Page 44 of Savage Cravings

“Entity?” I repeated with a small quirk of my lips to show my amusement.

He laughed, and I startled in surprise. He had a nice laugh. It was deep and sent shivers down my spine and made goose bumps rise on my skin. I couldn’t remember if there was ever a time in my life when I’d reacted as strongly to a laugh before.

His laughter slowly died off when he noticed my attention on him, and his eyes softened.

Somehow, a part of me didn’t think a man like him ever went soft, or would show it to anyone.

The expression appeared unpracticed on his face.

“What?” he asked.

I didn’t answer him. I took another bite of my food and kept my gaze downcast.

“Do you say that to all the girls?” I had meant for my voice to come out teasing, but instead, it just sounded awkward and unsure.

“No,” he answered seriously. His face showed no humor in that one word.

He really didn’t flirt with the other girls like this? That was hard to believe. Then again, he probably didn’t have to work for their attention. I stared back down at my plate, not knowing what to say to that.

His voice was gruff when he spoke again. “Why do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Look away. I don’t think it’s because you’re shy.”

“Do you think maybe it’s because you’re intimidating?”

He didn’t reply right away. He almost seemed surprised I would find him intimidating. But he was that, and so much more. Himandhis brothers. Surely, they were aware of that.

“Are you intimidated, angel?”

“Yes.”

His lips quirked up in a small smile. “I don’t want to intimidate you.”

He looked genuine enough when he said it, yet it sounded like a lie. I narrowed my eyes at him. His smile widened. Shaking my head, I went back to my food, taking big bites and hopefully putting an end to this farce of a “date.”

Silas barely paid attention to his food. Instead, he watched me eat, as if that would make him less intimidating.

Once I was done with my food, I flagged the waitress down for the bill, and she came out with one receipt in hand. I hoped she didn’t think I was going to pay for Silas because that was not happening.

Before I could ask for a split check, Silas slapped down a couple of hundred-dollar bills on the table. “That should cover it?”

Her eyes went wide. “Yes. Would you like the change?”

“Keep it, sweetheart.”

She giggled and wandered off. I scowled at her retreating figure before directing it over to Silas. “That was unnecessary.”

He shrugged. “I would never make my girl pay on the first date.”

“I’m not your girl,” I deadpanned. “And this isn’t a first date.”

It was like he didn’t even hear me. He stood up and held out his hand for me. I ignored it and got out of the booth myself, sidestepping him so we wouldn’t touch.

Still, my arms brushed up against his hard front. I bit my lip to hide my reaction, but fuck, was the man made of muscles?

He chuckled at my attempt, and I quickly walked out of there, Silas hot on my heels.

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