CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
The Sweetness of Youth“Take this to Ted, kotiro.” Mari pushed the plate of bacon and eggs into Leilah’s chest and wiped her palms on her apron. “And watch his hands, girly. Bugger’s feelin’ frisky this morning.”
Leilah crinkled her nose in distaste and held the plate at arm’s length. She’d learned to avoid Ted’s wandering hands from a young age. He treated her with some caution, afraid of Hector’s giant fists. The cafe had quieted after the morning rush and Leilah weaved through the tables and scattered chairs to Ted’s seat by the window. “Mari said don’t choke on it,” she lied, jerking backwards as he flexed his fingers.
“Ah won’t,” he assured her, an evil glint in his eye.
Leilah backed away and began tidying the chairs, pushing the seats beneath the tables and a
