Page 28 of Thorn Evermore
“I’m the wild one in my clan. I believe in living life as loudly as possible, but I don’t pressure anyone to join me. You do what makes you comfortable, and don’t try lying to me. I’ll know if you do.”
I nod again, still captivated by his intense gaze. “I won’t lie.”
“Good. That’s important to me. Now tell me something.” He brushes his thumb across my bottom lip. “Did Neal ever hurt you?”
“Not… not physically. His abuse was more verbal. Emotional. I didn’t have enough self-esteem to see it until he dumped me.”
Thorn’s eyes instantly harden. “And now he mistreats you at work?”
I nod. “I should probably quit, but I love my job. I keep hoping he’ll leave first so I can just be happy.”
“Do you want me to kill him for you?”
My jaw drops. His offer was so casual I’m wondering if I imagined it. “Huh?”
“I could make him disappear. No one would ever find his body. Just say the word.”
When I blink, Thorn is smiling. “Did you hear me?” he asks.
“I-I’m not sure.”
“I asked if you’re hungry?”
“Oh.” Maybe I did imagine it. Does my subconscious wish Neal was dead? “I thought…” I pause, laughing. “Nothing. I misheard you. Yes, I’m starving actually.”
“Well then, let’s get you fed.”
Chapter 7
THORN
Interesting reaction Kyson had to my silent prodding. His curiosity was piqued, his horror at imagining a dead ex mild at best. As I thought, there’s more to learn about Neal and his treatment of this sweet man.
“Why is everything you say so sexy?” Kyson asks.
“Hmm, maybe that’s just your perception of me. I have a feeling about you, Kyson. A very good feeling.” He gazes at me with his pretty brown eyes, slightly dazed, but I’m not putting out an ounce of compulsion. “We were meant to meet. I believe it.”
He sighs happily. “I’ve waited a long time to feel like this on a date. I thought it was made up, or not for people like me.”
“I felt the same way.” I have to figure out what it is about this man that has me so twisted up inside, and the only way to do that is to spend more time with him. I’m on the verge of revealing myself to him, and I have no fucking idea why. I’ve never told a mortal what my true nature is, not if I planned to let them live, but something about Kyson’s trusting eyes makes me want to blurt it all out.
“What’s your romantic history?” he asks. “I doubt you’ve ever had a Neal in your life.”
I start to speak, but Mr. Chow appears beside us. “Thorn Orpheus, in the flesh,” he says, smiling.
I stand to shake his hand. “Henry. How are you?”
“Quite well.” He glances at Kyson. “And who is this?”
“My date, if you can believe this angel would spend time with me. Kyson James, please meet Mr. Henry Chow.”
Kyson stands, taking Henry’s offered hand. “Pleased to meet you. I’m excited to eat here tonight.”
“We’re happy to host you,” Henry says. “Chef’s choice tonight?”
“We’d love that,” I answer.
“Enjoy your evening, gentlemen.” Henry focuses on Kyson for a moment. “Stay sharp. Thorn is a handful.”