Her eyes travel from mine to my lips, to my suit, before slowly making their way back up to meet my stare. The look sends something through me, and it takes everything in me to maintain my composure. I want her. I need her.
A small smile creeps onto her lips, as if she can tell she’s infiltrated my mind, before she confidently and breathily says, “Nothing.”
My suit feels stiflingly tight. Her voice, her face, her presence. She has complete control over me and she doesn’t even know it. All I want to do right now is take her home and hear her scream my name through those perfect lips.
“Can I get your number this time?” I ask calmly, taking another sip of my drink.
She pushes off the bar and taps her chin a few times dramatically, side-eyeing me before finally answering. “I’ll think about it.”
I can’t help the chuckle that escapes as she walks away, earning a glance over her shoulder. I can’t tell if she’s playing hard to get, or is genuinely uninterested. Either way, it makes me want her more.
Most women throw themselves at me, even before Bloodka took off. I came from a wealthy family and have been very, verysmart with my money. Since I’m going to be around forever, I don’t ever want to struggle.
Women see this and want whatever piece they can get from me. No one has ever walked away from me with anything more than memories of amazing sex, though. Mallorie, however, I would love to spoil, if she would let me.
As she works, I watch her every move while enjoying my drink. She’s graceful and sexy with a mysterious and borderline cold aura. I’ve never met a human like her. Hell, I’ve never met any creature like her. It’s intoxicating just to watch her.
Every smile she gives to others makes me envious, wishing I were on the receiving end of it. Somehow, I will make her fall for me. All I need is to convince her to go on a date with me, spend time with me. I can be everything she’s ever wanted. I just need to figure out what that is.
Mallorie turns her head in my direction, eyeing my nearly empty glass. As she struts over to me, I toss back the remaining liquid. She stops in front of me, one hand on her hip and the other on the edge of the bar.
“Another drink, Emris?” The sound of my name rolling off her tongue is like music to my ears, sweeter than anything I’ve heard before.
I stare for a moment before answering. “What is it you want in life?”
She blinks at me, dumbfounded by my abrupt question. There’s a moment of silence, and I can see the cogs turning in her mind as she thinks of her answer. After last time, I’m guessing I’ll be paying for the answer, or denied it entirely.
“Well, right now I want you to decide if you want another drink or not.” She avoids my question, much to my disappointment.
I sigh but smile. “Yes, I would like another drink please.”
She nods but doesn’t walk away. Instead, the rising and falling of her chest falters briefly.
I raise a brow, not pushing for whatever it is that is clearly going through her head. I don’t mind the longer she stands here in front of me.
“I want stability and excitement, but also my independence. A career that I’ve earned through hard work. I want respect and love without ever second-guessing it. I want it all, but with no price,” she quietly answers, her lower tone practically making me drool. “That answer costs a lot more than just my name, by the way.”
My eyes travel over her, my smirk turning into a grin. “Darling, I could give you it all.”
“But for what price?” She narrows her eyes at me, leaning slightly closer.
“You.” I lower my voice, leaning against the bar to bring my face closer to hers.
She matches my stare, slightly shaking her head. “You see, I told you I want it all for no price. That is a price.”
“Well, I am a businessman, I know how to do business.” I chuckle, enjoying this more than I probably should.
Just as she opens her mouth to say something else, the redheaded bartender pops up beside her, grabbing her attention with a hand on her arm.
Disappointed by the interruption, my smile falters.
“So sorry to break up this clearly intense moment,” the redhead teases, her voice much higher than Mallorie’s. “But it’s a good time for your break, Mal.”
Mallorie pushes off the bar, the delicious scent of her lingering in the air where she just stood as she starts to walk away. “I’ll be back in twenty minutes, if you’re still around.”
“I’ll wait for you,” I purr, unable to take my eyes off her as she disappears into the back of the building.
I turn my attention to the redhead, lingering here, staring at me. She’s pretty, but not my type. I raise a brow at her, wondering what she’s waiting for. I don’t need anything else, and I only want service from Mallorie.
