Page 125 of Hunters and Prey

Chapter 16

Her first week with Connor went by quickly. He stayed busy making arrangements, and she spent her time focusing on her studies, learning about the other clans, and doing anything she could to force Asher out of her mind.

One evening, they were dropped off at the front door of a restaurant.

Cailyn trembled as her eyes scanned their surroundings. She knew that if she saw Asher that she would lose her composure. She prayed that she’d never have to look him in the eyes again, and see the pain that she put there.

Under the chauffeur’s umbrella, they walked to the awning of Terrace Café.

Haven Cove feltdifferent with Connor at her side. Like a stranger, Cailyn walked side by side with the man that had nearly destroyed her family, the one that had ruined her chance for happiness with Asher.

Still, when they entered the restaurant, something was different.

She couldn’t quite place what it was, but the room didn’t turn cold at her appearance. Instead of dirty looks, glares, and quizzical stares, everyone looked to Connor with curiosity and adoration.

Cailyn gave him a sidelong glance.

With Connor at her side, the people of Haven Cove had also changed.

Was this some form of dragon magic she hadn’t learned about? Did he charm the entire town?

“We have a table set for you, Mr. Prince,” the host said, motioning for the two of them to follow him.

Cailyn pulled held her clutch before her as she stepped through the new bistro in a black cocktail dress. She was thankful that Connor had her wardrobe shipped to the mansion. It seemed that everything was cause for formal dress.

Cailyn sat in the circular booth at the back of the restaurant. It was private and cozy.

When Connor sat next to her, she couldn’t help but notice the way he looked at her exposed thighs.

“You look nice,” he said, accepting his menu. “Not that you don’t always.”

Cailyn forced a smile. “Thank you,” she said, looking down at the menu.

“Get whatever you like,” he said.

“I already know what I want.”

“Do you now?”

Cailyn nodded, closing her menu.

“Good,” he said, giving her thigh a squeeze. “I already have what I want.”

She swallowed, looking into his eyes. The heat his hand sent through her body was unwanted, but undeniable.

“Here’s a little sparkling water to start you off. Can I get you a cocktail or glass of wine?”

Unable to break her gaze with Connor, Cailyn never turned to the waiter.

“The strongest red wine you have,” Cailyn said.

Connor cracked a grin, smoothing her thigh with his soft palm. He took his hand away, leaving her cold.

He’s messing with me, she thought. He has to be using magic. I cannot melt like a desperate school girl whenever he looks at me or touches me.

She shivered and lifted her glass of water to her lips the second the waiter was done pouring from the glass jug.

“I’ll have a whiskey,” Connor said.

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