It’s like he’s done with me for the day.
Rejection hits harder than a whip against bare skin. My throat tightens too much to speak, to ask what I did wrong.
Maybe he doesn’t find me as interesting as I thought.
No enigma here. Just boring, ordinary Lilith.
Snap out of it.
The inner voice in my head helps. It’s a reminder that this isn’t the last time Alaric and I will ever speak.
As long as there’s air in my lungs, I’ll do everything in my power to make him mine.
Not today, though.
Time to return to work, I guess.
With my shoulders slumped, I gather my rag and the spray. Alaric’s already wearing his hoodie by the time I have them in my hands. He slings his backpack over his shoulder.
He’s about to leave.
It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s okay.
My head is a mess. My pulse pounds in my ears as shame floods me. Without another word, I head toward the nearest empty table.
My finger grazes the spray nozzle when I feel it.
Alaric’s hand settles on my waist. His presence heats my back as he steps closer.
The press of his lips against my cheek jolts me, dragging me out of my self-pity and straight into the present.
Good thing we’re in the back row of tables, with no one sitting close enough to see my face burn bright red.
“Where do you think you’re going?” His breath drifts over my skin, lighting up each nerve ending.
It’s embarrassing how my knees wobble. “Um, I’m working?”
“Youwillwork.” The quiet dominance in his voice sends heat racing up my spine. “When I say we’re done talking.”
Fireworks burst low in my belly.
He wasn’t rejecting me earlier. He just likes to play games, and he likes them dirty.
And while it’s new to me, I want to play along. Or at least pretend to know how.
“Nope.” I lift my hands, waving the spray and rag in front of me. “I’m workingnow.”
Alaric’s only reply is a low growl that vibrates against my cheek and reaches straight to my core.
My nipples harden, and I have to grip my things tighter, or my trembling hands will drop them.
“Tell your friend you’re taking a break.” He inches closer. His hand slides forward, almost—almost—to my hipbone. “I won’t repeat myself.”
I finally get why he’s into this game. It gives me a rush like nothing else.
“What if I already took a break today?”
“You…” As if he can’t hold back any longer, his other hand curls around my waist.