Page 57 of Beneath the Light of the Moon

Levi’s eyes had flicked from her fingers and back to her eyes, like she wanted.

And catch the prey.

He feigned being wounded by her words as he pulled his car up to the valet. “I would never, but what kind of compliments or giftswouldyou like?”

“You’re playing with fire by asking a woman that.”

His grin had widened at her words, pure male arrogance sweeping across his countenance. “What can I say, I’m here to serve.”

Anika’s eyebrow raised. “I’m listening.”

“Name your price and consider it done.”

Oh, she had a price, one evenhewasn’t ready for.

Let’s see how long it takes for jealousy and intrigue to draw myothersuitor out from the shadows…

Procuring her deep crimson lipstick from her purse, she reapplied before answering. “I’ll think about it and let you know.”

“Oh, so mysterious.”

Stepping out of the car, he handed the valet attendant his keys before rounding the vehicle to get Anika. Levi thought he was getting what he wanted: a woman he’d deemed unattainable. Another notch in his bedpost was all she was, and that was fine. Levi meant nothing to her either. He was another piece within her puzzle, his own lust and want making him the perfect bait.

He just didn’t know it.

* * *

SEATED IN A booth across from Levi, Anika pretended to scour the menu.

“Get anything you want,” Levi spoke, interrupting her thoughts as usual, “my treat.”

Fighting the instinct to roll her eyes, Anika nodded demurely. “Of course, itisa date after all.”

She met his eyes through her lashes, expressing something she knew looked flirtatious. In reality, heat threaded itself into her muscle fibers, her hands itching to smack the sly grin off the man’s face.

Pleased when he shut up, Anika’s eyes caught on the highest number on the menu.Perfect.If Levi thought she was someone he could parade around—bragging all the while about trying to fuckhis client—then he had another thing coming.

“I thought the name of this restaurant sounded familiar,” Levi said, glancing around the lavish interior.

“Have you been here before?” She already knew the answer. Previously, she’d caught wind that Mikko frequented this establishment and hoped tonight would be one of those nights.

“Yes, a couple of my real estate buddies like to bring clients here.”

“What a small world,” she supplied, eyes back on the menu, “Iremember when I found it about a year ago. A slew of good reviews finally made me cave and try it. Can’t go anywhere else now.”Lie.

Levi set his menu aside, “Ah, I love a woman who does her research.”

“Which is exactly why you should be thanking me for agreeing to this.”

“Why?” he grinned, “did you do yourresearchon me too?”

“Maybe.”

“Like what?”

His annoying persistence had her deciding on the most expensive vegetarian entree as she set her menu aside.

“I can’t quite tell you that,” she said, eyes watching him and the mirror slightly above his left shoulder which reflected the entry door they’d come in through moments earlier.