The Darkest Temptation ✔️

I never do this. Ever. Dating doesn't exactly come naturally. Not when my luck has been abysmal, and my only companion recently is my talented fingers.

Tonight, that changes.

I'm unsure what to expect. My friend Mary practically begged me to come on a date with this stranger after she met him at her work.

She wouldn't tell me much, although insisted I wouldn't regret it. We'll see.

The restaurant is quiet tonight, the storm gathering outside having chased off most of the potential patrons. The gentle glow the fireplace on the far side of the room emits is alluring warm, as I shrug off my wet coat.

And then I see him.

He sits at a table tucked into the far corner, watching me.

My mouth dries. If that's him, I'm in trouble.

He leans back in his chair, amidst the shadows, a dark, almost cruel look about him. It should frighten me back out the door, and yet, I'm compelled to stare back at him.

Slowly, the corner of his sensuous mouth tilts up in a knowing smile. Fuck.

Cautious steps lead me toward him. Men like him don't exist in this part of the city, nor do they agree to go on blind dates.

They don't exactly need them.

"You're not Keo, are you?" I ask breathlessly. I half expect him to say no, to brush me off to summon his beautiful wife over.

"Surprised?"

He's not a Territory One native, I can hear it in his strange accent. His voice is like a silken caress, as if it should only be reserved for nights of raw passion.

One's I'm sure he is very familiar with.

"Kind of." Mary. What have you done?