"If you've got what you want, why don't you get yourself and your foul mouth out of here?" Alfred said curtly, making the man jump and leave hastily, clutching the ice bucket in his hands.

"I'm sorry," Alfred said in the same curt tone. "If he's rude to you again, let me know."

"Yes, thanks," Layla said, looking at his his eyes. "Is that why you didn't want me to stay on, because people might get that idea?"

He paused for a moment, and she could see a pulse beating at his temple. Then he said, "No, that wasn't the reason."

"I'm glad," Layla said, looking away.

"Do you...?" Alfred...