Page 10 of Whispers of Wisteria

I frowned as my hand suddenly started to shake. Now that the idea had taken root, I couldn’t let it go. If he was going to say stupid crap, I’d much rather it be toward me.

But slightly toned down. There was no need for theatrics.

Me

I want a mocha latte, please. You should get a decaf for yourself.

I smiled, sending the message. I, too, could flirt. Practicality was the key. Someone had to look after his health and think of long-term matters.

I would be nothing like his other women who only cared about what could be achieved at that moment.

Damen

What are you implying?

My body stiffened in alarm. He looked at me now, a deep frown etched onto his expression.

This was so stupid. Why couldn’t we talk in person and end this nonsensical conversation? But as I stood, he waved at me, gesturing for me to sit back down.

He moved closer to the front of the line as I typed my reply.

Me

That I care about your health?

Damen’s lips quirked as he read the response, and the dark cloud suddenly lifted.

Damen

Compassionate and beautiful, you’re truly my equal in every way.

I furrowed my brow, and a strange sense of indignation rose in me. What did that even mean? It was flirty, yet somehow insulting, as if Damen viewed everyone else beneath him.

I glanced back up. He stood tall, his shoulders squared, and spoke assuredly to the barista. Even as he ordered our drinks, he was confident. Regardless of his actions, the man never failed to fill the room with authority.

He probably didbelieve everyone was beneath him. That was an utterly Damen-like attitude to have. Just howhad he become so arrogant?

“Will you stop staring at my brother?” Finn slipped into Damen’s seat—which was, of course, Finn’s usual seat from forever ago when this was our spot and we were friends.

Not that anyone was keeping tabs.

He sighed. “Everyone is going to think you’re in love with him, and the whole plan will be ruined.”

Love?

“W-what?” I sputtered, fighting to calm my racing heart. Wherever would Finn get that impression? Romantic love for the onmyoji was the furthest thing from my mind.

Damen Abernathy had a lot growing up to do before he was ready for love.

Then there were my issues.

“You have noidea what I was thinking!” I whisper-hissed across the table.

Why was he here? Didn’t he have sinister things to be doing?

“I was trying to use the library at home, but it’s difficult to concentrate with Bryce hanging around. Besides, it’s easy to read your expressions. Your nose was wrinkled, and your eyebrow was twitching.” Finn leaned back in his seat, locking his fingers behind his head. “You were making fun of him, which, I admit, isn’t hard to do. He has that kind of personality. However, the fact that you’re harping about it also means you care. If you’re not interested in a person, you ignore their existence.”

How dare he presume to know anything about me? Besides, he was wrong. “I insult you all the time,” I pointed out.