Page 30 of The First Spark

“You’re scared.”

Chapter 7

Unwritten Fire

Ash

“N

ot even close.” I bite out a laugh, downing the last of my whiskey.

Time for a refill, or I could forgo the glass and chug the damn liquid from the bottle.

“I’m serious. You’re terrified that a woman could wrap herself around your heart and set up residence.”

Drumming out an erratic rhythm on the table, I clear my throat, feeling my ire rise. “Sorry to disappoint you, but that’s not the case. Love and romance are two words I don’t use. Not now, not ever.”

I’m not sure what emotion I expect, but the sympathetic expression crossing Ori’s face isn’t one of them. “I could argue your statement and tell you that one day you might believe differently, but that would be a moot point, wouldn’t it? Instead, I’ll simply nod in agreement and swiftly change the subject.”

“Why are you changing the subject?”

Her eyes widen. “It’s obviously a touchy one for you. Someone has hurt you at some point. No one starts out thegate detesting the idea of love. I’m sorry someone treated you poorly.”

“Doesn’t matter.” I mutter the words, hating how easily Ori sees through my facade.

Or maybe she’s the first woman to bother looking for the cracks.

Either way, she’s right. Once upon a time, I believed in love—fully and madly bought into the whole concept. Even got down on one knee and asked the woman to marry me. That’s when she informed me that marriage wasn’t an option—namely, because she was already married.

Nice of her to tell me six months into the relationship.

C’est la vie.

After that fiasco, I shelved the idea of true love and soulmates.

Since then, my bed has remained warm and my heart intact.

I plan to keep it that way.

“Can I go again?”

Ori’s voice jerks me from my reverie, and I nod, pouring some more whiskey in preparation. “You’re hijacking this game, beautiful, but go ahead. Another deep and philosophical inquiry?”

“Not at all. An easy one. How many piercings do you have?”

Thank God, itisan easy question.

“Six … no wait, seven.”

“I see three.” Ori motions to my head, referring to my earrings and nose ring.

“My nipples and—” I stick out my tongue, running the bar along my teeth.

Now it’s Ori’s turn for the slight bodyweight shift. Seems I’m unhinging her, too. “Ah, interesting.”

“I haven’t heard any complaints. Great for all manner of dining.”

A cocky aside? Yes, but I need a segue from the heavy talk.

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