“I’m Cerise, Mal’s best friend,” she introduces herself, a shit-eating grin plastered on her face.
Ah, so she knows everything I need to know about Mallorie. I understand her game now. She probably wants to figure out what my intentions are, in classic best friend style, and maybe if I’m lucky, she’ll even give me a few tips. Two can play this game.
“Emris.” I give her a slight head nod.
Cerise squirms where she stands, and I can’t tell if she’s uncomfortable, anxious, or something else. I can’t help my smile fading from my lips as my concern and confusion grows. What’s going on with this chick?
“Listen, I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but,” Cerise blurts out quietly, her words quick. “A candlelit dinner on a rooftop overlooking the city.”
I raise an eyebrow at her. “Are you telling me what I should do for a first date with Mallorie?”
Cerise nods eagerly, glancing back toward where Mallorie exited before turning back to me. “Your money won’t get you to her heart. She can’t be bought, but you can make it work for you in some ways. She wants to be spoiled without having to ask for it, and without feeling like she owes anything for it.”
“And how do I get to her heart then?” I ask, seeing how much I can get from Mallorie’s best friend.
She shakes her head with a smile. “I can’t reveal all, now, can I? You’ll have to figure that part out yourself. All I will say is, be yourself. Don’t put on some stupid act. She hates that.”
“Why are you helping me?” I question, leaning back.
“I want to see Mal happy. Like, genuinely happy. She deserves it.” Cerise’s answer is sweet. It’s obvious she genuinelycares. “Mal doesn’t open up to many people. She doesn’t want to get hurt. I see the way you look at her, and hell, you came back, so you must want her for more than sex. At least, I hope.”
I nod in confirmation, not wanting to interrupt her. I’ll take whatever information I can get. Anything that helps me get closer to Mallorie. Every moment I spend looking at or interacting with her makes her more and more perfect. She’s one in a million—no, more than that—and I won’t let her slip through my fingers.
“If you do hurt her, I’ll have my boyfriend hurtyou,” Cerise threatens, earning a laugh from me before she continues on in a serious tone. “He’s seven feet tall and made of muscle, so I’m not kidding around right now.”
I choke on my laughter, the threat becoming real. This little woman is dating a monster? Of that size? I’m not sure if I’m more surprised or impressed. Either way, I need to make sure I don’t do anything that offends or hurts Mallorie. Not that I would ever dream of it.
I reassure Cerise quickly, noticing her gaze hardening. “I don’t want to hurt Mallorie. I’m drawn to her in ways I’ve never experienced with anyone before.”
Cerise smiles again before walking away, seeming satisfied with our conversation and my response. I know that what I told her will likely be repeated back to Mallorie; that’s why I said it. I’m not new to the way that women work, especially their close friendships.
As I wait for Mallorie to return from her break, I eye up the crowd, examining everyone inside. It’s mainly vampires, but there are a decent number of demons, other monsters, and surprisingly, a few humans.
The Lair isn’t a bad bar by any means, it’s well-kept and actually quite nice inside. The two times I’ve been here it’s beenbusy, so business is steady. The only negative is its location. It has the potential for so much more.
Watching each type of person interact with one another, enjoying the company regardless of species, is refreshing. It wasn’t always this way in the world, but I’m glad things have changed. The world has moved forward, and us monsters don’t have to hide anymore.
I turn away from the crowd, my lips curving upward as I see Mallorie making her way back to the bar. No, making her way back to me. Her gaze is locked on me as she approaches, and I am captivated by her eyes.
She stops in front of me, hesitating for a moment. Her icy gaze travels over me slowly before she slides a small piece of paper toward me. She keeps her hand on the paper for a few seconds before pulling it away, as if deciding something.
“Just because I’m giving you this doesn’t mean I’m going to fuck you,” she bluntly says, her cheeks rosy.
I raise a brow and pick up the paper, opening it to see ten digits scribbled across it. Her phone number. My lips curve even more. I try to hide my smile by taking a sip of my drink.
Mallorie doesn’t wait for me to respond before walking off, hiding her own reaction. I know I get to her; I see the slight hesitation here and there. The way her cheeks burn up when we’re focused on each other.
I see the hunger in her eyes. I wonder if she can see it in mine.
Chapter Three
MALLORIE
What is wrong with me? Why would I give him my phone number? It’s my own fault that I let Cerise get into my head about it.Give it a chance, she told me.What could you possibly lose?she asked. Well, now I have my answer: my pride.
If only he had continued the cocky act like the first time I met him. Why would he jump up and involve himself when Cerise and I were having trouble with another vampire? Why did he have to look so good while doing it? I don’t want to have liked it, but I really, really did.
Pacing around my apartment, I check my phone. Still no message. I groan and throw it onto my couch, rubbing my face aggressively. I am not the type of person to wait around for someone’s text, so why am I anxiously awaiting one from him?
