Page 72 of Crimson Love

“You’ll do fucking great,” Jett counters. “Rattle him so he gives up what he did to you and what he does for a living. The team will move in and take over.”

I have no idea how to be a badass, but I do manage to fight back the tears that threaten to ruin my mascara. “How did you know?”

Jett takes his perfection to a different level, because when he leans in to kiss me, his lips don’t hit mine. That would ruin my lipstick that is almost as red as my new dress. No. He presses his lips to the skin below my ear, causing a shiver to run through my body. “It seems I can read your body. You’re proving to be the most interesting book I’ve ever studied. I can’t seem to put you down. My only experience is going into battle with a team armed for war. The peacock is the best I could come up with, and it’s the truth.”

“Thank you. You don’t know how much that means to me. I’m not sure I can live up to your metaphor, but I’ll try.”

He shakes his head. “It’s not a metaphor. It’s the truth. Walk in there with your new feathers spread like the beauty you are and kick some ass.”

I pull in a deep breath and nod.

His lips tip up into a small, sexy smile that makes me want to walk into The Greenhouse and do what he says and make him proud. I’ve never had anyone believe in me.

He kisses my forehead again—an act that I’m quickly becoming addicted to —before he lets go of me enough to claim the small of my back again. He leads me into the grand entrance of The Greenhouse where Devon stands behind the counter.

There’s no small talk and we don’t act like we know one another. Jett’s expression is back to controlled and stoic. “Reservation for Shaw.”

Devon lifts his chin and doesn’t let on he knows anything that’s about to happen. “Right this way. The rest of your party is already seated.”

Damn. Andrei is already here. Jett’s little pep talk did make us late.

Devon leads us through the maze that is The Greenhouse. Trees and greenery grow inside year-round and touch the glass ceiling like they’re begging to break through to touch the sky.

I’ve been in The Greenhouse often but never been a guest. I can’t afford it, even with my employee discount. I never thought the first time I’d dine here would be with the man who held me captive and stole precious years of my life.

Because of the inside forest, the five-star restaurant is surprisingly private. It’s like dining in the woods, but for tonight, we have the private room in the back corner with views of the lake and mountains. It’s small with one table. Perfect for any drama that could ensue.

When we walk through the heavy double doors to the private room, every muscle in my body tenses.

Jett senses it and wraps a hand possessively around my hip.

I’m not sure if it’s supportive or sending me his badass vibes that I need more than ever.

Devon slides out the chair for me directly across from Andrei. I set my clutch down on the table and take a seat. Jett claims the chair between Andrei and me as Devon snaps my cloth napkin before draping it across my lap and handing me the menu before doing the same for Jett.

Devon gives the table a dramatic nod that feels different when paired with his English accent. “Your waiter will be with you shortly. Enjoy your meal.”

He’s gone before we can thank him, not that manners are what’s on my mind at the moment. I can’t look away from Andrei who’s glaring daggers across the fine linens, votives, and low floral arrangement.

Andrei breaks the silence. “I’d say it’s good to see you again, pet, but under the circumstances, it’s not.”

Jett reaches for my hand, but he turns to Andrei. “If I hear you call her that one more time, you’re going to wish you hadn’t stepped foot on dry land. Got it?”

Andrei leans back and takes a sip of his vodka on the rocks—his drink of choice—sitting in front of him. He glances between Jett and me. “You’ve moved on with life quickly, Lennon. I treated you with such care while you lived with me. I’m disappointed to see you claimed a lover so quickly.” Jett’s embrace is nothing compared to mine. I might as well be white knuckling his fingers. It’s all I can do to channel my inner peacock. I certainly didn’t come here to chit-chat. The sooner we can get this done, the better. “Living with you is an unusual way to describe kidnapping. Some might describe it as a hostage situation.”

Andrei simply shrugs. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You could’ve left the boat anytime you wished.”

I knew this would happen. Hell, we all knew this would happen. We discussed it this morning in the meeting. Andrei is too smart to openly discuss anything illegal.

I give Jett’s hand a squeeze and let it go to sip my water. My mouth feels like sandpaper from nerves. “That’s interesting since I was locked in my room whenever we were at port. I’m a decent swimmer, but diving into the middle of the Caribbean seemed like a bad idea. I’ll continue to call it like it is—I was your hostage and a slave for six years. The sooner we can agree to this, the sooner I’m willing to talk about the items that you want.”

“Excuse me.” Devon arrives at our sides again. “We’re a bit short staffed this evening. I’ll be taking care of you. What can I start you with to drink?”

Before Jett or I have the chance to answer, Andrei speaks. “Lennon doesn’t drink.”

I wasn’t going to tonight, but I am now. Even if I take one sip, I’ll do it just to spite Andrei. I hike a brow and turn to Devon. “Cabernet, please.”

Jett never takes his gaze off Andrei, and I wonder if he’s about ready to pull his hidden weapon and end this for good. “I’m good with water.”