Chapter 94
I skirt past Thane, heading straight for the still–open front door.
I feel him follow, his heavy footsteps filling the space behind me. Part of me wants to yell at him to give me some space, but then again, I did sort of ask for this. He’s not just going to disappear after one request.
I stop on the landing on the outside of the door, pausing just long enough to look back at him. He has come to a stop on the inside just behind the threshold, looking entirely too serious for a Sunday morning. “You coming?” I ask, raising an eyebrow at him.
His gaze locks with mine, and he takes a long beat before answering, his eyes narrowing slightly in what might be annoyance or perhaps just confusion. Either way, it only makes my wicked smile broaden.
*Where to?” he asks, clearly perplexed.
“Sunday morning farmer’s market,” I announce, unable to resist watching his face.
Just as I suspected it would be, the look on his face is priceless. The shock, the disapproval, the sheer bafflement–he’s never been to something so mundane and plebelan. I can practically see his brain short–circuiting as he tries to process my words. I can’t help but laugh, my chest swelling with satisfaction at how easily I’ve thrown him off his game.
“Farmer’s market?” His voice cracks slightly as if he’s not sure whether he should laugh, cry, or just walk away now already.
I throw him a sideways glance as he passes by me on his way down to the walkway. “Never been? Or is this beneath the mighty Thane Draeven?”
He takes a step back towards me, narrowing his eyes. “This is your idea of a good time?”
“Well, you’re the one who said he wants to follow me around today,” I quip as I shrug, relishing in the discomfort that’s etched into every line of his handsome face. “Or are you throwing in the towel already?”
At that, I turn on my heel and lack the door behind me, before, with a devilish grin, I take the two steps down and glide past him where he’s still rooted to the spot.
His gaze flickers with something unreadable, but he doesn’t back down. Instead, he places a hand on my lower back as he falls in step with me, guiding me toward his SUV with an ease that makes me wunder how accustomed he is to this–to leading people, to getting his way.
“Not yet,” he matters under his breath, the promise in his words making me wish I wasn’t so keen on making him squirm.
We reach the SUV, and Mike’s already waiting behind the wheel, his expression mild but with a hint of knowing in his eyes.
“Good morning, Mike!” I greet him with a bright smile as I slide into the backseat, too cheerful for my own good, “We’re going to the farmer’s narket on the other side of town, please.”
Mike raises an eyebrow at me in the rearview mirror, clearly surprised at my words, “You’re taking Thane there?” His tone is as dry as ever, but I catch the faintest hint of a smirk. He knows Thune’s not exactly the type to frequent markets where produce and handmade soap are the main attractions.
“Guess so.” | shrug as I watch Thane slide in behind me with a huff of indignation. Mike pulls out of the driveway once Thane closes the door behind him, and I settle into the buttery–soft seat, the motion of the car making everything feel just a little less intense,
I glance over at Thane, noticing his stiff posture. He’s really not happy about this, It’s almost too easy to get under his skin.
“Hey Mike,” I say, grinning wickedly, “I thought vampires exploded in sunlight? Is that a thing? Or was that just a rumor?”
Mike chuckles, clearly enjoying this. “You’re not gonna make us explode, don’t worry. We’re safe.
Iaise an eyebrow. “How much garlic can you guys use in your food before you start withering away? Asking for a friend.”
Thane doesn’t even blink, but I catch the slight twitch of his lips as he keeps his gaze fixed out his side window. He’s trying not to react, but it’s clear he’s failing miserably at bring the stoic, terrifying vampire he probably wants to be right now.
2:20 PM ch ch
I’m thoroughly enjoying this. The way Thane holds himself together, despite my teasing, makes it that much more entertaining. And even though. he doesn’t let anything show on his face, I swear I can see the faintest movement in his lips every time I throw out one of my ridiculous questions.
I lean back into the seat, watching him as he maintains his brooding posture. I can’t help He’s so out of his element, and for once, I have the upper hand.
Thane looks at me then, his expression unreadable. “Keep it up, Harley. You’re playing a dangerous game.”
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