Chapter 20

I decide to focus on the food, almost gasping to the taste of the strong spices combined with the full-bodied wine. I feel like I have the attention of my companion during much of the meal, but I also ignore this fact.

"It seems that your friend wants to talk to me," I hear him sigh, and I look for Penelope around the salon. She is leaning against the bar, talking to a beautiful woman, even with her attention turned to us. Hunter drags his chair and leans on the cane. "Can you survive without my company, dear?”

"Nothing in my life is funny without Hunter Chaol," he rolls his eyes. "But I can make an effort.”

He opens his most beautiful smile, leans over and kisses the tip of my nose. If we weren't facing so many looks, I would end up believing in his performance. Dude, he's good at it.

I see him leaving in the direction of Penelope, staggering a little. Despite this, heads turn to observe him. Men and women serve as an audience while he parades to reach my friend. M