Because a Husband Is Forever by Marie Ferrarella Read Free Book Online

wrong time,” he said to Dakota.
    About to retreat, he found his path impeded by the effervescent woman.
    â€œNot so fast,” she told him as she turned to the maître d’. Dakota greeted the man and subsequently was embraced in what amounted to a Russian bear hug.
    Ian sighed. Looked as if he’d failed to factor in the magic of star power.
    The tall, mustached man in the dark suit smiled broadly as he released Dakota. “For you? How could there not be a table for you, my friend? Always, always there will be a place for you and your friends anywhere I will be,” he swore, dramatically hitting his chest with his fist.
    Dakota inclined her head with a smile. “Thank you, Dimitri.”
    The aristocratic man looked around for a waiter. Spying one, he was quick to dispatch the man into the center of the dining area. Within two minutes Dakota and the others were ushered to a booth that was off to the side.
    The tables around them were filled to capacity with people who clearly enjoyed themselves and their meals. It seemed rather improbable to Ian that this plum location had gone begging all this time. He looked at Dakota as the waiter distributed elegant black menus with gold lettering. “He kill the people who were sitting here?”
    â€œYou always view everything so darkly?” Dakota asked.
    He shrugged absently. “Just seems surprising that with all these people in here and that line at the door, that this booth would go empty and unnoticed.”
    â€œIt doesn’t, exactly.” She paused to order a bottle ofwine for the table, then looked back at Ian. “Dimitri keeps it reserved for me.”
    That didn’t seem like a sound business move, unless there was something going on between her and the silver-haired man. The embrace had seemed particularly warm and friendly.
    â€œWhat else does he keep reserved for you?”
    â€œThe best wine in the house,” she answered glibly, nodding at the departing waiter. She deliberately took no offense, sensing he didn’t mean it as an insult but more of a probe.
    Ian’s gray eyes held hers. He had no idea what prompted him to ask, “What do you do in exchange for all this service?”
    Randy leaned in, an apologetic expression on his lean face. “You’ll have to excuse my partner. He left his brain in his other skull.”
    Dakota took it all in stride. “Along with his manners, I guess. Glad they lasted the length of the show.”
    She should have left it there, she told herself. After all, the man had no right to infer anything. But she wanted to set the record straight.
    â€œAnd to answer your question, this is Dimitri’s way of showing his gratitude. This place is his first restaurant in this country. I had him on my very first show and sent a little business his way as he was starting out. His excellent menu and fantastic culinary skill—until recently, he was the head chef, as well—did the rest. But he still chooses to be grateful, and I do like the foodhere.” Finished, she gave him an inquiring look. “Any other questions?”
    Ian laughed shortly. He supposed he had that coming. He had no idea why he’d pushed the issue, only that an uncustomary flare of temper had surfaced when he saw the way the older man had held on to Dakota for a beat too long. There was no reason why he should have cared, even if the two were lovers.
    â€œI guess that puts me in my place. Sorry.”
    Randy almost choked on the water he’d just sipped. Regaining control, he stared at Ian. “Oh God, this is a monumental moment. Russell never apologizes.”
    Ian opened the menu, hoping to return to business as usual. The selections ran down two long columns. “Because I’m usually not wrong.”
    Randy grinned. “He’s also been known to walk on water on occasion.”
    MacKenzie’s eyes shifted to the other man. “Now that I’d like to book