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Story: The Maverick

“I had a mother who taught me well. And an adopted mother and sister who made sure I didn’t forget my manners.” He eyed me. “But I’m only thoughtful of those I consider family.”

I opened my mouth to say that I wasn’t his actual family, then closed it again. I didn’t want to ruin the mood.

“This couple recommended the crêpes with chicken and shrimp.” He gestured to it with his chopsticks. “Do you like that dish?”

“Yes, it’s good.”

“Do you know how to make any of these foods?” he asked.

“Of course.”

This casual conversation about food was so normal that I didn’t know what to think.

“Wanna make some for me?” Amusement gleamed in his eyes.

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“On how well my fiancé behaves.”On how well you help me solve my issues.I had to tell him about my mom’s problem eventually. What if I was caught and sent to prison? That would be the worst-case scenario. Still, I had to let him know what he was in for.

He chuckled, and we ate in silence. His gaze flicked to mine often, and I didn’t look away.

So far, we were having fun role-playing.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

VANESSA

After Attikus finishedhis plate of food, he sipped water from his bottle while watching me eat.

I lifted my eyes and met the heat of his gaze. “Are you done?”

“I’m done eating, but not done admiring my fiancée’s lovely features.”

I grabbed a sub from the box and placed it on his plate. “Here. Occupy yourself while I finish my dinner.”

Laughter sparked in his eyes. “My home is more entertaining with you here.”

I imagined him eating at this table all by himself, and sadness stirred in me. “Do you invite your mom and sister over for dinner often?”

“They’ve been here, but it’s not the same thing.” He flicked me an inquisitive look. “I can’t sit and stare at them like I stare at you.”

“You mean you can, but youwon’t.”

“My mother and sister don’t interest me the way you do.” He bit into the sub, chewed, and swallowed. “They don’t make me wonder about things.”

I finished my dinner and gulped down water to cool the heat coursing through me.

What did he wonder about me? Would that question lead to more sexual tension? I didn’t want the thermometer in the kitchen to burst because of us.

He was enjoying this fiancé role a bit too much. I supposed I shouldn’t disappoint my future husband.

“Do you want to know what I’m wondering?”

“Yes.” He wiped his mouth with the napkin and drank some water. “What are you thinking?”

“Why are you exceptionally attentive to me tonight?” I glanced at his empty plate and the crumbs from the sub.How did he stay so fit if this was how he ate?

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