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“Careful, Mr. Leeds. You’re dangerously close to being nice to me.”

“Don't spread it around. I have a reputation.”

I smile despite myself. “Your secret is safe.”

His eyes soften.

For one strange moment, neither of us says anything.

The noise of the Crescent Moon Diner seems to fade around us.

Then Damian reaches across the table.

Not touching me.

Just close enough that his fingers rest beside mine.

My skin tingles anyway.

“Next time, order the fucking steak, Belinda.”

I look at his hand, then his face.

“Or what?”

His eyes flash red.

“Or I’ll keep ordering it for you.”

There’s that bossiness again.

I should hate it.

Instead, warmth curls low in my belly.

“Possessive much?”

“You have no idea.”

The words come out rougher than the rest.

Something passes over his face immediately afterward.

Longing.

Then fear.

Gone so quickly I almost convince myself I imagine it.

Almost.

I lean a little closer.

“You know, for a man determined to run me out of town, you’re awfully concerned about feeding me.”

His gaze drops to my lips again.

“That,” he murmurs, “is becoming a problem.”