12

Futile enough to close a restaurant just for him. That’s what Evie thinks and it was almost true. The restaurant belonged to the Castellos, but served as a front for what was happening in the back. An illegal casino.

Alec occupied a table right in the center of the restaurant. He had chosen the chair facing the door because he wanted to delight in the entrance to Evangeline. He knew it was coming armed, just did not expect to see her in slippers. Alec leaned on the table and put a hand on his lips, partially hiding the smile he had.

Without saying a word, Evie pulls up the chair making a shrill noise and sitting down anyway. He still stares at her for a few seconds before dropping a low laugh.

"I expected a certain reluctance, but this" Alec points to her clothes. "surprised me.”

"Well, I figured since you wanted me here at all costs, you wouldn’t mind the clothes I wore.”

"And I don’t care." He makes a sign, so that a waiter approaches. "You look beautiful.”

Evie snorts