Page 23 of King of Malice

“It’s customary when two people spend two nights together to at least say farewell, it’s been nice, or get out of my life,” he said, his deep voice penetrating every cell and bone in my body.

“Oh. Are you an expert on two-night stands?”

He took a deep breath, allowing his heated gaze to fall far too slowly to the sandals I was wearing. “The truth is no. If I desire spending time with a woman, passion isn’t the first thing on my list of needs.”

“Oh? What is?”

“Engaging in lively conversation and enjoying a fabulous meal.” He settled his eyes on mine, the late afternoon sunlight streaming in through the window providing a warm glow around his gorgeous face.

“Are you leaving?” I asked, sweltering from the heat radiating through his body.

“Not unless you insist.” He laughed then narrowed my eyes. “No, I have business in Florida. I’m taking the train all the way to Orlando.”

Should I consider that a coincidence? “Then I’ll be lucky enough to learn more about you.”

He rubbed his fingers down my cheek, another thunderous moment of energy tightening the cords in my stomach. “That’s all you’re going to get.”

“Does that mean you’re hungry?”

He lifted his eyebrows, the slight sound he made unnerving. “Very much so. Why not find the perfect little bistro off the train? We do have a few hours to kill. Unless you’d prefer something more… carnal in nature.”

The powerful man had a way of exposing the fissures in my armor, slowly dragging the naughty vixen into the light. “Later. We’ll indulge in items number one and two on your list first.”

“Then let’s not waste another minute. I’m not a man known for my patience.”

CHAPTER7

Whitney

St. Louis was a fascinating city, the afternoon sun skipping across panes of glass and steel, but the area we were in had an old world feel. While there’d been a few places within walking distance, Phoenix hadn’t been satisfied, calling a cab so we could explore during the limited time we had off the train. Everything with the man seemed like an adventure, one a significant part of me never wanted to end.

He knew of a perfect place, directing the driver to what seemed like a hole in the wall in an older part of the city. That led me to believe he’d been here before. The dark, foreboding interior gave way to a gorgeous terrace complete with fountains and flowering plants, light jazz music coming from an unseen source. Lights hung in trellises, vines weaving a delicate pattern across the lattice ceiling. The intimate setting was accentuated with candles on every table, a light breeze tickling my senses with the fragrance of exotic spices and fresh herbs.

I was immediately relaxed, the atmosphere completely different than I’d anticipated Phoenix appreciating.

As soon as we were seated, he ordered a bottle of champagne, the name one I recognized but not one I’d enjoyed before. However, I also noticed on the menu it was expensive. Was the man trying to impress me? Maybe the question should be why.

“You like bubbly?”

“Let’s just say I’m very familiar with the libation.” Phoenix acted as if he’d give nothing away about himself, adhering to the rules of the game. I was the kind of girl who wasn’t daunted by any rules. Especially ones created by a man.

“If you’re trying to impress me, champagne won’t do it,” I told him.

“Then what will?” Mischief played across his chiseled face, the dimness of the lighting unable to hide the amusement in his eyes.

“The truth. In all things.”

Phoenix chuckled, the sound coming from a deep place in his chest, obviously comfortable with his place of control. I had trouble keeping my gaze from lingering too long, the white shirt he’d worn highlighting the golden glow of his skin. He’d rolled the sleeves past his elbows, which drew my attention to his various tattoos. While his trousers were more casual than what he’d worn both nights before, the dark charcoal was a direct contrast to his shirt, reminding me how primal he was.

Savage.

The word lingered in my mind like a beacon of sin.

“And just what are you determined to learn about me?” he asked as he sat back in his chair.

“What do the tattoos mean?” I leaned across the table, returning the look of mischief with one of my own.

“Various things.”

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