The smile he gave me was tired and not very amused. "Do not be afraid of me, Katie. This is pack law. We are not governed by normal societal rules. You did nothing wrong. You must allow our pack to make reparations to you. It's a matter of honor for us." He pushed the checkcloser.
I sighed. "Thank you." I slid the check in my pocket without bothering to look at theamount.
Mark's gaze slid over to Martin's. "A Romani? I haven't smelled one of you in many years. You must not live intown."
Martin watched him warily. "Outskirts. I do home remodeling and some construction in thetown."
"You seem...strong." His gaze narrowed. "Both magically andphysically."
I glanced at Martin only to see him and Mark locked into a macho staring contest. It was hot but also terrifying so I wished they would both quitit.
With a short nod, the tension broke. Martin slid a business card over. "If you need any work done, give me acall."
Mark laughed roughly. "I just might do that." He set his mug down and slid out of his chair with fluid grace. "Walk with me to the door, Romani. I would speak withyou."
And just like that they left me there staring in bewilderment. Before Martin opened the door, Mark leaned into whisper something into his ear. I watched as Martin stiffened and shock rendered him mute. Mark slapped him on the back andexited.
Martin didn't shut the door right away, only stared at Mark's retreatingform.
"What was that all about?" I asked when he came back into thekitchen.
He shook his head. "Nothing. Just told me something about a client of mine. I was taken by surprise, that'sall."
Suspicion settled into my bones. He wasn't telling me everything. Martin looked like he was about to keel over. I got up to pour him a cup of tea. I had no idea if he even liked Earl Grey, but it was the only thing I could do for him. He lookedshaken.
I pushed the mug over to him and he clasped it in hishands.
"I'm sorry you had to see that," he saidfinally.
"I didn't actually seeit."
"Theaftermath."
"Well, let's hope Mark has someone come clean that up otherwise I'll be answering a lot of questions once my driveway begins to smell likedecay."
He shut his eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about him. I should have. It was stupid. I was trying to stay out of your business, but you ended up gettinghurt."
"I wasn't that hurt, Martin. I never loved him. I always felt like there was something...off abouthim."
"I still should have told you." His powerful shoulders werehunched.
"Maybe so. But I'd say he got what he was due, didn'the?"
His eyes were haunted. "I saw him. A long time ago. He dragged a woman out of a club and beat her." He bowed his head. "I don't know the whole story but the woman was so terrified of him, she refused to press charges againsthim."
I blinked in surprise. "I never saw that side of him. Maybe a little at the veryend."
"I should have said something," he repeated. "How could I have let you go withhim?"
"Martin." I touched his arm. "You didn't have to get involved. I can take care ofmyself."
He rubbed a hand across his eyes. "He never deservedyou."
I swallowedhard.
"He was dangerous and I sat here and let him into your house and let you go off withhim-"
"Martin!" My voice was sharp. "For the record, you don't own me and I probably wouldn't have listened to you even if youtried."