Page 11 of With This Kiss
His blue eyes and blond hair were the first things I noticed about him. That and the fact that even though he was sitting down, it was obvious he was built.
“Don’t listen to her,” the man said to me. “Reign is known to try every flavor known to man.”
I couldn’t help the disgust from showing on my face at his words. “Did you just refer to women asflavors?”
He smiled. “Yes, I did. And I mean every word. And I can see the disgust deepening in your eyes. But before you judge me even further, let me explain.”
“You really think there is a way for you to explain this in a way that would make you sound good?”
The man chuckled. He had a nice laugh—I’d give him that.
“Yes. I meant flavor in a good way. Women are so… unique. Every single one of them. They’re like ice cream flavors. Some are sweet. Some are tart. Some are new. Some have been left out for a while. But all are edible.”
I was sure my face had twisted even more from his words. My hand twitched with the urge to slap him.
I shook my head at him.
The man didn’t seem embarrassed. How fucking shameless. “Are you new here? Can I buy you a drink?”
“No, thank you,” I said, taking a sip of my tea. “I’m leaving soon anyway.”
“Ah, but the night is still young.”
The night was pushing toward midnight.
He shook his head. “Come sit with me, and I’ll tell you all about Reign Mahankov.”
“What makes you think I’m interested?”
“Your eyes have been straying over to where you think he is a few times. And that’s before you’ve even caught a glimpse of his angelic face.”
“Angelic face?” I asked, a small tinge of amusement rushing through me.
He nodded, his face serious. “So angelic, it can make the devil weep.”
I rolled my eyes, my gaze clashing with the woman. She was sending daggers my way. And the thought of sitting here next to her sounded about as appealing as getting my fingernails yanked off. I stood up and grabbed my drink. “Lead the way.”
The man smiled widely, as if he had just won the lottery, standing up as well. “Come now. I know a spot where we can sit and get a full view of Reign.”
I followed him over to a small corner booth that had remained empty since I walked in, even though it looked like there wasn’t enough seating for everyone here.
It was obviously reserved.
For him?
Who was this guy?
The lights in here weren’t exactly dim, but they weren’t bright either. I looked up at the man’s back as he walked ahead of me, climbing the slightly raised platform to get to the private booth before turning back around to me. Amusement lit up his eyes.
“Coming?”
“I don’t even know your name.”
His smile widened. “You can call me Baran.”
“Baran,” I said, testing the name out.
“Come on. I’m harmless.”
