Page 31 of The Devil's Waltz

He doesn’t miss a beat. “I would very much like that—if you’ll have me, Camille.”

I open my mouth, my heart beating so hard I feel it in my throat. When no words form, I reserve myself to pressing my lips together and nodding. His gaze is locked on me, and I have no doubt I’m wearing everything I’m feeling on my face, which means he’s seeing it all.

Xander licks his lips as if he’s about to speak, but catches something behind me, causing him to snap his jaw shut.

“What—”

“I thought that was you.” An unfamiliar accented—British, I think—voice fills the space between us.

My eyes lift as a tall, built guy with spiky pink hair waltzes up to our table, staring at Xander with a wide grin. I can’t help the way my eyes widen at his appearance. I didn’t know a leopard print button-up could actually look good on someone, but paired with black jeans, combat boots, and a distressed leather jacket, he’s pulling it off. It helps that he exudes confidence,making me think no matter what he wore, it would work for him.

A muscle ticks in Xander’s jaw, and I get the impression this guy isn’t exactly a welcome guest. “Blake,” Xander says in greeting, but his voice is laced with annoyance.

The newcomer—Blake, apparently—shifts his gaze from Xander to me and smirks. “Well, well, well. Who is this pretty little thing?”

My brows lift. “Pardon?”

“Ignore him,” Xander cuts in. “Blake—”

“Easy, Kane. I’m just saying hello.” Blake keeps his eyes on me. “What’s your name?”

“Oddly enough,not‘pretty little thing.’?”

Our third wheel laughs deeply, seemingly not concerned about being so loud. He’s probably disturbing the people having dinner in the booth across from us. He tosses a quick look at Xander as he says, “She’s a funny one.”

“I’m sorry,” I interrupt. “Who are you?”

His expression turns serious, but the playful light in his emerald eyes remains. “My apologies, love. I’m Blake.”

“Blake…?”

“Just Blake,” he says without missing a beat.

I blink at him. “Right…” I draw out the word, disbelief clear in my voice. “How do you know Xander?”

“Xander is my brother from another mother. Thank god.” He shoots my date a wink before returning his attention to me. “And how do you know my man?”

He saved my life from a demon.

“We met at the café where I work.”

“Ah. How…quaint.”

“Sure,” I say, feeling like Blake’s presence is really putting a damper on an otherwise great night. “Do you need something, or…?”

“I’m here with some pals and saw you lovebirds over here having a merry old time.”

“So you wanted to ruin it?” I toss out.

He smirks. “You’re rather fiery.”

“Would you mind letting us get back to our date?” Xander chimes in. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

His eyes shift to Xander. “As you wish,” he mutters in a mockinglyformal tone, clapping him on the back. “Have fun, kiddos.”

Once Blake is gone, Xander frowns. “Sorry about that.”

I wave him off. “No apology necessary. He seems—”

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