Page 24 of Knot a Thief

Chapter 7

Max

As I stroll into Café Puerta al Mar, freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries fill the air as gentle music plays softly in the background.

The aromas of the café envelop me as I settle into the plush chair.

As the server approaches my table, I glance around the cafe and see a woman sitting at a nearby table.

Her long dark hair is tied up in a ponytail, showing me her delicate features. She’s wearing sunglasses, but then so am I. The café is bright, despite the windows having a tint, dulling the glare.

I pull the cap of my baseball hat lower as I look at her and nod my head.

She returns the nod with a subtle smile. I can’t help but wonder what lies behind that smile. If she is as happy as she appears to be.

Regardless, her presence is magnetic, and she exudes an air of mystery. I suppose sunglasses do that.

I rise from my seat and make my way over to her table. As I approach, she glances up briefly, her mouth opening slightly, her expression guarded.

“Mind if I join you?” I ask, gesturing toward the empty seat across from her.

My nose twitches, trying to smell her scent. There is something masking just how delicious it could be. Despite the lack of perfume, she’s definitely an omega, though trying to hide it and for that reason, I rein in my inner alpha.

She hesitates for a moment, considering my request as she looks me up and down. “I’m leaving soon, but you can sit.”

“Well, today might just be my lucky day,” I say, pulling out the chair and giving her my biggest smile.

“Have you won the lottery?” she deadpans, knowing the comment was aimed at her.

“I dare say, I have.” I put on a clipped British accent.

She chuckles, the sound like a melodic chime, and removes her sunglasses, revealing aqua blue eyes, almost the color of the Caribbean Sea. “And what exactly have you won?”

“The privilege of your company,” I say with a wink, as I settle into the chair across from her.

Her eyes widen slightly before she offers me a half-smile. “Well, aren’t you charming?”

“It’s been known to happen,” I reply, feigning modesty. “But I must admit, it’s not every day that I encounter someone as intriguing as yourself.”

She raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by my flattery. “You don’t even know me.”

“I don’t, and that is something I already regret.”

“Do you?” She pauses for a moment, suddenly stopping our playful banter.

She leans back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “You’re quite the smooth talker.”

I smile because we’re back on track.

“I try my best,” I reply with a smirk. “So, what brings you to this little café?”

She hesitates for a moment, deliberating whether to share her reason with me.

“Indulge me, a stranger. Let me know more about you.” I’m almost begging now, needing to know more about her, and after a brief contemplation, she leans forward, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

“I’m here on a mission,” she confesses in a hushed tone, as if afraid someone might overhear. “I’m searching for something of considerable importance.”

Intrigued by her ambiguous words, I lean closer, my voice dropping to match hers. “And what might that be?”

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