Bound(The Mastered Series)(18)
“You should look deeper, because it’s right there in your eyes.”
Amery placed her hand on his chest and leaned in, catching a whiff of his exotic cologne. “You are dangerous, and not because you’ve got mad martial arts skills.”
“Why?”
“Because you almost make me believe you can read me that well.” Amery sidestepped him and walked through the open door to the restaurant. She paused at the hostess stand, inhaling several deep breaths to try and calm down.
A warm body pressed against her back, and soft lips brushed her ear. “Pink.”
She turned her head and his lips moved to her cheek. “What?”
“The only person who saw your underwear was me. And they’re pink.”
The host approached and bowed. “Master Black.”
Ronin returned the bow. “Michael. You’re looking good. How’s the family?”
“Wonderful. Angelina and I are so proud our Christina graduated with honors in May.”
“Congratulations. You have every right to be proud.”
“If not for your help . . . our Christina might not be . . .”
“Please.” Ronin held up his hand in a say no more gesture. “Give my best to your wife and daughter.”
“I will. Francis will show you to your table.”
After they were seated upstairs on the patio, in the corner table with an amazing view, Amery said, “Best seat in the house, Master Black. I’m impressed.”
“Don’t be. Michael is too shrewd a businessman to hold a special table for me during lunch rush. I chalk it up to my good luck today.”
Amery didn’t buy that, but she let it go. She scanned the menu. “I’ve heard the food is fantastic. What do you recommend?”
“The salmon quinoa salad. Or the roasted vegetable pasta.” She must’ve frowned because he said, “Is something wrong?”
“Just wondering if you’re a vegetarian.”
“Because I suggested vegetarian dishes? No. I’m very much a carnivore. In fact, I’ve decided on the buffalo burger.”
“I was looking at that too.”
Once the waiter took their order, Amery handed over the menu and felt Ronin’s eyes on her again. “You’re staring at me. Do I have helmet hair or something?”
“No. I just like looking at you.”
“Well, it makes me uncomfortable.”
He shrugged, as if to say too bad.
“So that guy you talked to up front. What did he mean when he said if not for you? Did you save his daughter’s life or something?”
The change in his face was subtle, from relaxed to guarded, but she caught it. By the stiff way he held himself, she suspected he wouldn’t answer. Finally he said, “His only daughter was attacked at college her freshman year. She closed herself off from everyone and was failing all her classes. Michael signed her up for a self-defense class with me at the dojo and she worked through her issues.”
“Do you teach self-defenses often?”
“Almost never anymore.” He took a long drink of water. “Your accent . . . I can’t put a finger on it. Where are you from originally?”