Balancing it All: The Punishment Pit ~ Book Four by Grant Livia

Author:Grant, Livia
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-947559-38-7
Publisher: Black Collar Press
Published: 2020-10-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Brianna

“Welcome back to Hugo’s, Mrs. Lambert. It’s nice to see you again so soon.”

Brianna struggled to remember the waiter’s name. It was the same one who’d served them the fateful night Markus brought her here before dropping her off at The Punishment Pit. She wasn’t happy with her husband’s choice of restaurants. They lived in a city known for hundreds of award-winning restaurants of every cuisine, yet he had to bring her back to a place with painful memories.

Markus’s voice pulled her out of her negative thoughts. “Brianna. You’re being rude. David asked if you’d like your usual Cosmo. She’d love a Cosmo, David, wouldn’t you sweetheart?” Her husband watched her intently.

Forcing a strained smile, she replied. “Yes, thank you very much.”

David missed the meaningful look shared between the spouses as he pivoted to greet the other couple. “It’s great to see you again, Mr. Mitchell. Would you like your usual?”

“You bet. And please bring a Cosmo for Tiffany, too, if you would, David.” Lukus reached to squeeze her hand in her lap, letting the server subtly know he’d be making the choices for her tonight.

David didn’t seem surprised by the men’s authoritative demeanor. “Of course. I’ll be back with your drinks shortly.”

Markus dismissed him. “Don’t rush. We have plenty to keep us entertained while we wait.”

David flashed him a knowing smile before slipping away discreetly.

Markus had his hand on Brianna’s upper thigh as they sat flush against each other in the massive round corner booth. “David seated us in my favorite booth.” Her husband displayed a humorous glint in his eyes as he continued. “I love bringing rival counsel here to conduct negotiations. There’s only one way into the booth, and I arrange it so my rivals have to scoot uncomfortably around the large table. Then I move in last so I have them trapped. It gives me a subtle edge. I’ve even been known to refuse to let them out of their seat until they listen to my side of the argument.”

Lukus snapped back quickly. “Asshole. We’ve sat here almost every time we’ve come here together, and you always make me slide in first.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” The two men shared a good-natured laugh, while Brianna struggled with her resentment of her husband’s choice of restaurants.

“So what are you gonna try to negotiate out of me tonight, since you put Tiff and me in the back?” Lukus said.

Markus grasped Brianna’s hand, bringing it to his lips, waiting for her to look up into his brown eyes. “I didn’t come here tonight to negotiate anything. I came here so Brianna and I can replace our shitty thoughts of the last time we were here with some better memories of being here with our best friends.” His humorous grin suddenly turned serious. “I can tell you aren’t thrilled with my restaurant choice, Brianna. I confess; I’m being selfish. This is one of my favorite restaurants. It’s close to my office, and I usually come here at least once a week with clients.

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