Page 59 of Damián

So, I move faster.

My hand shoots out, catching Kai’s wrist mid-air just inches above the table… but even after stopping him, the idiot tries to tilt the glass to slosh the pink liquid onto Oliver’s lap.

This time, I stop him by tightening my grip.

I squeeze hard and twist his arm slightly, not enough for anyone at the table to see what I’m doing, but more than enough for Kai to understand I will snap his fucking bone in half if he continues.

Kai flinches, and his eyes snap to mine in shock.

“I’m sorry,” he stammers, knowing without a doubt that I understood what he was about to do.

I take the glass from his hand and pull him down just enough, so he is the only one who can hear me. “Get the fuck out.”

I let go, and Kai stumbles back, looking completely terrified. I guess he’s never seen me angry before. But I am angry.

Very fucking angry.

Who the hell does he think he is to come over here and treat Oliver that way?

“Tell Lena to cover this table. You’re done here,” I add, trying my best not to show my anger.

“Yes…” His hands shake as he hugs the empty tray to his chest and scurries away.

“Wooow,” Zara says, nodding approvingly. “Hot alpha much?”

“Latino. It comes naturally,” I joke, tapping my chest, hoping to lighten the mood. But Oliver shrinks back into the booth, looking very upset.

“What did I do to him?” he asks.

“Nothing, nene,” I tell him, sliding my hand right back onto his thigh. “He’s just being an idiot.”

“I don’t think it was just that. He looked like he wanted to poison my drink.”

“Oh, he definitely does,” Zara says, clearly enjoying the show. “Learn to get used to it, Ollie, because that’s what happens when you steal the hottest guy in the neighborhood.”

I choke on my drink, but gracias a Dios, Oliver thinks the comment is hilarious, and finally smiles.

“So, Damián, after all that drama is finally done… the mandatory ‘first time meeting my bestie’s boyfriend’ interrogation officially begins.” Zara crosses her arms and focuses all her attention on me. “Oliver tells me you’re an art dealer.”

“That’s right,” I reply, fully aware she knows I’m actually in private security. She’s the only civilian in Oliver’s entire world that he asked the team to vet and clear, since she’s apparently been helping him for years.

But since the shadows could always be listening… Code talk it is.

“Must be exciting,” she adds, playing with her straw.

“You have no idea.”

“Mmhmm.” Zara takes a sip of her coffee. “Do you make a good living?”

“Are you hoping to be recruited?” I tease.

“Maybe… Cats or dogs?”

“Dogs. Especially corgis,” I say, and Oliver chuckles.

“Worst fear?”

“The death of a loved one.”