Page 14 of A Kiss From Death
Aeron Gavis is in my gray zone. I’m not sure whether I should keep distance between us or play into his flirtatious behavior. Both directions are a gamble, but for now, my best bet at survival is to play the naive girl falling into his flirtatious trap.
My biggest weapon to yield in this competition is being underestimated, and if I have to play a lovesick puppy, then so be it. I just hope it doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass.
Forgive me, Theo.
Regaining my composure, I straighten my spine and yank my wrist from its detainer. “Exactly. I was just about to go find Aeron.” My tone turns harsh as I glare at Hade.
Aeron’s smile somehow grows, taking up more real estate on his face, which I didn’t think was possible. I may be trading one devil in disguise for another, but I’ll take my chances with the one who isn’t known to shatter people’s minds with just one look.
Hade doesn’t move a centimeter. I think I start to see steam pour from his ears. I’m just thankful that look isn’t directed at me for once.
“I’m sure you have more important things to do with your time than babysit us, hmm?” Aeron holds his ground, showing no signs of intimidation as he recites Hade’s words from earlier.
Shit.
The sly fox must have been listening to our conversation earlier. I need to start being more careful and observant from here on out, but that all goes out the window when Hade’s personality is choking the life out of me.
Both men stare each other down for what feels like a lifetime before Hade grunts and walks off without another word.
“Well, that went well.” I release a harsh breath. The tension from the walk slowly starts to subside the more distance I put between me and that hellion.
“Swell, I would say.” Aeron smirks, walking around my body to face me. “Aeron Gavis,” he states, grabbing my hand and brushing a feather light kiss on the top. “But it looks like you already knew that, didn’t you, little mink?”
This man oozes cockiness from every pore. I would bet all my coins he’s never been rejected a day in his life. He’s the epitome of sex appeal, and unfortunately for him, that’s the fastest way for me to lose interest.
Today is not that day, however. Today, I must play the part of the innocent damsel in distress in need of saving from the big, bad wolf.
I force a blush to my cheeks while shyly tucking a loose curl behind my ear. His eyes follow every movement, like a predator tracking its prey.
You can do this, Nyxi. Play the part.
“Oh, well, I overheard you introducing yourself to another contestant,” I say innocently, a submissive tone to my voice.
“Really?” he drawls. Stepping forward, he drags his calloused palm down the side of my face to cup my chin, tilting it up. “Funny, because I could have sworn I’ve seen you before today. I could never forget these beautifully unique eyes forged from steel.” He pauses while staring intensely into them. “Beautiful,” he whispers.
I smile up at him, ever the doe eyed girl I’m trying to portray. This man thinks with his dick before his head, and I’m going use it to my advantage.
His look takes on an edge as he pinches my chin with a little more force. “Ahh yes. Maybe I’m recalling seeing you sneaking into Command Secor for the drawing ceremony. You are a troublemaker indeed.” His grin turns devilish as he sets his trap for me to fall into.
This man knows exactly what he’s doing, and he’s smarter than he lets on. I need to play these next moves very carefully.
“Y-yes,” I stutter. “I was there getting some fresh produce. Food in Vagrant just doesn’t compare to other sectors. I honestly didn’t think you would remember me,” I say innocently while fluttering my eyelashes, praying he buys it.
“It’s kind of hard to miss a woman such as yourself. You stick out like a diamond in the rough, with your long curls that remind me of the galaxies I fall asleep under every night. Don’t get me started on those foggy doe eyes of yours.Perfection. And this porcelain skin I could run my hands over all night... I’ve never come across someone who even comes close to comparing to you.” He leaves no room for argument or question. “What’s a pretty thing like you doing in Vagrant Sector?”
He leans in closer so our noses are practically touching. I can feel his even breaths brushing against my lips. His words slam into me like water breaking through a dam, and I’m stunned into a frozen statue.
If he’s trying to weasel into my head to make me drop my guard, he’s going to have to try a lot harder. Hedoesn’t need to know I’m onto him, though, so I play the part and ignore his question.
“I’m sure you have an ocean of women at your feet daily. I don’t think highly enough of myself to snag your attention among the masses of beautiful women living in Command Sector.” I tug one side of my lip up in a half smirk.
He drops my chin and flicks his towards our competitors, signaling me to walk with him. “You can drop the innocent girl act. It doesn’t flatter you. I know a mink when I see one, and I prefer my women to be self-assured.” His voice takes on a level of cockiness I loathe.
“Who says I want to appeal to you at all?” I retort with a slight edge, accidently fading back to my true colors.
“There she is,” he states, taking my hand like it’s a natural instinct to him.
What is it with these men and thinking they can own my body?
