Cole's Mistake (Haven, Texas 8)

“I wasn’t hungry,” Cole explained. “And why are you whispering?”

“So, I don’t scare the girl, of course.” Renard looked at him like he was an idiot.

The girl? He glanced down as Keira moved in closer to him. He was talking quietly so as not to scare her? That was actually kind of thoughtful. Not something he’d thought this big bear of a man could be.

“Why would you order food if you weren’t hungry, huh? Nobody ever returns the beef wellington. Nobody returns plates with any food on them. They eat every bite!”

Keira jumped as that last word was said in a louder voice. Immediately, a concerned look crossed the man’s face. “Sorry, darling, why don’t you go out and serve some deserving customers?

Julian had moved closer to them until he was standing next to Keira. She slipped up beside Cole once more. He frowned down at her. She needed to stay where he put her in situations like this.

Even though it seemed like this guy wasn’t a threat to her, he still didn’t want her in harm’s way.

“Julian?”

“Yes?” Julian asked carefully.

“Take Keira out please, while I speak to Mr. Renard.”

The chef sneered at him. “It’s just Renard and this conversation is over. Leave and never return.”

“I wasn’t aware you were the owner of this establishment.” He knew he wasn’t, unless Joel had a business partner.

“I’m the heart and soul of this place. There would be no Fet without me.” The man thumped his chest.

“Julian.” Cole didn’t bother to look at him.

“Come on, Keira,” Julian said in a low voice. “You’ve got other customers waiting.”

“I don’t think we should leave Cole with Renard. You know what he’s like.”

Who was like? Him or Renard?

“Go! Go!” Renard made shooing gestures with his hands at him. “I will not fucking kill him. I do not like a fucking mess in my kitchen. But you are not fucking welcome back here. I don’t care who your fucking brother is.”

Cole took a step forward. “You will refrain from swearing in front of Keira.”

Renard’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll swear all I fucking like. Keira doesn’t care, do you?”

“N-no, of course not.”

Why had Julian not taken her out of there? He half-turned to give the other man a look and saw he had her most of the way across the room, but she was giving him resistance. Okay, enough of that.

“Keira, you were told to return to the dining room.”

Her eyes narrowed. Some of the old Keira shone out at him. Hmm, maybe he was going about this wrong. Maybe slow and sweet wasn’t the way. He’d still need to treat them gently, but maybe they also needed more of a push.

At least there was more life in her eyes as she glared at him. Hey, if she needed him to be the bad guy then it was a role he was at least good at.

“I’m just trying to help you,” Keira told him.

Help him? Was she crazy? “I don’t need help. What I need is you a safe distance away.”

“Renard won’t hurt me. You, on the other hand . . .” she bit her lip.

She was worried about him. His insides softened. “Baby, thank you for worrying over me, but I can take care of myself. I’m perfectly capable of talking to Mr. Renard about his poor manners on my own.”

The door swung open, nearly catching Julian in the back, and Joel walked in. He stood there for a moment then sighed, putting his hands on his hips as he glared at Cole. “Didn’t I tell you to eat the damn beef wellington?”