Page 13 of Savage Truce

Rodian seems to relax, and the mischievous glint returns to his eyes. “You can learn a lot about a person in a few days.”

“Yeah, but that’s all it will be. A week.”

He shakes his head. “I could kidnap you and take you home with me.”

Seeing he’s joking, I let out a short burst of laughter. “Just pull up in a white van filled with fabrics and Lindt chocolates, and I’ll willingly get into the back.”

“I’ll remember that.”

I hand him one of the mugs. After picking up the plate of pastries, I sip on my own coffee while we walk back to my workshop.

“You aren’t scared I’ll kidnap you?” Rodian asks as he takes a seat again.

“No. There are cameras all over the theater, and my co-workers know I was last seen with you.” I set the plate down and help myself to a Portuguese custard tart.

Rodian smiles at me. “I’ll have to ambush you during your walk to or from work.”

Silence falls between us while we enjoy our coffee and make quick work of the cinnamon swirls.

Not once does Rodian comment or side-eye the amount I’m eating, and it makes me fall even harder for him.

I glance at the rail of costumes, thinking I’ll come in early Tuesday morning to get them ready so they can be taken to the storage room, then I’ll talk to Charlotte about leaving.

Turning my attention back to Rodian, I find him staring at me, a relaxed expression on his face.

After a little while, I say, “You’re very comfortable with silence.”

“Only with the right person.”

Time slips away again with bursts of conversation about random topics and moments where we just look at each other.

Suddenly, an alarm sounds from my phone, which is tucked into my handbag, and I gasp. “Oh, my God. Is it six o’clock?”

I get up to silence the device as Rodian says, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

He rises to his feet, and after I tuck my phone back into my bag, I turn to face him as he comes to stand in front of me. “I should probably let you get some sleep.”

Nodding, I pull the strap of my bag over my shoulder. “Good idea.”

“Can I give you a ride home?”

Not ready for him to know where I live, I shake my head. “I like walking.” I give him a questioning look. “Are we still on for tonight?”

“Definitely.” He moves closer until I’m able to catch a faint whiff of his cologne.

God, I love how much bigger than me he is.

His blue eyes drift over my face, then he whispers, “You’re beautiful, Anastasia.”

Heat creeps up my neck. “It’s going to take some getting used to how direct you are.”

The corner of his mouth lifts. “Should I rather lie?”

Chuckling, I shake my head, but then I begin to feel shy and clear my throat. “That was nice of you to say. Thank you.”

“I’m just telling you what I see.” His voice sounds deeper as he narrows his eyes.

More nervous energy pours into my stomach as I ask, “Why are you looking at me like that?”