The Lightning-Struck Heart (Tales From Verania 1)

Silence.

So I said, “I was just joking. I’m not really going to fuck you on our first date.” For clarification.

Todd said, “Sweet gods.”

Ryan glared.

Silence.

I couldn’t help but say, “Well, maybe a hand job if you’re lucky. I’ve got nice—”

Ryan put his hand over my mouth.

Todd was sweating.

I thought about licking Ryan’s hand.

Todd said weakly, “It’s going to be a lovely evening.”

ANTONELLA’S WAS classy. Bright and shiny and new. A string quartet played softly in the background. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, the candles lit and flickering.

We were led to a table away from the others, a booth in a cozy corner. I knew this was the point where Ryan would have to bow out and keep his distance. It’s not like I was on a date with him. At the very least, he should have given us some semblance of privacy.

Instead, he loomed over the table, standing with his back to us….

I said, “Go away.”

He said, “I’m on guard.”

I said, “I don’t need you to be.”

“King’s orders.”

“I’m going to throw breadsticks at the back of your head. You’re going to be so embarrassed because everyone is going to see you getting hit in the head with breadsticks.”

“Try it and see what happens,” he said with a sneer.

Todd said, “So.”

And then I remembered Todd was there.

I was such a dick.

I sat down and put my full attention on Todd.

That seemed to make him more nervous.

I smiled at him.

That seemed to make him even more nervous. I needed to calm him down.

I said, “I was kidding about the hand job thing.”

“Oh dear,” he said.

Ryan snorted loudly.

I ignored him. “So. Todd.”