I move toward her. "Handsome? Intelligent? Hilarious?"
"Odd."
"Odd?" I halt my advancement and crinkle my nose. "Damn, Hagar, you sure know how to sweet talk a man."
"I like odd."
Her confession sets my heart into a gallop. I haven't felt this type of excitement talking to a woman since my teenage years. What the hell is happening?
"Odd in what way?" I ask, once again stroking ZuZu's head when she paws at me.
"You surprise me," she says simply. "Just when I think you'll say one thing, you say something completely different."
I smirk. "I thought you had me all figured out," I whisper.
"I do." She reaffirms her belief. "But it seems you are trying to change. What I would like to know is why?"
"I suppose enduring torture has something to do with it." When she doesn't respond, I admit, "I don't know. Maybe I'm maturing. It's unsettling."
"Embrace growth. Accept change. It will only mold you into being a better man."
"You know," I grab the bucket from her and help her finish her rounds, "you speak like an old person."
She cracks a tiny smile. "Then heed my advice."
I click my teeth. "Never was any good at listening." I toss another piece of meat into a dragon pen. "So, what would it take for you to have dinner with me?"
She crouches down to pick ZuZu up. "We will be having dinner tonight at my father's house."
"You know what I mean," I flick my eyes to meet hers. If I'm not careful, I might drown in her rich chocolate gaze. "Dinner. Just the two of us."
She quirks an eyebrow. "You and me alone?"
I press a palm to my chest. "I promise to be a gentleman." ZuZu rests in Hagar's arms but wraps her tail around my finger.
Although I can see she wants to say yes, she swallows her acceptance. "I'm afraid that would be improper."
"Your chaperone can come, too, if that would make it easier."
"Chaperone?" Hagar tilts her head curiously to the side. "I'm perfectly capable of conducting myself without the watchful eyes of a chaperone."
Well, now I'm confused. "Then why would it be improper for us to share a meal together?"
"I don't think my betrothed would appreciate it."
My stomach drops and lungs constrict. "Your betrothed? You're engaged?"
"Not yet. Not officially." Sadness flashes in her eyes before it's replaced with nonchalance. "Such is the way of life. Helios might be heir to my father's throne forged of sand and bone, but my sister and I are meant for forging alliances."
"So, an arranged marriage?"
"That is the general idea," she chuckles, but it's somber.
"So, not by your choice?"
She huffs in frustration. "That is what the term arranged means, Nyx."
I grab her wrist when she turns to retreat. "Do you love him?"
