Much-Needed Dinner

ZANE

As the limo pulled away from the curb, we all chatted and laughed about this and that.

Conner let out a hearty laugh, slapping his knee. “Remember when Zane was running from his dad because he broke his mom’s favorite vase?

“His dad gave up because Zane was too quick, but his mom was waiting at the end of the hall and grabbed him by the collar.”

Shay was sitting next to me. I shot a glare at Connor and Noah as they shared embarrassing tales from our childhood. I held her hand, squeezing it a bit too tightly.

She leaned in close. “If you don’t want me to hear about wild little Zane, you can tell them to stop,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I turned to her, a small smile playing on my lips. “It’s okay. You should know some of our past. They’re keeping it clean so far. But if they start on the other—”

Noah interrupted. “Remember that girl Zane thought he loved, but she couldn’t stand him?”

“That’s enough, guys. Can we save the embarrassing childhood stories for another time?”

Shay turned to Noah, a smile on her face. “I’ll need to hear that story.”

I dropped my head into my hands, groaning. “Did you have to bring that one up, Noah?”

“She’s the only girl I know who actually said no to the charming Zane. Every other girl we’ve seen you with has fallen for you so easily.”

~“Enough!”~

Shay jumped at my sharp tone. I quickly looked out the window; she could tell something was really bothering me.

I glanced at Noah and Conner, forcing a half-smile. They stayed quiet for the rest of the ride. After about ten minutes, we arrived at the restaurant.

I helped Shay out of the limo, but I was still on edge.

“Noah, Conner, go ahead and get our table. Zane and I will join you in a bit,” she said, holding me back with her hand while the other two headed inside.

“We’re not going anywhere until you tell me what’s wrong,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest and giving me a stern look.

“You know I can carry you over my shoulder, right? Don’t test me now.” I gave her a wicked grin.

Her demeanor softened, and I relaxed a bit. “I’m sorry. This thing with Luca has me on edge.

“Dad’s with the doctor getting checked out to make sure he doesn’t have a concussion.

“And Luca has threatened you and my family. I know his men are getting ready to attack, and I feel like I’m trapped in a glass room.”

I placed my hand on her stomach, my vision blurring.

“For the first time in my life, I’m scared. I can’t let the guys see this. To them, I’m a rock that won’t crumble.

“I’ve always worried about them, but now I have two more people in my life that mean everything to me. If anything happened to you, I don’t know if I could handle it.

“This beast inside me is stirring, and I don’t want you to see him. Hell, sometimes he scares me. It’s like someone else takes over.”

She cupped my cheek, leaning into it.

“Zane, you don’t have to worry about scaring me away. I’m yours until we’re old and gray with lots of grandkids running around—maybe even great-grandkids.

“I’ve been kidnapped twice, shot at, and threatened, and I’m still here, by your side.”

A small smile spread across my face.

“Great-grandkids, huh? You’re really thinking ahead—farther than I’ve ever imagined. I love you so much, I want to protect you every second of every day for the rest of my life.

“I know I can’t, but the need to keep you safe and happy is deep in here.” I pointed to my heart.

She kissed my cheek.

“As long as I’m with you, I will be. Your house is practically a fortress with all the security you have.

“And I can stay in the control room if needed. It’s basically a bomb shelter. When it all goes down, I promise we’ll both be safe.”

I searched her eyes for a few more seconds, then offered her my arm with a big smile.

“You always know just what to say. You know that, right? Just a few words from you and I’m back to being the tame lion you’ve made me.

“It’s hard for me to admit that. You’re the only one I’ll tell.”

She nodded and we started up the stairs to the restaurant. Just then, a voice called out behind us. “Zane, baby! Is that you?”

I froze, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Not her again.”

Shay tried to turn around, but I tugged on her arm. “Who’s got you all tense?”

“Just keep walking, please. I can’t deal with this right now. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear her.

“She’s one of my exes, but she doesn’t think we’ve broken up. Every time she sees me, she acts like we’re still together.”

I guided Shay up the steps and quickly into the restaurant. My ex kept calling out, but we made our way through the crowd to our table.

I pulled out a chair for Shay, helped her sit, and took the seat next to her.

“We ordered some wine for us, boss, but we weren’t sure about Shay. Is tea okay for you?”

She smiled at them. “Yes, thank you. Until the doctor gives me the okay, I’m staying away from alcohol.”

I took her hand and kissed it. “You won’t be drinking while you’re pregnant. I won’t risk anything with the baby.”

Just then, my ex sauntered up to our table. Connor, Noah, and I all groaned when we saw her.

She was the epitome of a model: curves in just the right spots, long, raven-black hair, and hazel eyes that sparkled like a Fourth of July sky.

“Didn’t you hear me back at the entrance, sweetheart? I’ve been searching for you for months. Your phone’s been dead!

“I tried to track down your house, but no luck, and you’re never at the club when I ask about you,” she said.

Her voice was upbeat, almost too cheerful. But when her gaze landed on Shay, and she saw my hands intertwined with hers, her eyes ignited with a fiery rage. “So this is why I can’t reach you?”

“Tiffany, we broke up over seven months ago. We only dated a few times and then we went our separate ways.”

“So is that what you’re planning to do with her too?” Her voice was escalating, becoming uncomfortably loud. “Are you just going to fuck her and leave?”

Conner sprang from his chair, making her recoil. “I’d advise you to return to your table, Tiffany. The boss is occupied tonight. If necessary, I’ll personally escort you out.”

Noah rose too, and she retreated a few steps. “Tiffany, this is your final warning. Leave the boss alone from now on. We’ve told you this every time we cross paths.”

“He is ~mine~! Not this bitch’s. I love him, and I won’t ever let him go!”

Before I knew it, I was standing in front of her, a gun pointed at her face. She looked terrified as I cocked the hammer.

“I believe my men asked you to leave us alone. As I see it, you have two options right now.” My voice was low and menacing.

“You can either leave and never bother me again, or my men will handle you.”

She swallowed hard and nodded. “I understand. I thought we still had a chance.”

Her eyes fell on Shay, and I tightened my grip on the gun. “You’re a lucky woman to have him. Will you take care of him, please?”

Shay nodded at her. “I will. He’s my fiancé, so I’ll take care of him for the rest of my life.”

I smirked at her response and stepped closer to Tiffany.

“You heard her, and you heard my warning. I don’t want to see you anywhere near me, and if you see me, either go the other way or pretend you don’t know me.”

Tiffany gave me one last smile and scurried off. I secured the gun and tucked it back into my pants.

We all sat down and acted as if nothing had happened as the waiter brought our drinks. He uncorked the bottle of wine, poured me a glass, and I downed it in one go.

“Zane, take it easy. You’re shaking a bit,” Shay said, resting her hand on my arm.

I sighed. “I’m fine, really. Just the adrenaline from having to restrain my trigger-happy finger.” I patted her hand and gave her a sincere smile.

She studied me for a moment and then backed off. We ordered our meals and enjoyed our drinks.