Page 7 of Air of Seduction

I study the various dishes on the table. It’s a lot of food for only seven people. There’s bound to be a lot of leftovers. But then my eyes land on the pile of food on Aidan’s plate, and I’m suddenly not so sure there will be.

The temptation to pick something that really doesn’t go well with bacon is almost overpowering, but I don’t fall for it. Ronan doesn’t deserve that. Not after everything he’s done for me, and what he’s promised to do.

I select a couple of fried eggs, a grilled sausage, two hash browns, and my personal favorite, grilled red tomatoes. And last but not least, several crispy slices of bacon.

Strictly speaking, he only told me to choose something to gowithhis bacon, but I hope he’ll be pleased that I put some bacon on his plate as well.

“You can open your eyes now.” I watch his face as he does what I tell him.

He surveys the food on his plate before lifting his gaze to mine with a small smile curving his lips. “You managed to select all my favorites. Well done.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, you’re lucky I’m feeling generous today. I was considering giving you some oatmeal with bacon on top, or a chocolate croissant with added bacon stuffing.”

His laughter takes me by surprise. Wrapped in the warm rumbling sound, I can do nothing but stare as his severe features soften with his amusement. Right before my eyes, he’s just transformed from exceedingly handsome to the most gorgeous man to have ever walked this earth.

It’s not until his laughter dies away that I notice the room has gone completely quiet. Looking around, I see all the men in the room staring at Ronan like he’s just levitated off his chair or something.

“It’s nice to hear your laughter again.” Aidan’s expression is serious. “It’s been too long.”

I look back at Ronan, but his focus is now on the plate of food in front of him. He picks up his knife and fork and starts shoveling food into his mouth like a starving man who hasn’t seen a scrap of food in years. But there’s no sign that he’s actually enjoying his meal.

I want to ask him what’s wrong, but I can already tell he’s not going to answer me. His playful side, which was there a minute ago, has vanished, and he might as well be sitting alone for all the attention he pays the rest of us.

To avoid coming off ungrateful for not eating, I put a couple of grilled tomatoes on my plate. I’ve barely taken the first bite when the chair next to me is pushed back, and Ronan gets to his feet.

“You’ll have to excuse me. I’ll be back shortly.” Then he storms out of the room like he can’t get away fast enough.

I shiver with a sudden chill, like he just took the heat in the room with him when he left. It’s not like I know Ronan, but I still feel like I know him better than I know any of the other people in this room. Sitting here at the table without him doesn’t feel right, and I have to push down my urge to make up an excuse to leave.

Forcing my shoulders to relax, I put another piece of tomato into my mouth and chew. Olivia. She’s the reason I’m here and the reason I’m not going to leave. These people are going to help me rescue her, and that’s why I’m going to sit right here and eat with these people like I belong.

“Thank you.”

Markus’s voice draws my attention. He’s staring directly at me like he’s talking to me, but that can’t be right. Why would he feel the need to thank me?

“Thank you for whatever you said to Ronan to make him laugh.” His smile is genuine. “It’s been many years since I heard that sound coming from him.”

“Years?” I frown. That can’t be good.

“Yes.” Markus nods. “He lost someone dear to him many years ago, and I’ve barely even seen him smile since it happened.”

Chapter 5

Ronan

I’m staring out of the window, but I don’t see the street outside. What I see is dark-brown eyes looking at me with a hint of mischief. And they can no longer be mistaken for Patricia’s eyes. She never looked at me like that. And she never made me laugh.

I look down at my hands. I was ready to grab a chocolate croissant, stuff some bacon into it, and shove it into my mouth, just to see if I could make Payton laugh. But then Aidan spoke, and his comment brought me back to the real world, where beauty and happiness can be destroyed in an instant.

I haven’t really been attracted to anyone in years—many years. But Payton makes me long for a connection with a woman beyond a meaningless fuck.

She’s a beautiful woman, which is always nice. But more importantly, she’s genuine. And she’s got a spine. There’s nothing sexier than a woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t hesitate to go after it.

When I turn around, my eyes land on the couch. I shudder when I think about what could have happened if I hadn’t been there to stop the vampire in the alley. He would have taken her and enslaved her like his accomplice has done with Olivia.

My jaw clenches with determination. I’m going to rescue Payton’s best friend, and then the woman who made me laugh a little while ago will be safe. She’ll no longer chase after rogue vampires and put herself in danger. And I can forget about her and her unwelcome effect on me.

I stalk out the door and race down the stairs, eager to get this over and done with. When I enter the dining room, I meet Aidan’s gaze. There’s a hint of concern in his eyes, like there’s been many times when he’s looked at me in the last couple of centuries.

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