Page 132 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

“You could say so? What does that mean?”

“My family is very wealthy. We moved to America when I was younger and we invested in the right ventures. With time, our wealth and influence accumulated.”

“Why are you here then?”I ask suddenly. “I mean. If you’re so wealthy, why would you risk your life in war? I’m sure with your influence you wouldn’t have had to join, no?”

“You are correct. I did not have to join the Air Force.”

“Why did you then?”

“Because you’re here,” he answers smoothly.

“Hey!” I slap his arm playfully. “I’m serious.”

“So am I. You don’t believe me?” He feigns an offended tone.

“I can’t believe you’re being so shameless this early in the morning,” I grumble and roll my eyes.

“Why else would a man risk death if not for the love of a beautiful woman?” He wiggles his brows at me.

“You’re impossible.” I shake my head. It’s clear I’m not going to get an answer out of him, though the curiosity remains. If he is so wealthy, why court death in the Air Force? It’s…baffling.

“Might be.” He chuckles. “But my brand of impossible is getting you a way to siphon spiritual energy. You should thank me.” He leans back, pushing his chin up and smirking at me.

I glare at him.

“Right. I’ll thank you after I’ve successfully siphoned the energy, since we don’t know if it will actually work.”

“I’ll be waiting.” He winks.

I let out a frustrated groan and kick him in the shin under the table.

“Ouch.”

“Serves you right,” I say as I grab the rest of the scones—and the donut—and bring them to my side of the table. He can have the savory stuff. I’ll keep the sweet.

He has a perpetual smile on his face as he looks at me. Even when he should be annoyed, he’s not. Is this part of his courting ritual? I suppose the food is, but what about the rest? The fact that he’s both teasing meandletting me get away with being mean to him.

And to my shame, Iammean to him. I’m not yet sure why exactly, but whenever I see him being too nice to me, I want to kick him.

Then I want to hug him.

I shake my head to dispel those dangerous thoughts.

Perhaps this is his plan. Drive me to be mean to him so I can be apologetic afterward and allow him to get away with things I wouldn’t normally do. Like the bed situation.

Ugh! I don’t like this. I don’t like feeling out of my element, and I certainly don’t like the fact that I’m not very versed in this courtship thing.

In battle, at least you know what to expect. In courtship? I fear it will hit me harder than in any battle I’ve taken part in.

“Finish your meal and change. I’ll get the car ready.”

“This is not a military car,”I add with a frown.

“It’s my personal car.” Mine smiles as he opens the door for me.

I get into the front passenger seat and make myself comfortable. Leather seats and a luxurious interior. I am once more reminded of how wealthy he is.

I glance back. “What’s that?”

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