Page 8 of His Dark Pact

“Mr. Kyle.” She forced herself to speak, cringing at how croaky her voice sounded.

“Yes.”

“Hi, this is Amy...” She paused, wondering if he’d know who ‘Amy’ was. “From the store. We met earlier.”

You paid for my bread.

“Amy.”

She swore she detected his smile in his reply.

“I’m so happy you phoned. I wasn’t sure if you would.”

“Yes, I...” Hesitating, she considered how to reply. She could hardly tell him the jeopardy of being penniless had inspired the call. She already questioned why a man like him would want a meal with a woman like her. “I wasn’t sure, either, but I’d like to take you up on your offer of dinner.”

“Excellent.”

The word resonated down the line, flowing over her the way a stiff drink might have done, if she could afford one.

“What are you doing tomorrow night?”

She was momentarily struck by how little time he was wasting—getting straight to the point, but then that had seemed to be the kind of man he was—the type who knew what he sought and went right after it. Dismissing the thought, she considered the answer to his question. Tomorrow, after she’d wired the money to Jonah and been compelled to tell her landlord that she didn’t have his rent, again, she’d probably be on the streets.

“Nothing I can’t cancel.”

That had sounded more illicit than she’d intended, but her lips tugged at her unintentional flirtation.

Not that it had been accidental.

She wanted the man, and the idea of enjoying one special meal with him before her house of cards came crashing down was more alluring than it had any right to be.

“Good answer.” His purr was appreciative. “Send me your address, and I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“I’d rather meet you at the restaurant,” she countered, knowing he’d likely interpret the reaction as distrust, where the truth was far simpler. She was ashamed to have anyone meet her in her neighborhood, let alone someone like Kyle. “If that’s okay.”

“Of course.” His tone was more businesslike. “I’ll text the address to this number.”

“Thank you.” Her heart was hammering so fiercely, she was sure he’d be able to hear it for himself. “I’m looking forward to seeing you again.”

“Oh, me, too.” His response was immediate. “And Amy...”

“Yes?” Something about his tone was edgier, an imperceptible change that accelerated her pulse even further.

“Wear something special for me.”

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