Page 53 of Seducing Hope (The Hope Legacy)

I blink. “You’re blackmailing me into having dinner with you?”

“I play dirty, Natia. I get what I want by whatever methods I can.”

I stuff more french fries in my mouth and chew, giving myself time to think my way around the problem. My conclusion? I’m screwed.

“Okay.”

A masculine, satisfied grin graces his lips just as a spark of inspiration hits me.

I give him a sultry smile. “It doesn’t mean I have to be nice.”

Duncan chuckles. “Good luck, Reinheart. A date with nasty Natia isn’t something to be trifled with.”

Archan’s grin falters ever so slightly. I’ll take that as a small win.

I change the topic. “What was in the parcels given to the shadow man?” So much easier to say that than Khalkaroth. Why do these demons have to have such stupid names? Why not Bob, Margaret, or Steve?

“Guess.”

I lean back in my seat and cross my arms, mimicking him. “I thought we were past games?” When he doesn’t say anything further, I share my two best theories and watch his aura. “I think it’s either money or a fake Jar.” The blue flames on his aura flare. So, it’s one of them. He remains silent. I go with my best guess. “I think they’re fake Jars keeping the shadow man busy, while you look for the real thing.”

“Very good, Natia… We might have use for you yet.” Condescending, egotistic pig.

He touches my face, and a look of fury glows in his eyes. “Who did this to you?”

I blink and push his hand away. “I’m not sure why you care, but I believe it was Khalkaroth. He was outside of the bar last night and thought I was your new toy. I corrected his assumption, and this was his response.” I point at my bruised eye.

“I’ll kill him,” he grinds out as his aura flares a blinding red. Leaning back in my seat, I cross my arms and study his features. Nothing but genuine fury emanates off him, which inadvertently warms my heart. Why would he care? Because he wants me? Because he doesn’t want me damaged? I’m not sure I could work this man out if I had a lifetime to do it.

“He gave me a message for you,” I say.

He blinks. “What?”

Crooking my finger toward him, I lean in to whisper, “The game is lost. Chaos is against you, so sit back and enjoy the fireworks.”

Pushing away, I escape his exotic, dizzying scent. Archan’s brow wrinkles as I stand and pull my jacket on. I don’t ask him to explain the cryptic message.

“I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow evening. Dress warm.” He gives my body a slow perusal, his eyes tracking each dip and curve. “I like this look on you more than the business suits.” Heat prickles my face again.

“Hear, hear!” shouts a voice from the far left. Archan shoots Jed a look. I’m glad he’s not looking at me that way. Jed smirks at him—weird dynamic there.

I walk toward the exit and notice Jed rising out of his seat. He pushes his blond-tipped hair out of his boyish face and focuses his hazel eyes on me.

Freezing, I point at him. “You stay. I’ll call when we go on some dangerous mission.” When he doesn’t sit back down, I slide my gaze to Archan. “Smoothie is not coming with us.”

Jed creases his forehead. “Who’s Smoothie?” Archan stays silent. Sensing I’m not going to win this one, I shake my head.

“Smoothies lie,” I explain, “they’re advertised as being good for you, but in reality, they’re filled with sugar. Some don’t even have any real fruit in them.”

Jed puts his hand on his heart. “When did I lie?”

“When you said you’d killed the demons without my help. I guess I could call you ‘Goony’ instead?”

“Why do you have to call me anything?”

“You’re right. I’ll ignore you completely.”

Turning back to Archan, I make a circling motion with my finger, encompassing Zee, Aaden, and Duncan. “I have my fair share of six-foot-plus men. I don’t have room for him. My apartment is full.”

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