Page 7 of Flirt (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter 18)

“I’m not your friend.” Though that name was a fucking mouthful, so he could see why they shortened it.

“You will be.”

“You court disappointment.”

“Ah, but you are wrong,friend. I court pleasure, and pleasure never disappoints.”

“If that’s a come-on, you are seriously barking up the wrong tree.”

Sebastian laughed. “You’re pretty, but not my type.”

“No,” one of their other table mates agreed. “He prefers his bedmates married.”

“And stupid,” another added.

“I think the words you were looking for were ‘willing’ and ‘talented’,” Sebastian corrected haughtily, playing his next card. “And if they’re already married, I don’t have to worry about them growing attached. It’s a win-win.”

“Seems like you have a reputation,Bast,” Ronan said.

“It’s nice to be known for something.”

“And being an adulterer is what you want to be known for? Seems like a quick way to end up dead.”

“That’s what makes it so exciting. Where’s your sense of adventure?”

“You’re an idiot.”

“At least I’m famous.”

Ronan shook his head. He’d spent more than half his life with a reputation and name that preceded him everywhere he went. He’d take anonymity any day.

“So what about you, friend. Do you have a name?”

“Yes.”

“Are you going to give it to me?”

“No.”

Sebastian laughed. “Monamiit is.”

The rogue looked entirely too pleased with himself. Ronan didn’t trust it. The foreign words didn’t sound like an insult, but on the off chance they were, he’d really rather not walk around the butt of some unknown joke.

Sighing, he gave in. “Ronan.”

“What was that?”

“My name. It’s Ronan.”

“Enchanté, Ronan.”

Laughter danced in Sebastian’s gray eyes, making Ronan’s shoulders knot with tension. “No.”

“No?”

“Whatever you’re doing. No.”

Sebastian pressed his lips together. “I’m not doing anything, Ronan. Except losing all my money.”