Page 190 of Roberto

He grinned. “…within reason.”

Okay…

I’ll admit, his delivery was funny.

Though I still didn’t feel like I could trust anything he said.

“This strikes me as a veryconservativestep back from your offer last night.”

“My offer last night was based on what I assumed were the rules of your club,” he replied. “My offer now is what Ireallywant: to spend time with you. To get to know you.”

Damn it…

There he went with that charming earnestness again.

“And what if I said no?” I asked.

“Then I would ask again.”

He sounded more confident – almost flirty.

So I flirted back the tiniest bit.

“And what if I said ‘no’ again?”

He took a small step forward. “Being told ‘no’ doesn’t bother me. In fact, I actuallylikebeing told ‘no.’ It heightens the pleasure when I get what I want.”

Oh.

The sudden shift intrigued me.

Before, he’d been a boy scout wanting to make amends.

Now there was a sultry note in his voice…

The tone of a man who knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it.

I gazed at him steadily, trying to take his measure –

And realized that I saw no malice or viciousness in his eyes.

I thought of my little Thai salesman sayingTen bahtover and over again, and couldn’t help but smile.

Alright.

I’d play along.

“Ask me again,” I said.

“Say yes,” he replied with a mischievous smile.

“No.”

“Say yes,” he said, his voice suddenly deeper… more commanding.

“No.”

Suddenly, he surprised me.

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