Page 6 of Bloody Seven

"Oh, so you're flirting with me now?" He smirks.

"If you get turned on by violence, then maybe." I shrug.

"It's less about the violence and more about the idea of a woman taking control. You might just be my soulmate."

His confession startles me. "I am not your soulmate."

"If you say so. Anyway, how did the sandwich do?"

"It was fine." I roll my eyes. "What was it?"

"My go-to order. A jalapeno cheddar bagel with pastrami, egg, cheddar cheese, scallion cream cheese, and brown mustard. In other words, an orgasm in your mouth."

"That was not–"

"You moaned." He raises a brow after cutting me off.

My eyes bounce between his. He's so direct. I've never met anyone as bold as him who also has a desire to be submissive.There's a challenge in his eyes, like he's willing me to take the lead, but I'm not here for any of that.

"What's your name?" I ask while taking another bite. It takes all of my willpower to keep myself from moaning again. The explosion of flavor is like nothing I've ever experienced before.

"Corbin." He reaches a hand over the counter, prompting me to shake it.

"Nice to meet you, Corbin. I'm Poppy."

"Well, shit. Now I feel like I missed an opportunity by not giving you a poppy seed bagel. I could have claimed it was fate or something that I gave you the same kind of bread you share a name with."

"I've heard it a thousand times. It never would have worked."

"Good to know." He grins, and those dimples appear again. "Give me an honest review. Did you like it?"

"Honestly? It was the best bagel sandwich I've ever had. Thank you." I take another bite, knowing his eyes are practically burning into my skin.

"You can thank me later at the party."

Crap. I forgot that was part of this little bargain he concocted. The stark reminder jolts me back to reality. I shouldn't be flirting with him. What the hell has gotten into me?

"You wouldn't leave a guy hanging, would you?"

"I absolutely would, but luckily for you, I don't have plans tonight."

"Great, where can I pick you up?"

"How about I meet you there?" I suggest, because I don’t want him coming to my hotel.

"I suppose that will be fine, cupid. At least give me your number so I can check in to make sure you don't leave me high and dry."

"No, I don't think so. You'll just have to hope I'm an honorable woman." I finish off the sandwich, licking my fingers. "If you've got a pen and paper, you can write down the address for me."

"Pen and paper? How old school," he comments as he walks toward the register to pick up a pen. A few scribbles later, a paper is extended in my direction, and I grab it.

"I'll see you tonight. Is there a dress code?"

"Be there at eight, and wear whatever you feel comfortable in." His gaze darkens as his eyes trail down my body.

"Gotcha." I nod and point my finger awkwardly at him before turning to leave. "I'll see you then."

"It'll be the second-best part of my day," he remarks as I walk out the door.

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