Page 174 of Forgotten Prejudice

“Guys.” Ashton’s voice was loud as he looked between us. “Can we please just focus on the food instead of biting each other’s heads off?”

Kai leaned closer to Ashton, and with his lips scraping Ashton’s ear, he grinned. “Sure, babe. I’ll behave as long as I get to bite you later.”

I clenched my fork a bit tighter, gritting my teeth with disdain. That low-life creature was doing his best to get on my nerves, and to my shame, he was succeeding.

Ashton’s face reddened, and he pushed Kai away, who had already gotten what he wanted anyway. I despised that bastard, who did whatever he wanted just to spite others. I used to be the same, too, only that I’d matured with the years.

Thankfully, we managed to dive into a civilized conversation that mostly revolved around the trial. At some point, Kai said he was going to check on the main courses, leaving me and Ashton alone.

“When were you going to tell me you’re leaving?”

I knew he’d ask that.

“I planned on doing it today.”

He frowned. “So what was the point of seducing me if you planned to go back all along?”

Surprised by his accusations, I chuckled. “I’m sorry, but did you say I seduced you?” I took a sip from my drink, then put it down. “If I recall correctly, you were the one who threw himself all over me. Twice.”

Clenching his jaw, Ashton turned the other way. “That could be debated.”

No. It most definitely couldn’t. But I wasn’t about to put him on the spot.

“Let’s agree that this was a mutual seduction.” I reached my hand forward and grazed his pinkie with mine. His eyes flew to my hand, a cute little blush decorating his cheeks.

When he didn’t push me away, I kept my hand on his, enjoying the warmth of his soft skin.

“If you want me to stay, all you need to do is say so, Ashton,” I said, my eyes locked with his. If Ashton chose me, there would be no hesitation on my side. I’d be waiting on his doorstep with a ring this evening. Oh, for God’s sake. I would have had a ring ready an hour ago if he just gave me the cue.

He darted his tongue out to wet his bottom lip before he bit on it. “Do you really mean it?”

Slipping my fingers underneath his sleeve, I caressed his skin before I grabbed his wrist and turned his arm around. I then slid my palm down and placed mine on top. “Of course I do,” I answered him, adoring every bit of his divine expression. I would have held his hand forever if not for Kai’s voice coming from afar, forcing us both to pull back.

It was a shame, but at least these small moments and stolen glances confirmed what I had suspected—Ashton wanted me, too, and this thing with Kai was only temporary.

“I hope you like your meat red and bloody,” Kai said, slamming his hands on my back in a push that was supposed to be friendly, only it wasn’t. Letting go, he moved back to his chair, planting a big kiss on Ashton’s cheek before sitting down.

“So, what were you talking about?”

“I asked him something about the trial,” Ashton lied.

“I see.” Pressing his lips together, Kai hummed to himself before turning his eyes to me. “You know, I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be a lawyer. If it’s as cool as it seems or if it’s just all bullshit.”

Not sure where he was going with that, I shook my head. “It’s the same as any job, I guess.”

“Oh, come on.” He rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair. “You’re telling me working with criminals is the same as cooking steaks on a grill?” He faked a laugh. “Just thinking about all the connections you must have. Fucking mind-blowing.” He gestured an explosion with his hand, mouthing the word boom.

“Kai, I think you’re exaggerating,” Ashton muttered while shifting uncomfortably in his chair.

“No way.” He wrapped his hand around Ashton and pulled him close as if he was sharing a secret with him. “I’m telling you, this guy is one hell of a badass. I wouldn’t dare mess with him.”

“Soren’s nothing like that.”

“Really?” Kai’s lips twitched into a crooked smile as he let go of Ashton and rubbed his jaw. “I think getting some mobster to beat the shit out of your competition is a pretty badass thing to do.” He leaned a bit closer. “But then again, who am I to say? I’m just a simple cook.”

If I were the type to get nervous over getting caught, I wouldn’t have broken the law to begin with. And yet, seeing the shock slowly transforming into disbelief on my sweet Sparrow’s face made me regret my decision. Jones crossed a line when he made my little bird cry in an attempt to go after me, and he got what he deserved. Was it right of me? No. Was it shady for a lawyer to break the law? Well, obviously, but who gave a fuck. When it came to my Sparrow, there were no lines I wouldn’t cross. Did it make me morally gray? Probably yes, but I never pretended not to be. Unlike the snake who was sitting across the table, grinning from ear to ear as if he’d just won the lottery.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said and took a sip from my drink. And while being accused of committing a crime didn’t bother me, the fact he knew about it did.