“Please do not. You might hurt yourself, and then Adrik will blame me and make me bleed.”

West’s eyes widened as he looked from Dimitri to me, noticing Dimitri’s serious face. I did not defend myself. What Dimitri said was true.

“You wouldn’t,” West hissed.

I took his hand and led him toward the front counter. “I would.”

West shook his head, snorting. “You two are full of it.” Yet, I could see the uncertainty in his eyes.

“Do not fear. Adrik would feel bad afterward,” Dimitri taunted some more.

“He is wrong,” I said.

“Hello, how can I help you?” the waitress asked.

“I have two bookings. A table for one and a table for two under the name Hail.”

“Yes, sir, I see it right here.”

“You’re not joining us?” West asked Dimitri as the waitress grabbed some menus.

“There is no way I would intrude on your first date. I am here to enjoy a meal and keep an eye out.”

West blushed. Dimitri smirked and looked at me. “He is cute.”

“I agree, but that will be the last time you comment on it.”

Dimitri chuckled. “Yes, sir.”

“Right this way, gentlemen.” The waitress smiled sultrily at us. Obviously, she did not hear our conversation or chose not to, or she would have known neither West nor I were interested.

I retook West’s hand. I would never get bored of seeing the heat hitting his cheeks. The waitress showed Dimitri his table first and took his drink order before leading us to ours. It was not far from Dimitri’s, but enough to have some privacy.

“Can I get you any drinks for now?” She leaned in and placed my menu before me and turned to do the same for West, only she lingered a little longer and smiled warmer.

“Water,” I clipped.

“Um, I’ll have a Coke, please.” West gave me big eyes, not noticing how she looked at him. I did not like it. Not when she licked her lips either.

She pressed her hand to West’s arm. “Coming right up.”

“Touch him again and I will—”

“Thanks!” West shouted, startling her. When her smile dropped away at my glare, satisfaction filled me. She quickly walked away.

“Adrik—”

“She had no right to touch you.”

He smiled softly. “No, she didn’t, but I think she’s got the message now.”

I grunted and picked up my menu.

“Besides, the only person who is free to touch me is you.”

I glanced up to see West hide his face behind his own menu and knew color would be staining his cheeks.

Smiling, I said, “Good to know, moya lyubov’.”

“Anyway,” West drew out, “what looks good to you?”

“You,” I stated.

He coughed out a breath and glanced around, his blush deepening. “Adrik,” he scolded.