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“Have you always been like that?”
“What’s with the interrogation?”
She lifted her shoulder. “Do you want me to stop?”
His lips compressed and his nostrils flared as he exhaled. “You’re unusual.”
“Why?”
“Another question?”
She laughed. “You say I’m unusual, surely I get to ask why?”
“Fine. One minute you’re shaking like a leaf, as though I’m the big bad wolf about to destroy you, and then next you’re staring me down, demanding I answer whatever question you decide to pose, no matter how invasive.”
Heat flared in her veins at the very idea of him being a big, bad wolf, and of her being destroyed by him. She dropped her eyes to the risotto, focussing on the meal instead of him, trying to slow her pulse, which was not easy while he continued to study her.
“Is the question so invasive?” Damn it, she was back to shaking, her voice unsteady and breathy.
It was evident in his features that she’d caught him off-guard. “Yes.”
Warning flared in his eyes and yet she didn’t back down.
“The same could be said for your questions earlier.”
His smile flicked through her, warming her, igniting her.
“True.”
She tried not to bask in that simple concession. She sipped the wine; it was delicious. Somehow, he’d chosen the perfect accompaniment to the risotto.
“Fine,” she said softly, scooping some of the meal into her mouth. “I’ll ask you an easier question if you’re so scared of answering me.”
His eyes bore into hers, something incomprehensible in their depths. “That’s the second time you’ve called me scared.”
A shiver ran down her spine as she recollected the circumstances of the first time. “And?”
“I’m not afraid of answering you.”
“Then why hedge my question?”
“Because I’m enjoying this.”
She frowned. “That doesn’t make sense.”
“Dinner. This evening. You. I want to keep enjoying tonight. Talking about certain things will diminish my pleasure.”
“Ah,” she nodded. “You’re saying it’s too upsetting to discuss.”
“I’m saying I’d prefer to discuss other matters, but if you’re adamant on knowing everything about me then fine: ask anything and I’ll answer.”
She considered that, but after a moment, shook her head gently. “It’s okay. Keep your secrets. I’d rather you enjoy tonight, too.”
Their eyes locked and some kind of unspoken agreement passed between them, something that lodged in her chest and made her feel alive and precious, excited, all at once.
Conversation moved to considerably less controversial ground. As they ate, they discussed her university degree, his contract, some of his other business interests. It was easy to talk to him, and that surprised Isabella. She hadn’t expected to find him so pleasant to spend time with.
“Would you like some more?” She offered, after he’d already polished off two enormous serves of the dinner.
