Page 96 of Rogue's Path

“You're real, right?” Semi-seriously, I reach around and poke his chest where his jacket isn’t fully zipped up. “Because men like you don’t exist.”

He leans his head back to chuckle, exposing his corded neck.

Why is that sexy?

Because you think everything he does is sexy. I mean, a bad boy biker who is emotionally mature has to be the most enticing thing ever created.

It hits me. Literally, the scent of fried meat and caramelized onions slaps me in the face. “What is that? Please tell me it’s lunch, because if it wasn’t what we were eating, change of plans. I need that in my mouth now.”

“Philly cheesesteak is definitely what we’re eating. I didn’t drive an hour out of the way to eat at one of these fancy restaurants that charge an arm and a leg for a half a bite of something strange tasting.”

I hate places like those. They remind me of my parents. Perfectly contrived but emotionless. “If it’s as good as it smells, I’ll marry you just so you take me here.”

“Deal.” Rogue gives me a grin and a wink.

What? No. I didn’t mean it like that. Did I? He’s teasing. He’s got to be teasing me.

***

“That had to be the best meal I’ve eaten—well, since those burnt ends—if you keep feeding me like this, I’m never going to want to go home.” Cooking for myself sounds like such a drudgery.

“Got it.” He takes my hand in his as we start to walk back towards the car.

“You know what? I have no idea how many hours we’ve been on the road trip.” I lift my wrist to look at my watch,only to remember it’s not there. This stupid stalker has to taint everything.

“Why don’t we get you a new one?” Rogue nods towards a jewelry store on the other side of the street.

“No. No. There’s no need for that. I can wait until Vandal is done with mine.”

He squeezes my fingers gently and pulls me closer. “There’s never a need for jewelry. Let’s go get it for you anyway.”

“Seriously, I don’t need anything.”

“Have I told you how cute you are today, Peaches? And stubborn.” He starts leading us toward the store. Jaywalking without a care in the world.

“That seems to be another thing we have in common.” Frustratingly sweet man.

“I know.”

Self-assured men shouldn’t be that attractive. I can afford to pay for a new watch, but I have this feeling Rogue isn’t going to be agreeable to that.

The man behind the counter stares at Rogue apprehensively as we walk. The guard stands up from the little chair in the corner he’s sitting on. What is an old man going to do to stop Rogue?

Profile people much? Just because Rogue is wearing a motorcycle jacket doesn’t mean he’s a thief. I mean, he steals hearts pretty well.

The man behind the counter clears his throat and finds his voice. “How can I help you two?”

“We’re looking for a watch for my girlfriend.”

Presumptuous man.

“Of course. What price range were you looking to stay in?”

Such a polite way of asking if we’re poor.

“No price range. She can have whatever she wants.”

I don’t know if I should be scared or impressed by that answer.