Page 4 of Misbehaving With Minotaurs
He jolts slightly, having been lost in thought. Just as quickly, he tucks the tiny book into a pocket in his vest and smiles down at me, adjusting the glasses perched on the tip of his nose. He and Arkan could be twins, with the same dark skin and long braided hair, but Vikand’s age is evident in the creased lines at the edges of his eyes and mouth. Gods above, he’s handsome with those high cheekbones and brilliant blue eyes.
“H-hello, Catherine.” He clears his throat, slipping a thumb into the pocket of his fitted navy vest. “You look lovely this evening.”
I glance down at the figure-hugging emerald wrap dress I picked out. I’ve always had a full, buxom figure—most succubi do—but this particular dress really shows off my curves.
“Thank you.” I beam up at him. “Listen, would you like to have a picnic with me one afternoon next week? There’s a great little spot I know; I think you’d enjoy it.”
Vikand stares for a long moment, then clears his throat again as bright pheromones saturate the air between us. My power means I can read everyone’s scent. It’s an ability that helps me understand those around me more easily. It’s how I always know which monsters will end up together, because I can literally smell attraction the moment I see them together.
It’s how I knownowthat Vikand is sincere in his compliment. I take another step forward, knowing my proximity’s having an effect on him as the scent of pine needles takes on a tart, lemony edge. His mouth drops slightly open, his nostrils flaring as his pupils blow wide.
“I…yes, sure. I’d like that. Just let me know when and where.”
I knew I’d have to make the first move. Vikand is many, many enticing things, but forward in the romance department is not one of them. And honestly? I’m good with that. I was once mated to a male who could charm the pants off of anyone, andit ended poorly. I’ve had enough of that sort of monster to last a million lifetimes.
“How about next Wednesday? Pick me up at the Annabelle, and we’ll walk together, alright?” I reach up and rest a hand on his upper stomach, curling my fingers gently into the fabric of his vest.
He shudders and shifts from one foot to the other, his voice quiet when he speaks. “Alright, Catherine. Would lunchtime work for you?”
I try to shove disappointment away. Lunchtime feels like a business meeting. But still…it’s a start.
“Lunchtime sounds lovely, Vikand. I’ll pack us a picnic.”
“I’m not a picky eater,” he says with a smile.
Errr…okay.
Dropping my hand, I wink at him as I turn and flip my hair over my shoulder. “See you Wednesday for lunch, Vikand.”
I sashay toward the exit. My neighbor Alo stands at the door, a wry smile on his face.
“Not a word,” I chirp as he holds his elbow out for me.
Alo snorts out a laugh. “Oh, my gorgeous friend, you already know my thoughts on this topic.”
“So I do.” I wave those thoughts away as I slip a hand through his elbow. “Remember how you ignored me for five years while I suggested you ask Miriam out? I’m going to ignore you like you did me, and it’s going to be just fine. Now, can we talk about something more fun on the way back home, or are you going to give me love advice?”
He rests his free hand over mine as he guides me along the long hall to the exit.
“I don’t need to give advice that’ll fall on deaf ears, Cath. You’re a grown-ass woman. Do what you want. For the record, I did eventually ask her out.”
I grin up at him. “I will, thank you. And I’m glad it only tookyou five years to realize your best friend was your soulmate. Despite my weekly needling.”
He smiles down at me. “Point taken. Moving on. What do you make of this Manorin Longhorn news? I’m excited about that, although I don’t wanna play full-time either. I’d do part-time though.”
Something deep inside me heats at Manorin’s name.
“I dated him back in the day,” I whisper, not willing that secret to go any further than Alo’s ears.
“Get the hells outta here.” He scoffs, dark horns flexing as his amethyst eyes go wide. “Seriously?”
I nod. “It was pretty serious at the time, but we were younger. It was before he coached skyball at the headquarters haven. And before you-know-who.”
Alo waggles both black brows at me. “Well, Catherine. I must say, this is an interesting development.”
“Is it?” I feign innocence, then I scowl up at one of my favorite monsters in Ever. “Keep that to yourself. At this point, Manorin and I are nothing but old friends.”
Alo snorts. “This news would sure give him a leg up in the coach search.”
