“Are you expecting a second?”
He brings my hand to his mouth. “I am.” Then he presses a kiss to it.
My breath catches in my throat, my eyes locked on his.
“Sorry for the wait. What can I get you?” The server shows up, breaking the moment.
Pulling my hand back abruptly, I place it in my lap.
He gives me a knowing smile. “I’ll have a matcha tea. What would you like, darling?”
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “Coffee, black.”
His eyes widen a moment before she heads off.
“Does that surprise you?” I taunt.
“I figured you’d need all the sugar to keep you so sweet.”
I snort. “I’m not as sweet and innocent as you think. If you asked for my hand because you thought I would be quiet and docile, you’re in for a rude awakening.”
“Oh? You think the Russian’s and Italians will allow disobedience.”
Taking a big breath, I slowly let it out as I come back to reality. Remembering what this date is all about.
“I think they will be just as surprised by who I am as you are.”
He shakes his head. “I’m not surprised. I saw that fire last night. It’s what made me step forward and put my name in the hat. I won’t lie. I didn’t think I had a chance in hell.”
“Neither did I. If it were up to my dad, you wouldn’t.”
“Oh? Did you decide then?”
This time I do roll my eyes at him. “As if a lowly woman would be allowed such freedoms. Killian chose you.”
His lips quirk up. “Would you have chosen me? Given the chance?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t know who all asked to be considered.” I hedge.
“From the ones you know?”
I bite my lip. “I’m not sure. I don’t know the others so far. I can say they haven’t threatened my life though.”
He chuckles, making a shiver run down my spine. “I didn’t threaten your life. I don’t make threats. I take action. Haven’t you heard? I’m the impulsive one. I take action without thinking of the consequences,” he says with a smirk.
“Is that supposed to make me feel better? If anything, that makes you more dangerous.”
“Dangerous, but I will always give it to you straight. I won’t lie.”
“So if I ask you your biggest secret, you’ll tell me right now, no lies?”
“I said I wouldn’t lie. That doesn’t mean I have to answer you.”
“You’re giving me a headache.”
He lifts his hand, coming to my temple, brushing gently. “Would you like me to massage it and make it better?”
I jerk back. “No. I’m fine.”
