Page 8 of Savage Truce

My head snaps forward, and seeing one hell of a dark expression on my hot guest’s face, I grip the serving plate tighter.

Oh my God! He heard everything.

Please let the ground open beneath me right now.

“You were saying?” the man practically growls at Sofia, and his blue eyes, which were intense but soft when he was talking to me earlier, now feel like sharp shards of glass that can cut a person to shreds with a single look.

“Sorry,” Sofia whispers before rushing away from us.

When his eyes flick to me, I instantly bristle, and before I know what I’m doing, I step backward.

Reaching for the serving plate, he takes it from me while the darkness drains from his features.

He moves to the side and tips his head toward the doorway, indicating for me to enter the room first. As I walk past him, his hand settles on my lower back, making my eyebrows fly up once more and my lips part because it feels like he’s being protective of me.

I’ve never been treated like this by anyone, never mind a man, and I don’t know how to handle it.

The warmth of his hand leaves my lower back, and I nervously watch as he sets the serving plate down on the table before he shuts the door.

“My name is Rodian, by the way.”

I’ve never heard the name before and find it as unique as the man himself.

Not knowing what else to do, I gesture at the food and drinks. “I hope it’s okay.”

Rodian’s eyes drift over my face, and as I walk to the rail and grab the nearest costume, he says, “Do you have to get back to work right away?”

I pause, my arm hanging in the air as I glance at the ridiculously attractive man.

With the play done, there’s no rush to get through all the repairs. It’s just a habit, and I’d much rather work than attend the party.

Hesitating for a moment, I hang the costume back on the rail before moving closer to Rodian. “No, work can wait.” A nervous energy fills my body, and I ask the first thing that comes to mind. “Did you enjoy the play?”

“I did.” He walks to the sewing table, and picking up my chair, he brings it closer. “Sit with me.”

I can’t believe this man wants to spend time with me.

Feeling incredibly flattered, I can’t stop a smile from spreading over my face.

When he notices, his rugged features soften while he picks up the tumbler of whiskey. “Do you like working here at the theater, Anastasia?”

Dear God. The way he says my name makes it sound so… so intimate.

The thought has heat spreading up my neck, and I quickly reach for one of the Cokes. Before I can pull the tab back, Rodian takes it from me and opens the can. The way his strong hands move makes an intense sensation stir in my abdomen.

“I don’t want you breaking a nail,” he explains while handing the soda back to me.

“Thank you.” I drink a couple of sips, then helping myself to one of the cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon, I add, “I recommend these. They’re really good.”

Rodian picks up one, and while we eat, his eyes remain locked on my face.

Bloody hell, this man is very intense.

After he takes another sip of his whiskey, he leans back in the chair and tilts his head to the side while saying, “You never answered me.”

“What?” My mind races, but I can’t remember what he asked.

“Do you enjoy working at the theater?”