Page 6

“They’re enforcers. Madd’s not here, so they answer to me. The guys he’s inviting to town get more than enough of you as it is; you don’t need to risk anything with Ox.”

He caught me off guard with that, too, but I wasn’t mentioning it.

I didn’t talk about my issues with saying no. Especially not around tall, beautiful men.

Or any men.

Or any women, outside my two friends who were close enough to be considered sisters. Really, I didn’t even like to talk about it with them.

“I didn’t think you were interested in going out with me,” I finally said. “Guess this makes more sense than the date thing anyway. Thanks, I think.”

“Of course I’m interested in going out with you. Every unmated male in the pack is interested in going out with you, Sienna.”

My face warmed.

That obviously wasn’t true.

But I was almost vain enough to hope it was.

Almost.

Not quite, though.

“They all know I’m not looking for a mate.”

“You make that clear with the lotion and perfume you wear.” He waved a hand in front of his nose quickly, and I couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped me.

“So this is a real date?”

“Of course it is. I couldn’t resist any longer.”

My face warmed further. “Well, you know how to flatter a woman.”

“Not any woman. Just you.” His knee brushed mine, and more warmth spread through my body.

It had to be a lie, but it made me feel good anyway.

Our attention lifted back to Jerri as she set the sodas down in front of us, along with a tray of fries.

“Some salt and grease to balance out the sugar,” she said with a wink. “Enjoy.”

We were both silent as she stepped away.

I grabbed a fry and took a big bite, just to give my mouth something to do other than telling Bauther how pretty he was.

“What’s it like to be the beta?” I asked, when he sipped his drink rather than continuing the conversation. Despite his momentary silence, the date wasn’t nearly as awkward as expected.

It wasn’t awkward at all, actually.

It was kind of fun.

I liked flirting, even if I didn’t do it much.

“A pain in my ass.”

I laughed.

His lips curved upward slightly. “The female enforcers drive me crazy. They’re always in everyone’s business. They’re the opposite of you and your friends.”