“What’s with the hood, though? Busy morning robbing convenience stores?”
The others seem just as uncomfortable as I am with Ben’s taunting, but no one interferes. Daniel is content to ignore him completely, forcing Ben to lean closer.
“Seriously, do you try to look like a criminal or is it an accident?”
Daniel shifts back lazily. “Wow, busted. The NYPD must have you on speed dial.”
I stifle a grin. Thomas can’t, and Ben burns at the jab. I prepare for fireworks. There’s no way this ends well.
“Show some respect,” he spits out, yanking off Daniel’s hood. His scowl quickly spreads into a grin.
No. No way. Not again. My stomach tightens as Daniel pulls his shield back in place, eyes blazing.
“Wow, okay, now I get it. Sorry, man. Didn’t realize you had fight club this morning,” Ben snickers.
Daniel doesn’t move, and I battle the storm in my head. Anger. Fear. Guilt. I may have done exactly what he wanted, but it doesn’t stop my heart from shredding at the evidence of his morning.
The staff enters, halting our discussion, and Clausen calls for attendance. Even he gazes at table four longer than normal after Ben announces all present.
By the time the meal is served, I can’t suppress my response any longer. I use the distraction of the servers to shift my leg and settle against his. The heat of the contact shoots through my skin, driving my mind in forbidden directions, especially when I sense his own strong reaction. Maybe he got my note and forgave me. Maybe he’s been through Hell like I suspect and needs an anchor. Either way, it takes every ounce of strength I have to maintain my visible distance and continue the façade. Every inch of me wants him alone somewhere.
“So Dan, we missed you at the triathlon. You strike me as a strong chess player. I bet you would have rocked the tournament.”
I suck in a breath, hating Ben even more than usual. Only a monster would continue the attacks after seeing Daniel’s face.
Daniel ignores him and picks absently at the food on his plate.
“Hello? Anyone there?” Ben asks, waving his arms near his face.
I can’t stomach any more and shoot an annoyed look. “You’re making me seasick with all that waving,” I say dryly, and he misinterprets my remark as kinder than I intended.
He grins. “Sorry. I guess you wouldn’t want to join me on my parents’ yacht then.”
Laura grunts and smacks him.
“What? I was just being friendly.” The asshole actually winks at me. I’m definitely understanding the appeal of Daniel’s strategy to ignore him.
Lucy’s been strangely quiet since Daniel’s arrival, though, and I steal several glances in her direction. Each time she looks ready to speak but never does. Is it fear of Ben’s teasing thatkeeps her silent or something else? I appear to be the only one not surprised when she finally squeaks out her question.
“That looks pretty bad. Are you okay?”
Daniel startles a bit, and I use the opportunity to study him as well. Our eyes meet, and my blood goes hot. He pulls his gaze away and focuses on Lucy.
“I’m fine. Thanks, though.”
She blushes, probably regretting her bravery. “You don’t join us a lot, that’s all. It’s nice to have a full table.” She offers a quick smile, which he returns politely.
“I’m trying to eat here,” Ben mumbles.
Daniel’s fingers tighten around his fork when Lucy shrinks in her chair. “Seriously? What the hell is your problem?” he directs at Ben, pulling off his hood so the other man can have the full effect of his anger.
“My problem? I think that’s pretty clear.”
Daniel isn’t intimidated in the least, but we all know Ben is.
“Yeah? Well, I’m only your problem because you never shut your damn mouth. Trust me, the only smart thing a moron can do is eliminate the evidence.”
Ben glares at him. “What does that even mean?”
