‘As I was saying,’ he continued after a moment. ‘I genuinely like you, and I like spending time with you; it’s why I agreed to help you find the cure in the first place, silly.’
‘I thought it was because you said it was interesting from an academic viewpoint!’ she said, positively shocked by this news.
‘Yes, I mean, of course it is,’ he said, flashing her a smile, ‘butyou’remore interesting. From a Xander viewpoint.’
Her face got warm at that.
‘See,’ he said, running his knuckles against her cheek. ‘Your face gets just slightly pink, hardly noticeable.’
‘Then how do you notice?’
‘I’m always paying attention when it comes to you, Bisma.’
She narrowed her eyes. She believed everything he was saying, she did, but old habits die hard. She couldn’t help being prickly and untrusting, she just couldn’t.
‘I’m not being kind to trick you,’ he said. ‘Or to seduce you! I simply enjoy being nice to you.’
‘Why? Particularly when I am not nice to you.’
‘I don’t know.’ He shrugged. ‘And I know you don’t mean it, not really.’
‘Howdo you know?’
‘I just do … I know you.’
‘How?’
He laughed. ‘I pay attention.’
‘Why do you pay attention?’ She was being petulant, but she couldn’t help it.
‘Because you’re …you. You’re interesting and fascinating, and I like learning about you.’
‘Hmm …’
He smiled, bumping her shoulder with his. ‘I’m not like him,’ he said in a more serious tone. ‘Can you try to see that? If I was simply trying to find someone to seduce, I’m sure it would be much more efficient to approach any of the admirers you mentioned the other day.’ He considered it. ‘Actually, it would be much easier, really. You’re incredibly difficult, did you know that?’
‘Well, what if you’re just trying to “tame” me, like all the village boys wish to do with Unwanted Girls?’ she asked, scowling.
He laughed at that. ‘Why would I want totameyou? I’m sorry, but that sounds thoroughly impossible. Besides, from what I recall, I’ve already given you full leave to bite me whenever you want.’
His eyes warmed with heat.
She chewed on her bottom lip. ‘Hmm.’
He was right.
He was an incorrigible flirt, but he wasn’t aggressive. Gregory had tried to kiss Bisma the second time they went out together, but in all this time, Xander had not made any attempts—even when she had wanted him to. And whenever Xander touched her, it was always gentle, not presumptuous.
So she could no longer be afraid; she had promised Luna, after all.
She sighed. ‘FINE.’
‘“Fine” what?’ He knit his brows.
‘Take me out for dinner.’
He was startled. ‘Bisma, that wasn’t what I was trying to—’
