7. Chapter 7 Enzo
Chapter 7: Enzo
There’s something almost magical about Pandora’s Books. I’m standing outside of the bookstore, peering through the large windows. Given how often I’ve been to Gilmer Rock, it’s surprising I’ve only just discovered this shop. The expansive brick building and its many open windows have somehow escaped my attention until now. Then again, when would I have had time to read while here?
Earthy browns and tans are combined with vibrant green plants throughout the bookstore’s open spaces and reading nooks, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy-tale forest.
The front doors and windows show no signs of forced entry, confirming Dani’s assessment, but I still need to verify with the owner if there are any other doors or points of entry.
I’m raising my hand to knock on the door when I hear a sensual voice say, “You must be here for me.” Something about the sexy, masculine voice has my toes curling in my dress shoes. I turn around, ready to meet the owner, when my brain completely short-circuits.
Looking impossibly tall, tempting, and confident is the man—no, the demon I jerked off to last night. Kyvian stands there with a confident smirk playing on his lips. He looks even more gorgeous in the morning sunlight.
Last night his turquoise hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, but today it’s half up and decorated with golden charms and cuffs. Up close, I can see his pointed ears are adorned with multiple earrings in each ear.
My gaze falls to his outstretched hand, his golden rings and bracelets catching my eye. The tinkling of his delicate bracelets jolts me out of my shocked stupor, and I snap my mouth shut.
He arches a perfectly shaped brow and his smile falters. Fuck. Even his eyebrows are incredibly sexy. Why? Is it necessary for eyebrows to be that attractive?
I can’t help but study him for a moment, a war of emotions battling for dominance. Does he remember me? My heart pounds with nerves, and for some reason, I feel incredibly shy. Fuck me. When was the last time I felt shy?
My face heats, and I know I’ve gone past the point of awkward.
Kyvian drops his hand, and suddenly I feel like an asshole.
“I’m so sorry.” I hold my hand out, swallowing hard. “Yes, I’m Lorenzo—or, uh, Enzo. Or Lorenzo is fine. Whichever you like better. Enzo or Lorenzo.” I snap my mouth shut again. What the hell just spewed out of my mouth?
Nervously, I open my mouth again, before deciding against it.
Kyvian lingers, likely relishing his revenge by keeping me awkwardly waiting. Right when I’m about to give up, he slides his large, clawed hand into mine, before stepping forward and cupping my one hand in both of his. I glance down in awe, shocked to see my hand looking almost small in his.
I’m a tall guy who goes to the gym. Often. Serving in both the military and law enforcement has always driven me to maintain top physical condition. That being said, I don’t think I’ve ever felt tiny in someone’s embrace. Not since I had a growth spurt when I was nineteen. As his magenta eyes meet mine, his tail swishing playfully behind him, it dawns on me, I’m even harder than I was last night.
Kyvian’s thumbs caress the inside of my wrist, causing me to shudder.
Holy shit. I’m so fucking screwed.