never letting my guard slip-especially not in front of men. I was always composed, indifferent to their words or appearances. But this man.

ess as I turned toward the counter. "Espresso? Black?" I tos

e it," he replied w

little to stop the heat creeping into my cheeks. "What is wrong w

nd thought-perhaps even put the man in his place if I were havi

ouldn't shake the sensation of his gaze fixed on me, as though he were studying every inch of

ced toward Naia, who was too preoccupied refilling Sylas and Rowan's coffee to notice my

ed, her gaze darting tow

e freshly ground coffee, and began brewing. The rich, dark liquid streamed into the cup

id, setting the cup down

s smooth, the kind that lingere

ords tumbled out befo

mine with a penetrating intensity. My pulse quickened, and

ssa," he said, his gaze dropping b

ed, retreating behind the co

down my spine. It felt... familiar, as if he'd known

like a thunderclap. "No," I reassured myself. "

I adjusted my gloves nervously, then

n called out, his voice laced with amusement

I replied with a smirk, tossing a s

ached across the coun

aybe I am." His grin widened, and his eyes r

n," I said, m

d, tightening his grip. "You s

a sharp tug, I wre

ammed into the bar. Glasses and an empty coffee pot crashed to the floor, shat

my side in an instant, g

ed, pulling away and reac

a mixture of concern and hurt.

"Don't let them smell my blood. Please, don't

remembered the silver-haired customer. Turning

le hundred-dollar bill besid

ter all," I muttered, pocketing th

ss Rowan had made. By the time we closed, the rain had finally stopped. Yet,

it hap

prayed never to hear aga

ad fou