Page 70 of All Your Bloody Lies

“Yes, I believe my date has already arrived.” I pull my phone from my pocket, and zoom in to see exactly where she is sitting. “I’ll find her, thank you.” Without waiting for a response, I brush past him and begin roaming.

It’s quiet, hushed conversations and giggles serve as background noise as I weave through the tables. It’s then I see that signature bright pink hair. Sydni is flushed with a blush as she’s enamored by the man in front of her. I’m immediately surprised it isn’t Xeraphine that is sitting across from her.

The butterfly is biting her lip and stifling a giggle, which is a good sign. Are they on a double date?

Speaking of her date, he looms large in stature, with broad shoulders and tawny skin. I observe intricate, bold-lined geometric patterns inked into one of his arms. Though they vanish beneath his short-sleeved shirt, I catch a glimpse of the design creeping up the side of his neck.

Despite his imposing presence, his smile is genuine. Sydni appears to be thoroughly enjoying herself; she practically bounces out of her seat with each laugh.

“I appreciate the compliment, but I’m here alone for a reason.” Her voice brushes the edge of my mind and I shift my gaze over my shoulder, seeing Xeraphine sitting at a high-top at the window. A man, nearly my height, looms over the table, leaning in and fixing his gaze on my little demon.

“Of course, I won’t impose myself on you. I just remember seeing you being rushed out of the club that night we met—”Excuse me?“—and figured I’d check to make sure you were alright.”

My eyes narrow as he reaches across for her hand, but she swiftly pulls away. I can tell she’s making an effort to remain neutral and refrain from immediately lashing out at him.

“I was waiting for someone, and they weren’t stupid enough not to show up,” she huffs through a forced smile.

I take a few strides to her table, and when she locks eyes with me, they roll, “Oh, fuck me.” Her groan is gentle, and she rests her chin into her palm. “Of course you’re here. Can’t catch a Gods damn break.”

My gaze drags to the man, who doesn’t shift or begin to move, “I’m that stupid person—”

“Yes… Yes, he is,” she says dryly.

“So, piss off,” I say.

He smiles, and I give him a strong, contempt one in return. I’m not sure if he knows who I am, but he doesn’t say anything to me, instead only addresses Xeraphine.

“You’ve got my number now.”I’ll be deleting that the moment I have the chance.I’m irritated by his audacity. A mere Mundane, judging by his scent, daring to challenge me for possession of my little demon. “Please feel free to reach out with any needs you may have, gorgeous.”

He better enjoy his tongue for the next several hours.

As he brushes past me, I see the smirk at the edge of his lips.Who the fuck does—

“Kai, why are you here?” Her gaze meets mine, brimming with irritation. It’s my favorite look, second only to when she’s orgasming. That’s absolute perfection embodied.

Without waiting for an invitation or seeking permission, I simply take the seat across from her. This is the closest we’ve been since that night, and I’m craving her. “Little demon, you look equally stunning and furious, my favorite combination.”

She rolls her eyes, “That isn’t an answer, prick. What are you doing here?”

“Oh, you know,” I chuckle, “stalking my favorite thing to bless this world.” I’m not entirely sure if confessing that was wise, but the words slipped out without much forethought. “You are my favorite obsession, after all.”

That quells the strange look she’s giving me, and she clicks her tongue against her teeth, groaning. “Disgusting. Please leave, I’m on guard duty.” Her gaze shifts from mine to Sydni. “That Shifter has slithered his way over to my princess. I’m just waiting for the right moment to decapitate him.”

There’s no doubt that she isn’t joking and I’m incapable of stifling the laugh that bursts from my lips. Unfortunately, it’s loud, and several heads turn in our direction. “Shut the fuck up.” She reaches across the table and smacks my arm. “Gods, you are so annoying.”

She sheepishly settles back into her chair and raises her hand, mouthing ‘sorry’ to those who had turned to stare at us.

“Who cares.” I turn in my chair so I can cross my legs. “Before I get to business, who was that guy?” I try to sound as casual as possible. “Swooning his way in here.”

Her eyebrow cocks. “Why?”

“Because I’m going to take his tongue, if not his life, for flirting with you.” There’s no jest in my tone.

The exacerbated sigh she releases makes me so needy for her, I love getting under her skin. “His name is Alaric, other than that, I have no idea. Have fun.” She squints her eyes, leaning forward and slightly tilting her head. “Are you jealous?”

I clear my throat, knowing I can’t say what I really want to which is“he’s flirting with what is mine”so, I go with, “No. He was bothering my little demon, that’s enough of a problem for me.”

As she’s about to speak, I raise my hand to halt her. “Listen, we need to talk. While I am here to stalk you, as is basically my calling,” I say, anticipating her long ‘ugh’ that follows. “I want to give you something, and it’s not flowers this time.”

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