Payton
It doesn’t take me long to realize there is something off about Cash and Kane. Not in a creepy Matthew way, but a, I’m more dangerous than the average person way. There is a danger surrounding them, and as we walk into the restaurant, that becomes even more apparent.
The hostess stiffens when she sees us, and multiple people stop talking. As we are led to a table in the back, I notice people cowering away. Grown men look the other way to avoid eye contact. What the hell?
Kane and Madison walk ahead of us while Cash is so close behind me that I can feel his body heat through my clothes, seeping into my skin.
The hostess takes us to a large round booth in the far corner of the restaurant. One man is already sitting there, and I know right away this must be the twin’s brother. Same build, same dark hair, and the same murderous glint in his eyes.
Who are these people?
I stop right in front of the table, watching curiously as Madison throws herself at the guy on the bench. His eyes soften before he welcomes her into his embrace. I’m fascinated by the sight in front of me. I almost feel like I’m at a zoo, watching a lion cradle a lamb.
A large hand on my lower back drags me out of my thoughts.
“Sit down,” Kane orders gruffly, pointing at the bench he wants me to slide into.
Cash is already sitting down, which means if I slide in and Kane sits down next, I’ll be sandwiched between them. Warning bells go off inside my head.
“I actually just remembered I had dinner plans already. I should probably head out—”
“Nonsense. Sit down,” Kane pushes on, verbally and physically. He basically shoves me into the bench, making me slide in until my body is flush up against Cash.
“Who do we have here?” The man with his arm around Madison asks.
“This is my friend, Payton, from ballet class. Cash and Kane invited her to come,” Madison explains before introducing her man, “Payton, this is Archer.”
“Nice to meet you,” I lie. Nothing about this evening has been nice.
“Likewise.” He nods, but I can tell it’s a lie as well. He is not happy about a surprise guest, which only makes me more uncomfortable.
“I’ve already ordered for us. I didn’t know you were bringing someone.”
Just then, a waiter appears carrying a tray of drinks. I notice how his hand shakes as he sets down the glasses in front of each person. When he gets to me and realizes he is missing something, his eyes go wide as saucers.
“I’ll have a water, please,” I tell him with a reassuring smile.
“And she’ll have the lasagna to eat,” Cash cuts in.
“Of course, I’ll add it to the order right away, and I’ll be back with your water in a minute, miss.” The poor guy scurries away like he is scared to be eaten alive. Truthfully, so am I.
“So, Payton, what do you do besides dancing?” Kane asks casually.
“I’m a preschool teacher,” I explain, instantly feeling a pang of guilt. I shouldn’t tell them where I work, what if they follow me to school?
“That’s nice. I can see you doing that.” Cash nods.
Normally, this would be the time to ask them what they do for work, but I have the distinct feeling that I don’t want to know.
The waiter returns with my water and sets it in front of me. I down half the glass with a few sips. Only when I put the glass back down, do I notice my hand shaking as well.
“Are you cold?” Kane asks while snaking his hand around my back, leaving it sprawled out between my shoulder blades.
“I’m fine.” I shake my head and glance over to Madison. She gives me a bright smile, leaving me confused as hell. Does she not see how uncomfortable I am, or does she just not care?
I don’t know Madison that well, but I always thought she was very kind and nice to talk to. I’m completely flabbergasted by seeing her like this with these men. How can someone so sweet be comfortable around guys like this?
“Are you from here?” Archer asks, but unlike his brothers’ questions, his sounds more like an interrogation than small talk.