AUTHOR'S P.O.V
"Ariana." He said, his voice low and husky, breaking the silence.
She turned sharply towards him, wondering how he knew her name.
"On your uniform." He informed, his eyes glinting with amusement. She glanced down, internally face-palming when she realized she wasn't in her work clothes.
"Oh." Was all she said, her cheeks warming.
Alistair grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. She was so fucking adorable. Remembering the generous tip he'd left behind at the restaurant, she fished it out of her bag. "I think you made a mistake, Mr. Belmayne. I-"
"Alistair is fine." He interrupted, his voice smooth as silk. She blushed, feeling a flutter in her chest.
As she handed him the tip, their fingers touched, sending tingles up her arm. She jerked away, startled by the sudden spark. Alistair's eyes narrowed, his gaze burning with intensity. If he was offended by her actions he didn't show it
"I don't make mistakes, honey. I know my figures." He said, his voice dripping with confidence.
Ariana rolled her eyes, trying to hide her growing attraction. "Sure, but I can't accept this." He sighed, taking the tip back.
He sighed and took it. He regarded her with renewed interest, wondering why she refused. Many would not forgo the opportunity. Surely she must've been tempted?
His eyes roamed her face, his expression unreadable.
"Why are you giving me that look?" Ariana scoffed, trying to sound nonchalant.
"What look?" He smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"You know."
He smirked. "Know what exactly?" He asked, knowing it irritated her. Good. It meant he was getting to her.
Ariana sighed, giving him with a frustrated look. "What do you want from me?"
Alistair's grinned. "Why would I want anything from you?"
She shrugged. "I dunno. I'm not half as rich as you so..."
Alistair burst out laughing. "You're really something."
Ariana flushed. "Thank you?" She turned red in embarrassment when he laughed at her again? What was wrong with him?
"My, you're refreshing like a breath of fresh air." He said.
"Thanks. That's what my husband tells me."
Alistair frowned. "You're married?" He asked, his eyes moving to her hand. But when he saw her ring-free finger, his eyes met hers in confusion.
Ariana burst out laughing. "God, you should've seen your face." She made an impression of the expression he'd made and laughed.
Under normal circumstances he would've been irritated but he was only thoroughly amused. There was something about Ariana Russo that had him hooked.
When her laughter died down, she blushed. Did she just poke fun at him? Besides how had she gotten so comfortable with him?
The air was thick with tension as they stared each other down. Alistair's gaze unnerved her, making her heart race.
Alistair's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity. The scent of his cologne, a subtle blend of leather and spices, filled the air as he leaned in closer, his face inches away from hers. Then, in a swift motion, he pinned her down, his body covering hers.
