Page 6 of Unexpectedly In Love

High-Value’s Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “I am so sorry, ma’am.”

“Kitten, do you accept his apology?” My pretend boyfriend smirks like he is enjoying the plight of this man.

“Yes, I do.” I feel like if I don’t, something bad is going to happen.

He straightens up and rests his hands on High-Value’s shoulders. High value moves a step forward as he feels the weight of my pretend boyfriend’s hand.

He squeezes his shoulder, High-Value grimaces.

“Be happy my kitten is forgiving because, if she weren’t…” He hits High-Value’s shoulders harder.

High-Value man begins to tremble. I know his shoulders hurt after the way they were thumped.

“Look at my gatáki again or any other female guest here…and you will never set your eyes on anyone or anything after that.”

Menacing, he is menacing, like the dark lord of an underworld far, far away.

“Never again, sir,” High-value my trembles

My dark lord pretend boyfriend smiles, and his whole face lights up, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Leave.” He says it so softly that I question myself if he did. But the speed that High-Value took off in made me think of that cartoon mouse.

My dark prince throws his hands up in the air. “Well, he is gone.”

A smile spreads across my face. I hold my clutch to my body. “Thank you for that.”

He strides toward me with his hands in his pocket. “Never a problem, gatáki.”

“Well, um, goodnight.” I turn to leave, giving the three men a small nod.

“Goodnight,” he says, giving me a small salute as I walk away.

I walk slowly, waiting for him to say more; he doesn’t.

“Any minute now,” I whisper to myself. I don’t want him to, like, have sex with me or anything. I want him to feel what I’m feeling—which is lust. I must be going crazy. I rub my forehead as I continue.

Irritation claws at my chest. I stop, and I turn around only to find him standing, leg spread, arms crossed, gazing in my direction. “You’re not even going to ask me my name?”

He smirks and puts his hand out to me. “Have dinner with me, and you can tell me everything about yourself.”

My brain is screaming, “NO!” But my soul feels better knowing that he wants to have dinner with me.

“I can’t. I’m an influencer at an event here, and I’m due to appear,” I reply as I tighten my hold on my clutch, like it’s the only thing that is protecting me from this man’s invisible pull.

“I know the Sugah Bae owner. You will be fine. Come have dinner with me.” Using his fingers, he gestures for me to join him.

I bite my bottom lip, wondering if this was worth the risk.

A pull tugs at my soul, like an invisible string is connected to him. I take a step forward, and time feels like it’s shifting around me. I chuckle quietly at my thoughts. “You’re reading too many of Cassia’s books. Shift in time?”

My palm finally meets his, it’s warm and huge. His fingers engulf mine; I feel so small and delicate.

Butterflies float in my stomach while my conscience is screaming, “Danger Will Robinson!”

“What is your name, gatáki?” He holds my hand.

“It’s Rosemary.” God forgive me for lying, but I’m not about to give a complete stranger my name.

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