"I must say." Sotza smoothly slid into the booth next to Vee. He shifted until he was sitting so close his thigh was brushing hers. "I wasn't expecting to dine with such a charming companion this evening."

Vee kept her face as neutral as possible and purposefully slid a few inches away from him. She lifted her water glass and took a sip before carefully placing it back on the table. It took effort to make sure her hand didn't shake, that she didn't accidentally spill the ...