Page 195 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

He leaned into the grip, tilting his head just enough to angle his jaw in a way that was almost… seductive. His tongue swept lazily over one canine, a deliberate taunt.

“You bad boy,” Rain purred, voice low and sinful. “We missed a few steps. I suggest you buy me a drink first before we move onto the kinky stuff.”

A ripple of laughter moved through the crowd.

The man recoiled, releasing Rain with a look of disgust; the kind that came from someone whose worldview had just been personally offended. His hand dropped, and he glanced around, suddenly aware of the eyes on him.

Rain’s smirk sharpened.

“Then again,” he added, letting his gaze drag over the man with theatrical disdain, “you’re not my type. I prefer my men to be more…”

A beat.

A slow, deliberate once-over.

“…refined.”

The man growled, humiliated. His pride already fragile, snapped. He shot a desperate look at his friend.

“Karl, grab ’im. Let’s teach this pretty boy a lesson or two.”

Rain laughed; loud, obnoxious, intentionally provoking.

Karl lunged.

Rain didn’t even blink.

“Karl. Sit.”

His power snapped out like a leash.

Karl’s body obeyed instantly, slamming down onto the barstool behind him with a force that rattled the legs. His eyes bulged in horror, hands gripping the seat unable to fight the invisible command.

“Good boy,” Rain said sweetly. “Calling me pretty isn’t going to get you into my pants either. I’m sorry, I’m just not interested.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

The thug; too stupid or too drunk to recognise the danger, swung a fist at Rain’s jaw.

Rain caught it effortlessly in his left palm.

His right elbow snapped forward, cracking into the man’s cheekbone with a sickening thud. The thug stumbled back into the crowd, dazed.

Rain’s expression shifted.

The playful arrogance drained away, replaced by something cold.

Predatory.

His green eyes iced over, and the energy around him thickened; swirling with a threat that made the hairs on the back of necks stand up.

Several men caught the thug and shoved him upright. He staggered, clutching his head, trying to comprehend what had just happened.

“That wasn’t wise,” Rain said, turning his gaze to Karl. “Was it, Karl?”

Karl shook his head so fast it was almost comical.

The crowd pressed back, fear and fascination mingling in the air. No one wanted to leave but no one wanted to be too close either.