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“Ask?”

“Yes. It’s this revolutionary concept where you make a request and allow the other person to decide whether they want to do it.”

He looks genuinely fascinated.

“And if they refuse?”

“Then you accept their answer.”

“How inefficient.”

I burst out laughing.

He smiles.

A real smile this time, slow and wicked, revealing a dimple in his left cheek.

Oh, that’s unfair.

The man already has the body of a marble masterpiece. Giving him dimples is just excessive.

“You find me amusing,” he says.

“Immensely.”

“Good.”

“Good?”

“I enjoy the sound of your laughter.”

My stomach does an embarrassing little flip.

Damn it.

Apparently, I’m susceptible to compliments from imaginary Greek gods.

He extends his hand.

“Come closer, Calla.”

I raise an eyebrow.

He sighs.

“Please.”

“See? Was that so difficult?”

“Excruciating.”

I grin and take a step toward him.

Then another.

The closer I get, the more the air seems to change. Warmth radiates from his enormous body, carrying the faint scent of sandalwood and something darker, like rain falling on hot stone.

I stop inches away.