“Oh, is he?”
Aiden needs to evaporate from the surface of the earth. Better even, from the fucking universe.
He nods. “I think we often forget that famous people are also human beings and not just characters on a screen.”
“I’m sure they are. They started life as people and their career won’t change that, but their personalities change with fame and wealth.” I smile, leaning back in my seat. “Aiden isn’t an exception to the rule.”
“I can see where you’re coming from, but it seems to me that there’s more behind this rivalry.”
My lips press together, choosing my words carefully. “Let’s just say I know enough about him to not see him favorably.” He eyes me skeptically, forcing me to specify. “He’s a good guy, don’t get me wrong, but he’s frustrating and annoying.”
“Care to explain?” he asks, not hiding his curiosity. “He struck me as flirtatious and cocky but, in all honesty, I find that side of him…likable.”
I grit my teeth and seethe underneath my perfectly curated nonchalant smile. “Is he your type of man? Cocky and flirtatious?”
“I wouldn’t necessarily say that, but if you’re asking whether I’m interested in him, then the answer is going to depend on what you mean byinterest.”
“Are you inclined to date him?” I ask, tilting my head and grazing his foot with mine.
Aoi wets his lips and smiles. Not in the sweet, enchanting way he usually does but in a lustrous magnetic way that makes my insides twist in knots of need and desire.
I want to kiss him so badly I’m almost tempted to jump over the table and beg him for a taste. Just once and I’ll be satisfied.
Okay, that’s a lie. I need everything he can give me and even then it could never be enough.
I crave him like soil craves the rain.
He hums, enjoying seeing my apprehension and jealousy grow. “I don’t see myself being in a relationship with him.”
“But you’re interested in his body, aren’t you?” I sigh, wondering about the different methods of making a man disappear without leaving a trace behind. “I can see why. Although, I have to admit I don’t like it.”
“Are you jealous that I find another man attractive?” he teases, toying with my obvious infatuation with him. “Although, jealousy requires ownership over something or someone. I suppose envy is a more fitting word.”
“I prefer the term protective.”
His gaze narrows on me as he twirls the wine in his glass, a glint of amusement flickering. “You’re funny. But I’m still curious whyyoubad-mouth him. I already figured out why he doesn’t like you, now I care about your thoughts.”
“I’m not bad-mouthing him. That would mean inventing lies to make him look bad. I’m stating my subjective perspective of him.” I cross my fingers over the table. “My dislike is justified, believe me. My elder brother and Aiden have a close friendship. Aiden is a jerk and an arrogant loudmouth.”
He snorts, covering his smile with a hand, and I just want to kiss him all over for being so damn adorable.
“And what would you call yourself then?” he asks, lowering the glass on the table.
“Devoted.”
“Right,” he mocks.
“Patient,” I retort.
“Humble, too.”
“Very flawed.”
A soft smile curls his lips upward. “Nothing that meets the eyes, though.”
I bite back a smirk. Whether he’s doing this on purpose to tease me or whether he’s serious, I can’t tell, but it’s more than amusing. “You’re cheeky, you know?”
A rumble of laughter escapes him, turning me into a puddle of water. “First time someone’s called me that.”
