Chapter 108 - disturbed dinner

Lawrence's POV

I tensed as Jameson's voice carried over the ambient music, his careless laughter grating like nails down a chalkboard. So much for a rare peaceful evening alone with Stella.

I glanced up to see my little brother sauntering through the exclusive restaurant as though he owned it, making himself at home at our table.

"Oh wonderful, you're both here! What a lovely coincidence," Jameson exclaimed with mock delight. "Don't mind if I join you, do you?" Without waiting for a reply, he spun a chair around and dropped into it.

"We were rather hoping for some privacy," I bit out, wrapping a protective arm around Stella's bare shoulders. To her credit, she took my brother's intrusion in an amused stride, merely arching one perfect eyebrow.

"Lawrence, where are your manners? We'd be happy to have James join us," she gestured expansively. Ever the diplomat.

As if on cue, our waiter arrived eyeing Jameson curiously. I intervened before he could question the audacious seating shift