Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 125121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“Special request?” I repeated. “What special request?”
Lucien brought my fingertips to his lips. “You’ll see.”
Together we weaved through the tables and stepped past the tapestry. Dozens of pairs of eyes snapped on us. Whether it was because a Dreg was on the arm of a Rogue, or because we were both dressed like we left a costume party, or both—I couldn’t guess.
The hostess led us to our table.
“Uh, excuse me?” Iris spoke up from her seat two tables down and too close to mine. She sat across a handsome guy who was still cute with disdain written all over his face. “Are you lost, Sinclair? Hometown Country Fried is on the other side of town.”
“What is this restaurant and why does everyone think it’s meant for me?” I muttered. Louder, I said, “Iris, shut the hell up. I’m on a date.”
“Excuse—? Who do you think you’re talking to, bitch!”
I turned my back on her and claimed the seat Lucien held out for me. Her squawking faded in the background when I looked down at my plate.
“What’s this?” I picked up a sweet, baked treat. “Toussaint’s doesn’t serve fortune cookies. Lucien, did you do this?”
“I did.” He winked back at the hostess. “Open it. Discover your future.”
Trying not to cheese too wide, I cracked the cookie.
Ding.
“Oh, Lucien.” I stroked the tiny necklace that fell on my plate. A beautiful white gold band with a diamond charm. Looking closer, I saw it was a switchblade.
“For the night I became a Rogue.” My hand found his across the table. “Thank you, Lucien. I love it.”
“There’s more.”
I almost forgot about the fortune. Finding the paper, I unfurled it and read—
Tonight, you will get fucked hot and dirty, but respectfully, by a vampire.
“Hmm.” Lucien innocently poured water in my glass. “What’s it say? What does the future have in store for you?”
“A very fun night,” I said, smile tugging on my lips. “But I don’t know about respectfully.”
“Well, those things are never fully accurate.”
I laughed. This is what I loved about my Rogues. I was surrounded by a bunch of uptight trust-fund babies, so obsessed with their reputation and status. While Lucien and I were flirting with each other over fortune cookies and nineteenth-century dress. There was my insanely mind-boggling attraction to them, but more than that, I had fun with my guys. I didn’t doubt for a second that when we were old and wrinkly, we’d still sit around laughing over fortune cookies.
“The funny thing is that I know you so well, I also know why I’m the one you won’t let yourself be with.”
His words crashed through my mind, stealing my smile. Why was Victor the only one I wouldn’t let myself have fun with? Yes, he made a terrible first impression, but we were strangers then. Deep down, I had let that go a long time ago. Was he right about why I sabotage every attempt he made to make it up and get closer to me? Did I—?
I tossed my head, shaking thoughts of him loose. I can’t think about him right now. I’m here with Lucien. Victor and I will talk when he comes back.
If he comes back.
“Good evening.” Our waiter arrived with two menus and a lighter. I relaxed into our evening as he lit the candle. “Can I tempt you with our house red? Its subtle, smoky flavor is a favorite among our patrons.”
It boggled my mind how casually they served alcohol in here without even pretending to card anyone.
“Just apple cider for me, thank you.”
“I’ll have the same,” Lucien said.
“Really? You’re going to drink cider?” I asked after our waiter left. “Are you going to order off the menu too?”
“Of course. Didn’t think I’d let you eat alone, did you?”
“I did. Can’t have these mortals seeing you do something so utterly human as chowing down on a plate of fries.”
Lucien traced designs on my palm. “Is there anyone else here? All I see is you.”
I didn’t need to see my face to know I was blushing. Guys didn’t talk like that anymore. In my limited experience before I went to college, all the compliments I got from silly little boys were backhanded. As if someone told them the way to get into a girl’s pants was by wearing down her self-esteem.
It was the complete opposite with Lucien Calais. He told me nothing but the truth. And his truth was that I was amazing in every way.
Our waiter returned to take our order. I asked for steak frites while Lucien helped himself to the steak tartare.
“Where are we going after this?” I asked, leaning in. I wanted to be as close to him as possible. Damn the table for getting in the way. “I’ve got a fortune I’d like to come true.”
“There’s a spot I go to for peace and quiet. It’s private. Secluded. Under the moonlight.” Lucien traced my lips. “The perfect place for me to get... carried away.”