"Mr. Locke, it's a pleasure to meet you properly," I said with a smile that screamed damage control. "I apologize if I came off abrupt earlier."
Zane Locke waved a hand dismissively, suddenly all gracious statesman. "Not at all. I should apologize for my… inappropriate questions. I wasn't myself."
Understatement of the year.
"Truly, no offense taken," I said smoothly, even as my brain was screaming, Abort mission! Save yourself!
I turned back to Alpha Yardley. "I won't keep you, sir. I should get back to my table."
But of course, the universe wasn't done toying with me.
"No need," Yardley said with a smile. "I'll call Sebastian to join us here. You should come with us."
"…Of course," I replied, voice calm, soul internally combusting.
And that's how I found myself walking into priva
