insane, that was certain.
As the waiter came to the table, Finn let go of her hand. He lifted his hip and pulled out his wallet. After looking over the bill, he fished out two twenties. He handed them to the young man with a murmured “Keep the change.”
“I didn’t invite you to lunch so you’d pick up the tab,” Keira said. She looked at the waiter and held out one hand. “May I see the bill, please? I’d like to pay my half.”
“I’ve got it, Keira.” Finn motioned the server to leave. The young man walked away and Finn said, “Let me be chivalrous for once, okay? I don’t get that many opportunities.”
She sat back in her chair and crossed her legs. “Fine. Far be it from me to insist on my independence at the cost of your male ego.” She smiled to soften her teasing. “Thank you.”
His answering smile reflected in his eyes. “My pleasure.” He leaned closer and cupped his palm around the nape of her neck. His thumb rubbed lightly against the base of her head. The warmth and weight of his hand against her skin made her feel feminine and cherished. “So,” he said softly, snagging her gaze with his, “will I see you later?”
She’d promised Javier she’d meet him at the club this evening—he’d said he had a message for her from Stefan—but she couldn’t tell Finn that. He hadn’t been too pleased to see her go off with the vampire before. He certainly wouldn’t understand it now, and she couldn’t explain why she was doing it.
“I have plans tonight,” she murmured and tried to keep from moaning at his touch. Despite her efforts she couldn’t keep herself from tilting her head to give him better access to muscles that were tight from stress. But it was more than that. She loved his touch, the feel of his strong fingers kneading her flesh. Taking a deep breath, she straightened and looked him in the eyes. “Finn, what are we doing?”
He cocked a brow. “I’m giving you a little neck massage, and you seem to be enjoying it.”
“I am, but that’s not what I meant.” She reluctantly pulled away. She couldn’t think straight with his hands on her. “Where are things going with us?”
She half expected him to prevaricate, to say something like Where do you want things to go? Instead, he studied her, his eyes dark, intent, and interested. He leaned toward her and brought his hand to her face, cupping her jaw. Her heart quickened as she waited for his reply.
His phone buzzed. “Hang on a sec.” He pulled his hand away and fished his phone from the pocket of his jeans. It vibrated again before he pressed a button and stared down at the screen. His face twisted into a scowl. “Damn it.” Looking up at her, he said, “I’m sorry, I have to go.” He held up his phone. “Duty calls.” He pushed his chair back and stood. “But I guarantee we’ll finish this conversation soon.” He bent and cupped her face in one broad palm, and pressed his mouth to hers, a long, lingering melding of lips that stole her breath as they always did. He straightened, letting his hand linger against her jaw a moment before his mouth twisted with regret and he turned away.
Keira watched him walk out, wondering what the text was about to put such a dark look on his face. Of course, with secrets of her own, she couldn’t begrudge him his. With a sigh she took her napkin off her lap and placed it on the table, then stood and headed toward the door. She had more jewelers to hang out with this afternoon.
Joy.
Chapter Seven
Finn swung his leg over his bike and sat on the leather seat, wincing as heat bit through his jeans. The text he’d received was from Lucifer, telling him to call. Apparently his father had gotten tired of him not answering his phone.
He pressed the three-digit speed dial and waited for Lucifer to answer. When he did, Finn said, “What’s up?”
“We’ve just got report of a demon attack against a human near Fashion Square mall,” Lucifer said, his voice taut. “I want you to check out the crime scene. Discreetly, of course.”
“Of course.” Finn frowned. Keira came out of the restaurant and lifted her hand in a wave before turning and walking away. Where was she going, anyway? She’d been evasive at lunch, though that was nothing new with her, especially