Page 22 of A Vicious Love

“I watched because your control was impressive.”

I had no idea what to do with that.

None.

I looked down into my coffee because if I kept looking at him, my face would tell the whole truth of how hungry I was for one simple compliment.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You’re welcome.”

The terrace door opened, and a couple stepped out laughing, then paused when they saw us. The woman’s gaze flicked between Alistair and me with immediate interest.

Alistair noticed.

“Would you rather go inside?”

I looked at my phone again. Still no signal.

“Have you reached your driver?”

“No. Bellweather is eating my messages.”

He set his coffee on the stone rail and pulled out his phone. “Mine works. Family network booster. One of the few perks of having relatives who hates dead zones.”

“That sounds useful.”

“It is tonight.” He glanced at the screen. “I can call someone for you.”

I hesitated. It was kind. Kindness always made me search for the cost.

“My driver is probably stuck near the city,” I admitted. “And my parents don’t always answer during events.”

“Do you live in Harlan proper?”

“Yes.”

“I’m heading back into Harlan now.”

“Oh.”

“I can give you a ride.”

The sensible part of me knew what people would say if they saw me leave with another dynasty heir after Jamison had abandoned me at a resort.

The trained part of me knew I was supposed to wait, quietly, for proper transport.

Alistair must have seen the conflict move across my face.

“My driver and security will be in the car. I can have one of the Bellweather staff confirm with the front desk if that makes it more comfortable. Or I can call a car and wait with you until it comes.”

My throat tightened.

He had thought of the optics.

“That’s very kind,” I said.

“It’s not difficult.”