Page 12 of Twilight Sins

I’m not used to dating women who don’t already know my story. Being in a family business, everyone knew I would carry on the torch. It’s what I was bred for.

That doesn’t mean it’s safe to go spouting off about it to every woman I meet. No matter how tempting.

“Tell me what you do for work,” I say abruptly.

Luna drops her fork. “No way. You don’t get to dodge another question. Not after your lies before.”

“Omissions,” I correct. “I didn’t lie to you. Even if I did, you’re the one who asked for pretty lies.”

“I was kidding! No one wants to be lied to.”

I shake my head. “That’s not true.”

“Okay, then who? Who on Earth wants to be lied to?” she challenges.

“You do. Right now.” I hold her gaze. “You don’t know it, but you want me to lie to you, Luna.”

Her smile falters. “Why?”

“Because a pretty lie doesn’t ruin a nice evening the way an ugly truth can.” The waitress brings me a new drink and I tip my head in thanks. Then I turn back to Luna, who hasn’t taken her eyes off of me. “If you really want to know what I do, I’ll tell you. I won’t lie. But be prepared to hear an answer you won’t like.”

She chews on her bottom lip. I’ve never seen a mouth I want to taste more. “What’s the alternative?”

“You tell me what you do, you don’t bother asking me the same question in return, and we see where the night takes us.”

There’s a beat of hesitation. A second where I’m sure this distraction is going to go up in flames.

Then Luna sighs and turns her attention to her stew. “I’m a saleswoman for an industrial plastics manufacturer.”

Good choice.

“And here I thought I was the bad guy. Next, you’ll tell me you club baby seals.”

Laughter burns behind her eyes. The spark we had before is brighter than ever. Despite her better judgment, Luna is still here. Still having a good time. I’ll keep it that way as long as she doesn’t try to overcomplicate things. As long as she doesn’t need the truth.

“I didn’t tap you for an environmentalist, Yakov.” She squints at me, scanning me from head to toe. “I don’t see any ‘Tree Hugger’ pins.”

“I don’t lead with my soft, bleeding heart on a first date.”

She smirks. “Ah. Well, if you must know, I work for a recycled industrial plastics manufacturer. I could give you the spiel on our sustainably-sourced polycarbonate, but I wouldn’t want to bore you.”

“Bore me? It’s almost like you’re talking dirty.”

She leans her head back and laughs. “That’s a first. My job isn’t particularly sexy. People usually move on pretty quickly when I bring it up.”

My phone buzzes. I want to ignore it, but I don’t have that luxury.

I pull it out and see Nikandr’s name on the screen. I actually forgot about him. He was supposed to meet me half an hour ago.

NIKANDR: I thought you had a date with me. Should I be jealous?

“Now, I’m worried I really am boring you,” Luna says. She eyes my phone.

“Unfortunately for both of us, my brother doesn’t know the meaning of boundaries.”

“So you weren’t lying about that. You really do have a brother.”

“I haven’t lied about anything, remember?”

---