Page 35 (1/2)

“This is a good suit,” I agree, unable to stopto pinch an invisible piece of lint fro “Even if I’ half of it”

Was that a flinch or a shudder? The latter, as she ignoresaway It’s ridiculous that I feel so Like she did with Griffin

“She should be worried you’re trying to talk aze flares belatedly “I didn’t mean—”

“I don’t re,” I purr, even if purring is the opposite of what I should be doing

“I just uess”

The word sounds strange on her lips, but it doesshe’s lived in London I shake off the unhappy thought, feeling conflicted again

“Perhaps it is the suit that frightened her off And aversion to authority?” I hazard

“I guess she’s probably not long out of school” She frowns in the girl’s direction

Not long out of school A waitress The words loop thoughhypocrite

Didn’t I just warn Griffin froe ofone of the waitresses The younger waitresses Meanwhile, I want to pluck this one up from where she stands, throw her over my shoulder, and carry her up the back stairs to one of the bedrooms

Which only goes to prove I’ve lost my mind

Fuck

I can’t do this I need to leave Go back tode,

“How old are you, Holland?”

“No one calls me Holland I mostly answer to Holly So that tray of crostini’s over here!”

“I prefer Holland,” Imeanswhat?

“It’s a little too late in the day to ask now, isn’t it?”

Jesus fucking Christ, I hope not