I smile and hold out my hand. “My name is Star.”
She takes my hand in hers. “Simone.”
My eyes flick to Emmaline and find her eyes are glued to me. I smirk and turn back to Simone. Let’s have some fun.
Emerson
I am sure if you look close enough at my skin you would see it rippling as if something is under it, trying to break free.
The blood in my veins is boiling with rage and I don’t know if I have ever been this angry.
How dare he?
“Thank you for a lovely night.” Marks mother smiles as she kisses me on the cheek.
I fake a smile back. “Lovely to meet you both,” I reply as I stand to kiss his father.
They kiss their son and head out of the door. My eyes rise up to the bastard at the bar on the level above. He has been deep in conversation with a beautiful red head for over an hour. The thing is, I know he is talking to her to make me jealous, and although it kills me to admit it, it has totally worked.
I’m certain you could see the green glow around me from space as I glare at him across the busy restaurant.
He’s pulling a power play, and you know what? He just lost. I am not leaving with him and I am not going to be at home when he gets to my apartment and he can think the worst. I’m going to Brielle’s.
Screw him.
Mark leans over and takes my hand in his. “Alone at last.” He smiles.
I pull my hand from his grip. “Your parents are lovely.”
He leans over and cups my cheek in his hand. “Are you okay? You’ve seemed so distant since you arrived here.”
This is woeful. I take his hand in mine. “Mark we need to talk.”
“I know.”
“I don’t think things are going to work out between us.”
He frowns. “Why not?”
My phone beeps on the table, shit.
Mark frowns. “It’s okay, take it.” I think he wants a second to put a reply together in his mind.
Oh god, I don’t want to. I pick up my phone. Alastar.
You have five minutes.
And if you touch him again…
I swear to God.
I look up and fake a smile as perspiration starts to burn my underarms. Unfucking believable.
“Everything alright?” asks Mark.
“Brielle has a few issues. Please excuse me for a moment.” I fake smile as I text back.
You are pissing me off.
A reply bounces straight back from him.
You have no idea.
Four minutes.
He wouldn’t, would he? My nerves start to flare. What’s he going to do? I look back at my dinner companion. “Mark, I don’t think we are as suited now that we’ve met in person.”
His face falls and he grabs my hand again. Oh… shit. “Yes, we are. We get on great. You know we do.”
My eyes hold his.
“You haven’t even given us a chance. We haven’t been out yet. This is our first date and my damn parents were here. Let me make it up to you tomorrow.”
“Mark I like you as a friend. Only a friend.”
He holds my hand up and kisses the back of it. “I want more than friends.”
“Get your lips off her,” a deep Irish voice growls.
I look up to see Alastar leaning over the table like the Incredible Hulk and my eyes widen in horror.
Mark frowns. “Star.” He seems shocked. Why wouldn’t he be? “I beg your pardon?”
The blood drains from my face. Please shut up.
“I said get your fucking lips off my girlfriend.” Mark’s horrified eyes flicker to me.
“A-alastar,” I stammer. “How dare you?”
“Girlfriend?” Mark repeats as he looks between the two of us in shock.
“You are not my boyfriend,” I hit back. “Not even close.” I stand in a fluster as the other patrons in the restaurant all start to watch the commotion.
This is so embarrassing.
“I apologize, Mark” I stammer.
“This is why you don’t want to see me? Because of him?” Mark snaps.
“Damn straight, so keep your fucking hands off her.” Alastar growls.
“I will do nothing of the sort.” Mark bounces back.
“You want to come outside to discuss this?” Alastar dares him with a sarcastic raise of his brow.
What?
Mark narrows his eyes.
Oh no, shut up, please. Alastar is like an out of control nuclear bomb that is about to explode at any moment. Please don’t have a punch up.
“She is handing in her resignation as of this minute!” Alastar growls.
My mouth drops open in horror. I can’t believe he just said that? How dare he? “No, I am not. I’m so sorry, Mark.”
I head toward the door. I have never been more humiliated. Tears of embarrassment heat the backs of my eyes, but Alastar is hot on my heels.
I rush out onto the street and look around anxiously. Cab… I need a cab.
“Emmaline!” Alastar snaps.
“Go away,” I cry.
“Emmaline.” He rushes after me and tries to put his arm around my waist.
I push him away. “How dare you?”
He tries to grab me again and I push him harder. “Don’t touch me!” I yell. “How could you?”
I stop still and face him.
His furious eyes hold mine and he shakes his head. “I told you not to touch him.”