Page 37 of Torrid Passion
I shake my head. “No.”
“I held back.”
“Why?”
“Because of who you are.”
Seriously?“I thought you were different from most men, Loki.” I can’t hide my disappointment. “I thought you saw me as my own person. Not just as an O’Keeffe. You always gave the impression my family’s money, clout and weight didn’t impress you.”
“Ouch. You went for the gut,” he says. “For the record, your family’s power isveryimpressive—anyone who says otherwise is lying or bullshitting you. But, it doesn’t cloud my vision. There’s a lot more to you than just your last name and your money. I see you for you, Kyla. You know that. I meant your relationship with Harlow is what stopped me.”
“Oh.”Way to go.“I’m sorry I jumped the gun,” I say cheaply.
He scoots closer. Much closer. His body is flirting with mine. His expensive cologne plays on my senses.God, he smells like a man.
“Harlow thinks the world of you––”
“It’s the same for me. I love her like a sister.”
“Hence, why I hesitated.”
I nod in recognition. “I see.”
I don’t dare to say more because I’m afraid of where he’s going with this.
“Magnus dropped a big bomb tonight,” he says. I cringe internally. “Unbeknown to me, we’re in a relationship––”
“I’m sorry, Loki––”
He places two fingers on my lips.Dear God.“Don’t be. I told you, I’m not upset. It’s just…”
He lets out this along afflicted sigh.
I gently move his hand away from my mouth. “What is it?”
“I feel deprived.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve been dating this woman for over four months and there’s so much I don’t know about her.”
I can’t help my laugh. “You already know everything about me.”
“I disagree. I know Kyla, the girl, but right now, I’m sitting next to a bombshell I know zilch about.”
“Oh, stop it,” I wave a hand, shooing off his compliment.
“No, I’m serious.”
“Okay, since you were such a good sport earlier, I’ll play along. What do you want to know?” I ask.
“Why did you pick me as your fake boyfriend, Kyla?”
He won’t budge.
He waits patiently for my answer. It’s almost like he’s sizing me up.
I bite the insides of my cheek, debating how far I’m willing to take this.
