Too bad.
“Fine. Thank you.”
I thought his face would crack from offering a word of gratitude. “What are you doing here? Did you come to check out my hot little store or to chastise me again?”
“I wasn’t chastising you, at least not this morning.” His grin flashed so quickly I almost missed it. Sadly, I resented that he was thoroughly enjoying sparring with me.
Although if I had to admit it, I was as well.
“Yes, you were. You truly believed I was going to hurt you when you were holding your big fat gun on me.”
His eyes skimmed my face, lingering on my lips for a split second too long before falling to my outfit. Instantly, I detected another hint of raw amusement. Who the hell was he to make fun of what I was wearing after yesterday?
“The truth is, Fleur, if I’d thought you were going to even attempt to harm me in any manner, I wouldn’t be here returning your plate and the very special thermos you have no intention of parting with.” He allowed his eyes to complete the journey, roaming every contour of my body before meeting my gaze onceagain. “So you’re aware, also if you’d attempted to… kill me as you so aptly put it, we’d have a problem. Although I admit, I wouldn’t mind seeing you try.”
His words dripped of sarcasm.
Maybe just my imagination, but the once bustling, noisy store was irritatingly silent. Everyone was obviously watching our interaction. Heat slipped across my jaw, rising ever so slowly to my cheeks.
He’d ceremoniously managed to strip the words from my mouth, so we stood glaring at each other while I examined him in the store’s twinkling LED lights.
His hair curled where the ends met the jacket’s collar, causing me to crave to run my fingers through the thick locks. While his gaze was equally harsh, I was once again mesmerized by the golden flecks that seemed regal instead of natural. There was no doubt he was the kind of man who knew he could have whatever and whoever he wanted with a snap of his fingers.
That alone irritated me as much as his haughty attitude. “If I tried, I assure you I would have succeeded.”
My ridiculous comment brought a wider smile and obviously he was wondering how I’d make the attempt. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
It dawned on me that he knew my name. I didn’t know whether to be flustered, worried, or impressed. “How did you know my name?”
“I make it a point of learning everything about those intent on killing me.”
The way he said the words was positively terrifying. My face must have given me away because he pointed to the sign by the front door. Owner: Fleur Sebastian. God. I was such an idiot.
“Well, since you know my name, I think it only fair if I know yours.”
He took a deep breath and held it while deciding if I was worthy of learning his first name. “Montgomery.”
“Montgomery Prince. That suits you.” And it did. Rugged around the edges while appropriately sanctimonious.
“Perhaps one day I’ll learn why. However, now isn’t the time.” He handed me the plate and thermos, daring another smirk when I almost dropped the stainless-steel jug.
“Did you enjoy the muffins?” I don’t know why I was bothering to ask.
“They were… edible.”
“Edible. My God. Would it hurt you in the least to give someone a compliment? I mean I didn’t need to bake you muffins at midnight, but I felt compelled to try to smooth the rough edges.”
“You shouldn’t have bothered.”
Wow. He was a jerk. “Don’t worry. I won’t make the same mistake again.”
The man infuriated me, but I also remained flustered. I couldn’t remember the last time anyone had flustered me.
He dared inch that hot of body of his closer. In turn, I lifted the scissors. Of course I had no intention of stabbing someone so good looking, but he didn’t need to know that.
His glare was droll, as if I was a gnat barely bothering him. “I’d be careful if I were you.”
“Why is that?”
