Read Online What the Lightning Sees: Part Two by Louise Bay - Free Book Online Page A

photographs at the table?” Haven asked.
    I shook my head. “I’ll take some as you walk in.”
    After I’d taken a few shots, they went into the restaurant and I started pacing up and down the lobby. I didn’t know whether I should stay and wait for them to finish their dinner, or leave them to it. I couldn’t bear the thought of him or anyone anywhere near Haven. I decided to wait.
    I counted every minute that they were gone. I passed the restaurant several times, but couldn’t see them from the door. I took a seat in the lobby and kept my eye on the entrance. Various staff members eyed me suspiciously, and a couple asked if they could assist me, but I shooed them away and kept waiting.
    Finally, I saw them emerge. Romano had his arm clasped around her waist, pulling her toward him, and kissing her knuckles again. Haven looked unusually relaxed. Jesus, didn’t she see what a penis this guy was?
    “I’m sorry, I have an early start tomorrow, but thank you for the offer,” Haven said as they walked toward me.
    I stood up and Haven’s eyes met mine. She didn’t look angry or pleased that I was still there. At that moment, neutral would do.
    “I’d love you to see this new Renoir that I bought. Are you sure I can’t tempt you?” Jesus, he wasn’t subtle, was he?
    “Another time, perhaps,” Haven replied.
    “You’ll have to show her your etchings another evening, Romano. I’m here to see Haven gets home safely,” I said. There was no way Haven was going up to his room.
    Romano turned to me. “Is this what you’re reduced to now, Harrison? Loitering in hotel lobbies?”
    I ignored him.
    “My driver will see you home, my princess,” Romano said.
    “Haven and I will be fine in a cab,” I said. I pulled her elbow, trying to put some distance between her and Romano.
    “Thank you for a wonderful evening, Louis,” Haven said.
    “I look forward to Saturday,” he replied as I led Haven toward the exit.
    Blood thundered through my veins and I had to be careful not to tighten my already forceful grip around Haven’s elbow.
    “Saturday? Are you serious?” I asked her as we got into the fresh air.
    “Let go of me, Jake.” Haven twisted away from me and I dropped my hand.
    “What about Saturday, Haven?” I asked again.
    “He wants to take me out again.” She indicated to the doorman that she needed a cab.
    “And you said yes?” What was she thinking? Did she like him?
    “Yes, I said yes. What is your problem with him?” she asked. She sounded confused and I couldn’t blame her. I couldn’t tell her what Romano was really like—I needed her to trust me.
    She started to climb into the cab and I quickly followed her.
    “What are you doing? Get out!”
    “I’m making sure you get home okay.” I was pissed that another guy, and Romano at that, had gotten to spend their evening with her. It should have been me, so I wanted to be the one to see her home. I could at least have that.
    “Jake, you’re not my dad. Get out.”
    I gave the cab driver Haven’s address and we started moving. She sat as far away from me as possible, looking out the window. I could deal with that. As long as I knew she was safe and with me. Even if she was angry, I could live with that.
    We drove along in silence until I couldn’t bear it any longer.
    “The guy is a joke,” I said snappily.
    “You’re the joke,” she replied. She sounded resigned to the fact.
    “Haven.”
    She turned to me. “I mean it. You’ve acted like a complete jerk this evening. Louis was fine—a little sleazy but tolerable. You, on the other hand . . . you should trust me. I’m a grown woman. I don’t need rescuing.”
    “Haven.”
    “What? Stop saying my name like you have some kind of hold over me.”
    “I think you have that the wrong way around.” Haven’s hold on me seemed to be increasing. She was right. I had been a prick and I hadn’t trusted her. There was a foundation for my concern, but most of my actions tonight