Page 83 of Dark Auctioned Mate

“Perhaps I do not want to deal with whatever this is,” Javi said, pointing between the two of them. “It was just one night. You said you were fine with that.”

“I was okay with a single night, but what I am not okay with is the way you are treating me like I have a communicable disease whenever we are in the same room.” Her voice turned sharper. “I do not need a relationship, Javi. I am not telling you to get married to me. I am telling you to be a man and to acknowledge my freaking existence.”

Rael remained quiet and amused, taking a sip of his own drink. Same old thing with Javi. But this time, it looked like this would be different. This would be fun.

“I am acknowledging your existence,” he hissed. “You made that pretty clear when you threw a drink at me. So, what the hell do you want from me?”

“Common courtesy would be a great start.” Kiara scowled. “You know, that thing where you don’t treat people like they’re invisible just because you’ve seen them naked.”

“I treat everyone the same.”

“No, you treat everyone else like they’re people. You treat me like I’m a problem you’re trying to avoid.” Kiara stepped closer, jabbing her finger into Javi’s chest. “And for the record? You weren’t that good. I’ve had better.”

Javi’s eyes flashed. “Is that right?”

“That’s right,” Kiara smirked. “You can stop avoiding me now. I do not have the slightest interest in a repeat performance.”

“Good,” Javi bit out. “Because neither do I.

“Perfect.”

“Fine.”

They glared at each other for a moment, then Kiara turned on her heel and walked away, her red hair floating over her back.

“Not. A. Word,” Javi gritted.

“I was not going to say anything,” Rael grinned.

“Yes, you were. I can tell by the look on your face. And by the way, it was a mistake. It only happened once and will never happen again.”

“If you say so.”

“I do say so.” Javi’s jaw clenched as he glanced in the direction Kiara had gone. “She’s impossible. Obstinate, provocative, absolutely unreasonable—”

“Sounds like a person you would get along with.”

“Shut up.” Javi began to walk off, but hesitated. “And do not tell Alanis about this. The last thing I want is her meddling.”

“Too late,” Rael nodded at the approaching figure.

Alanis was walking towards them, looking curious and amused. She had undoubtedly seen at least some of the conflict. Same thing as more than half of the pack, who were trying not to stare.

“Fuck,” Javi growled and walked off in the opposite direction.

“What was that all about?”

“It seems like they slept together, and Javi has been avoiding her since then.” Rael grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer. “He is doing as well as you think he is, having been drenched in vodka.”

“Meaning, terribly,” Alanis said, laughing. “Oh, this will be interesting. Kiara does not run away when it comes to a fight. Javi may think he can simply turn a blind eye to this, but he will soon learn.”

“Should we intervene?”

“Absolutely not.” Alanis smiled at him. “I think Javi needs someone who will not tolerate his bullshit. Kiara may be that person.”

“Or they will kill each other.”

“That also is a possibility. In any case, it will be fun to watch.”