Page 11 (1/2)

He’s not one of the guys from the alley because they are still across the street I turn away again, not caring if I was rude because I’ht now and I just want to get so to eat A crowd exits the diner and I let theuy and push e breath of relief

Cookie’s Diner right now is a haven for ive myself a moment to relax before the door opens and lets the noise back in

"Can I help ya, honey?" thehard

"U to Ronin and I just want soo, if that’s OK"

The waitress smiles and winks at so to you, Ronin?"

I twirl around, my face hot with embarrassment And yes, there he is, in all his top-model splendor, except with actual clothes on this tiht, Angie This one belongs tohere, so just send Cindy back when she’s got time"

And then he hooks my arm around his and leads me towards the back of the diner "Now, princess, do you ot yourself to Cookie’s when I left you locked in your tower?"

"You left me up there on purpose?"

"How else could I keep an eye on you while I went out for drinks? You’re not twenty-one, right? No bars for the baby But I see you are resourceful I hter on you than the others"

I scoff at his boldness as he pushes me to sit in a booth at the back of the diner Who the hell does this guy think he is? "Look, Ronin, I’m not sure how all the details of this deal will shake out, but I’ht now I’ brother, I can take care of ain, I’ood I don’t take shit from any--"

"You all ready to order, Ronin?"

The waitress, Cindy I guess, is standing over us tapping her pen on her little order pad

"Yeah," Ronin says, clearing his throat "The usual forone for her too, but make it well-done"