The Empath's Mate novel Chapter 10

We pulled up to the bistro and I realized I had never been there before. It was a smaller building that was at the end of the road. There were a few people in the front windows all on computers with their lunches to the side. I noticed a younger couple eating lunch at one of the high tops. I followed Nikola over to a table that was reserved.

"I think this one is taken." I said whispering to him.

"I know it is for us." He said whispering back with a huge smile.

I laughed and took my seat. The table was great for a working lunch, it was set for 2 with space for 4. I set my bag down in the chair next to me and took out my binder to place it on the table. Nikola set his binder on the table before his head snapped up. He was staring at something behind me with rage in his eyes. I waited for a moment then moved my head into his line of view.

"Are you okay?" I said softly.

His eyes moved to mine and filled with regret. I wasn't sure what was going on. I could sense he was trying to mask his emotions, but I wasn't sure why. I felt a rush from behind me, a familiar aura full of guilt and fear. As I went to turn myself around in my chair a hand touched my shoulder.

"Veronica, I am shocked to see you here." His harsh voice was trying to sound sincere.

"Last minute working lunch." I stood to hug him; Travis barley kissed my cheek keeping his arm from touching my back. "This is Nikola, he is a new colleague, just arrived from England this week." I said motioning to Nikola who stood instantly. "Nikola, this is my husband Travis."

He shook his hand and they both stood there for a moment. Travis was easily 5 inches shorter than Nikola; he is built thinner and doesn't do much to stay in shape other than what is required. There was a red head standing next to him a little closer than co-workers usually did. I didn't feel I was in the position to judge considering how I left the building with Nikola.

"Your wife has been a gift at the office. Nice to meet you." He said the last part and it was hard not to noticed it was forced.

"She hasn't mentioned you." Travis spoke in his usual cocky tone, "this is Julia. She is new to the office workers, I was uh... showing her this great lunch spot." He said motioning over.

Nikola POV

It was taking all my strength not to grab this man by the throat and break the table with his body. He was covered in this woman's scent as if they just screwed in the bathroom. I knew Roni could sense it someway from him. He wasn't a good liar. I was shocked to see Roni extend her hand to the woman with a smile on her face.

"This is my first time here too." Roni said plainly. "We have a ton of work to go over so we should get to it. I'll likely be late tonight but I will let you know when I have an estimate." She said before playing the perfect wife, kissing his cheek, and sitting back down.

"It was nice to meet you." Julia said turning to leave followed by Travis. I wonder if she knew he was married before their lunch, she didn't seem shocked.

"I am sorry about that, where were we?" She said trying to change the subject, but I couldn't let it go. I didn't want to see her in pain, but she was masking it so well. Was I missing something?

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