With a deep breath I exit the vehicle, trying to keep calm. Landon walks behind me, his hand on the small of my back. To anyone else it would seem as though he were guiding me but in reality he's propelling me forwards.
"This was your idea princess, you don't get to hesitate now." Landon hisses in my ear. I tilt my chin up and stand up straighter, speeding up just enough to put space between his hand and my back.
"It's this way!" Clare calls in a sing-song voice, pointing to the rather obvious and bold doors. The walls are black brick and a gold sign above the doors proclaims the restaurant to be called The Black Rose.
Gardens line the outside filled with what other than rows of black roses. It gives off an air of sophistication and I know there's no way we'll be able to get in.
Clare seems confident in her decision though. She makes it to the door first, her steps bouncy and light and carefree like those of a child.
We catch up to her just inside. She speaks softly to the server, batting her eyes and clasping her hands.
"I swear we did reserve a table here! Under the name Landon, table for four," she sounds so convincing, and the poor server flips through his book, looking furiously for the name that's not there.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but your name's just not on the list!"
Clare's face falls and she turns to us looking defeated.
"C'mon guys. I guess we'll have to go get lunch elsewhere." She sighs dramatically.
Landon looks relieved, probably thankful in the name of his wallet. We all turn and start to walk out. My shoulders relax and I feel some weight lift off my chest.
"Wait-" the server calls out. Clare perks up and I feel Landon stiffen, stifling a groan.
"I think I found your reservation right here. Landon, table of four." The server smiles.
Clare claps excitedly and grins ear to ear and my jaw drops open.
"Right this way," he calls, seating us at the last table available.
We all get seated. Landon pulls my chair out for me and I sit. He takes a seat beside me and grabs my hand, interlocking our fingers. To anyone else it would look as though it were a sweet gesture but the rough and hard grip of his fingers says otherwise.
It's a gesture that means you aren't going anywhere without me and you aren't going anywhere I don't want you to go.
The heavy feeling returns and I try to stay calm as the waiter hands out the menus.
"So what are we getting guys? I suggest-" Clare's voice rambles on but my mind is distracted. I struggle to keep a smile and look around the room for any possible exits.
This restaurant is busy, there's no way I could get out without making a scene. Unless...
My eyes catch on a metallic sign engraved with the word 'restrooms' and an arrow.
Jackpot.
My chair screeches loudly against the linoleum floor and the disruption draws attention from everyones eyes in the restaurant. There's an awkward silence as Clare's rambling pauses.
"I have to use the restroom." I mumble, shaking Landons hand off and standing.
"Oh, well, we're just about to order here but we'll wait for you." She smiles. I shake my head softly.
"No, it's alright, don't wait. I'll just take one of whatever you're having." I say with the biggest smile I can conjure.
"Okay, sounds good hun." Clare replies before launching into a storytelling with Boss. I go quickly but not quickly enough to raise suspicions.
YOU ARE READING
Held For Ransom
Humor-excerpt- "Did you just bite me?" Landon exclaims in disbelief. "I told you to keep your hands off of me," I snap back, wiping my mouth, "and for the record you taste disgusting." He looks up from cradling his bitten hand and gives me a look of comp...
