Page 61 of Beneath the Light of the Moon

Although, she hadn’t so much as even looked over at his dark corner.

Shifting in his seat, another wave of anger washed over Mikko. No longer was he upset about Levi’s advances—a small lie, perhaps—but he was triggered by her blatant disregard of him. Attempting to leash his sporadic emotions, Mikko forced himself to sit and watch. This was an interaction he’d designed nonetheless; time to suck it up and deal with the consequences.

But while Levi entwined himself with Anika, Mikko found himself wishing it was him. It should behimlearning more about her, baiting her into revealing more about herself than she originally intended.

Not Levi.

She’d chosenhim.

An inexplicable need to carve a place for himself into her life overcame him, an obsessive thought linked to his need for control.Mikko wanted to be all she thought about, a haunting apparition preventing her from sleeping, from living as though he didn’t exist after she’d taunted him. He wanted to be the one afflicting her mind as she talked and kissed Levi. The hot and cold treatment she’d given him was confusing,tempting,and he wanted answers.

Tapping on his cell phone, Mikko abused his power.

It was too easynotto.

Pulling up Anika’s cellphone number, he let his fingers hover over the keyboard. Entering her number was a simple and easy act a week ago. Spelling out her name was like second nature, the letters making a permanent home behind his eyelids.

Typing a message out to her right now? Now, that was difficult.

I wonder if he can tell how bored you are, little moon:unknown

Okay, maybe notthathard, but he’d been simmering in his angst for too long and needed to blow off some steam. Watching, he took a sip of vodka as his muscles tingled with anticipation. Licking a stray drop from his lip, Mikko knew when she received the text. Anika’s eyes quickly flicked to her phone, which she kept on the table, the screen lighting up. Her mouth moved as she explained to Levi what the interruption was as she picked up her phone.

A grin spread across Mikko’s face.

With a quick response of his own, Levi stood and excused himself. They shared a knowing look as he glanced over at Mikko’s darkened spot on his way to the bathrooms.

Perfect.

Humor replaced the general intrigue that had been evident on her delicate features. He found himself torn between looking at his own phone in anticipation of her text and meeting her head on as she looked around the restaurant. Scanning the dimly lit interior, she tried to findhim.

The small piece of power he’d gained through his reckless act was what he needed to erase the sickly feeling growing in his chest from Levi’s work. Her honeyed eyes were almost indistinguishable from this distance as they roved over each table and booth until finally landing on him. And against his better judgment, he didn’t avert his gaze.

The pounding in his chest stopped, seemingly commanded by her. While the distance between them and his shadowed nook prevented her from seeing him fully, he could still discern the recognition passing over her countenance. And hesworethe edges of her lips tipped up in a smile.

Schooling her features back to disinterest, Anika tore her eyes away from his and looked back at her phone. Three little ellipses danced on his own phone screen while he waited. Impatiently.

Anika:He can’t tell his asshole from a hole in the ground

Mikko stifled a snort.

Sounds like he makes a great first impression:unknown

Anika:You would know, you sent him after me…

I don’t think I understand what you mean:unknown

Anika:Playing stupid isn’t a good look on you, Mikko

He froze; she sent another text.

Anika:Does that mean you’re still sipping vodka over there?

And if I am:unknown

Anika:I guess the bottle I sent you was a waste then

Anika:I’m sure Levi will drink it for you