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“What did I see?”
“You know, my magic.”
He tilted his head to the side, studying me. “Do you wish to discuss it?”
Well, that was hardly what I expected him to say. While I didn’t think he’d be star-struck, I did assume he’d be interested in hearing more about what I was. Sirens on land were a rarity. The fact that he was leaving the decision up to me felt…good.
“No.”
“Then we won’t.”
So matter-of-fact and so incredibly sexy. “I’m more interested in hearing more about the life of the infamous Red Dragon.” I waggled my eyebrows. “I watched you fight for years, you know.”
“I knew you were a bit of a stalker.” He grinned at my fierce blush. Obviously, he wasn’t wrong. “Try not to judge me too harshly from my fighting days. I had to win over crowds with a mostly fictitious persona.”
“So you’re saying you’re not an arrogant playboy?”
His smile practically melted me on the spot. “Not to those who matter the most.”
My heart thumped against my ribs. Like during the massage I’d given him, he was opening up to me, revealing a side I’d never expected from someone like him. I didn’t want to like the idea that I might be special to him somehow, but I did. I liked it a lot.
Of course, this could all be part of his lure to get women into bed with him. But then again, I doubted he’d ever have to go to such lengths for a one-night stand. Not that I was opposed to such an idea either. A night with the Red Dragon was sure to be…memorable.
The elevator door dinged and opened, saving me from entertaining any more of those thoughts. A server in a white polo and crisp black pencil skirt stepped out and approached our table, carrying two plates. She smiled. “Good evening, Mr. Sato, Ms. Johnson.”
Wow. I hadn’t expected them to know my name. I was a nobody.
She set the plates in front of us. “For your first course this evening, we have sous vide octopus salad with heirloom tomatoes and basil vinaigrette. Please let Scott,” she gestured to the server behind the bar, “know if you need anything before the next course.”
With that, she backed away and returned to the elevator.
My mouth watered as I stared at the food in front of me. No, not just food. This was actual art. A masterpiece. I almost didn’t want to destroy it by eating it. Almost, but my stomach won out, forcing me to pick up my knife and fork.
“Have you tried octopus before?” Dominic asked, following my lead.
“Yes, but my usual meals involve a microwave or come from a can.” I wasn’t ashamed of how we lived. We’d chosen to leave a life of luxury behind, and I worked hard to provide the little we had. He didn’t need to know I’d eaten more octopuses in my childhood than he’d have in his entire life.
“Sounds like my childhood.” He smiled. “Chef Boyardee was the only chef I knew back then. My dad wasn’t exactly talented in the kitchen.”
Chuckling, I took a bite of the salad. Immediately, my senses were overwhelmed. The chef had achieved a perfect tenderness with the octopus, and a hint of smoky flavor mixed with the vibrant tomatoes.
Even while chewing, my mouth watered.
I let out a small groan. “This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”
Dominic’s eyes narrowed into a hungry look, and a smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. “Is that right?”
As I realized the innuendo I’d unintentionally spoken, a flush crept up my neck. “Does your mind always go straight to the gutter?”
A teasing glimmer danced in his gaze. “Life’s more interesting that way. So tell me, what made you want to take up fighting?”
I took another bite and chewed, giving myself time to contemplate a response without giving too much away. “I suppose you could say it’s my way of finding strength, of proving to myself that I can overcome any challenge, you know?”
He nodded. “I understand that. I’ve always been drawn to the thrill of a challenge. It’s about pushing beyond your limits, finding your true potential.”
As we continued to learn more about each other throughout dinner, I found myself relaxing and opening up more than I ever had, other than with Frankie or Marissa. He was so easy to talk to and simply grinned at or laughed away my awkward moments, which were plenty.
Not once did he make me feel less than for my love of reading and needing time alone. I was starting to believe him when he said he’d never met anyone like me before, and for some odd reason, he liked that about me.
