked my head up, my heart racing as I fought to keep a grin from spreading across my face. Victor’s dark eyes widened in confusion as he stared up at Lincoln, who was standing beside me, fists clenched, and jaw set in a hard line.
“I... we’re on a break,” I stammered, trying to keep up the ruse.
“That doesn’t mean you date other men,” Lincoln hissed, leaning in closer. “We’re supposed to be married in a few months.”
Victor’s face drained of color as he stammered, “You’re engaged?”
“Not at the moment,” I quickly retorted, trying to salvage the situation.
“The hell you aren’t,” Lincoln whispered fiercely.
Victor’s hand trembled as he reached for his wallet. “I should go.”
Before Victor could settle the bill, Lincoln cut in smoothly, “I’ll take care of the check.”
Victor barely managed a nod as he pushed back his chair, nearly stumbling in his haste to leave. Lincoln slid into the chair across from me, shoving Victor’s plate aside with a flick of his wrist. He turned and raised his hand, summoning the waiter with a commanding air.
