Page 33 of Origins
I wasn’t sure if I should be relieved by his lack of attention, or be offended that he was basically ignoring me. I didn’t like being ignored—that was the worst.
So, he was mad at me. I should apologize.
However, before I had a chance to make a fool of myself, the waitress returned— engaging Titus in small talk. So, he was a familiar face here too…
Titus’ hands waved in the air gracefully as he spoke, and I couldn’t help but feel mesmerized. Today his hair was half up, with loose curls falling around his shoulders in a wave. He was clean shaven, unlike the first time I had seen him, which made the masculine angles of his face stand out more.
Instead of the plaid shirt, he wore a pinstriped suit. It only served to make him appear even more dangerous and refined. It was difficult to decide, though, which look worked better for him.
Either way, now that I didn’t fear for my life, I could see why he’d been called byForbes.
Suddenly I felt inadequate beside the three of them.
Miles had a wholesome, boy-next-door vibe. He was devilishly handsome. Plus, he had spent his early teen years in France—so he had that romantic, foreign aspect going for him, too.
Damen was pure seduction, with eyes that burned through your soul and consumed you.
Meanwhile, Titus was irresistible—angelic, with a dash of wildness.
Then there was me—a blob at my best. And at the moment I was far from my best. I hadn’t even brushed my hair this morning.
I did however have my Burberries on—that put me on their level, at least a little. I loved good shoes. They were the one thing that people would have to pry out of my cold, dead hands. I didn’t even care that Finn had gotten them for me. They were mine.
But even so—being poor sucked. I would have to Google ways to earn quick money. I had to pay them back and keep up. I had no other choice.
I suddenly realized that there was silence at the table—the waitress had left, and I was staring at Titus like an idiot. Miles was eating another breadstick, while Damen swirled his wine thoughtfully. Titus ignored me as he frowned at his napkin—a petulant look on his face. No one seemed to want to break this heavy atmosphere.
Yes, I would have to apologize to Titus.
“Sorry about your face and balls,” I blurted out—feeling so guilty that I’d have to say such words in my lifetime. “I hope they are okay now.”
Miles choked, and Damen’s hand jerked so sharply that a splash of wine stained the white tablecloth. It took Miles a moment to compose himself, but once he had, he and Damen watched me with wide, shocked eyes.
But it was Titus who had the most extreme reaction. Instead of graciously accepting my apology, he stared at me as if I had said the most ridiculous thing that he had ever heard in his life. Which was quite offensive, actually, because I was trying to make things right.
I glanced at the table—I had screwed this up too much. It was one thing to work with a scary Titus who was going to seduce and kill me. But it was worse to work with an angry Titus who hated me. “I guess you’re still mad…”
Titus burst into laughter, and after a moment Damen and Miles joined in enthusiastically. I frowned at my place setting—this was terrible. I was awful at making amends, and this was proof.
After a moment, the laughter finally died down, and Titus wiped his eyes with the napkin. “Why in the world would I be angry? I’m not angry.”
I blinked at him, unsure. “But… You wouldn’t talk to me when you sat down.”
“Damen said that you seemed to be afraid of me.” His eyes bored into mine. He ignored Damen’s protest as he continued, “I was trying to make you feel comfortable.”
I was still scared of him, something ingrained. I couldn’t fathom why. But if the others thought he was fine, then surely he must be. However, his actions made no sense. “How does ignoring someone make them feel comfortable? That only makes you seem angrier.”
Titus frowned slightly. “I wasn’t angry. You thought I was angry? I was trying to be cool.”
“Well, you failed.” Damen’s eyes were closed as he touched his head. “Did you bring it?”
Titus perked at the question and reached into his jacket, pulling out a small, pink, glittery cell phone. “Of course! It’s the latest and greatest. I even took the liberty of installing some apps, wallpapers, ringtones—”
“Why in the world would you do that?” Miles frowned, lowering his glass. “What if she doesn’t like what you picked out?”
She?I eyed the bejeweled device. “Don’t tell me that’s for me?”
Titus slid the phone toward me, shooting Miles a confident look. “She’ll like it. I have a sixth sense about these things.”
