Page 16 of Moments of Malevolence

“So why are you here?”

“I came to see the dress you’re wearing since it cost me alotof money.”

I pull the chair out and stand. Taking two steps, I stop directly next to him and turn in a slow circle, showing him every angle. When I finish, I make to go back to my seat, but his hand flies out and catches my wrist, effectively stopping me.

“I didn’t see clearly enough. Spin again.” His words send shivers all over my body, and I feel the goose bumps take over, but I listen to him and do as he says, turning slowly. When I face him once more, after his eyes have burned right through my dress, I find him licking his lips. “Do I make you nervous?”

“Why would you think that?” I ask.

“Because your breathing changed, and that only happened when I arrived.”

I take my seat and sit back down.

“I wouldn’t call it nervous.”

“Oh? What would you call it?” He smirks, leaning back in his seat. The confidence he shows is flying off him in waves of utter domineering assertiveness.

The waiter comes over and offers him a glass. He waves him off and doesn’t take his eyes off me.

“Interested,” is all I can manage to say.

“The feeling is mutual.” His eyes move to my hand. “You aren’t married?” he asks.

“Would that matter?” I reply.

He shrugs. “One less person I would have to kill, is all.”

Well, fuck.

“Not married,” I confirm. “You?”

“Why would I do something so suicidal as to tie myself to a person?” he answers.

“Suicidal. Interesting word choice.”

“Yes, I guess it is.” His jaw relaxes and he draws in a shallow breath. “I have an errand to run, and I hate errands. Care to join me?” He stands, offering me his hand.

“Can I keep your card?”

“For the time being.”

“You must be pretty rich, huh?” I ask, lifting my bag to my shoulder.

“I wouldn’t class myself as rich. Rich is crass, wealthy has a better ring to it. Do I have money that I don’t spend? Yes.”

“Why don’t you spend it?” I question as I make my way to the door.

He matches my steps and never misses a beat as he speaks, “Never had anything to spend it on before.”

And I get the feeling he is talking about something more than possessions.

SEVEN

Zuko

What a little vixen,that’s the only way to describe her.

A fucking vixen.

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