Page 30 of The Hunter's Empire

"Most people are probably intimidated by your theatrics."

"And you are not?"

"No." The answer comes too quickly.

His mouth curves slightly, like he hears the lie underneath it.

The room grows quieter as he approaches. Not close enough to touch me, but close enough that I can feel the heat still radiating from his skin. Close enough that the scent of sweat, cedarwood, and expensive cologne wraps around me in a way that is deeply distracting.

"Interesting." He says softly. "Most women who walk into this room spend the first five minutes trying not to stare."

"And the second five?"

"They usually start flirting."

I arch a brow. "You sound very confident in yourself."

"I have reasons to be."

His arrogance irritates me.

Domenico leans one hand against the bench beside him, watching me with lazy patience. "I am wealthy, well-connected, allegedly dangerous." His gaze drifts meaningfully over my face. "And I have been told I can be difficult to resist."

"Allegedly?"

His smile deepens slightly. "You disagree?"

I look at him deliberately then. Really look at him. The kind of masculine presence capable of making weaker women unravel themselves willingly. And for one reckless second, I understand exactly why they do.

His expression shifts subtly as I step closer. Expectation flickers across his features. Not arrogance this time. Anticipation.

I stop directly in front of him, close enough to feel the tension hardening the air between us. His gaze drops briefly to my mouth before returning to my eyes.

"Tell me," he says quietly, "what is going through your head right now?"

I let the silence stretch. Then my eyes sweep over him one final time before I deliver calmly, "Seen. Tested. Found to be inadequate."

For the first time since I arrived, Domenico actually looks caught off guard. Not offended but stunned.

A sharp laugh escapes him a second later, low and genuine, the sound echoing warmly through the gym.

"There she is." He murmurs, almost to himself. "I was beginning to think you might actually behave."

"I do behave."

"No." He says, taking another step closer. "You provoke. Deliberately."

"And you enjoy it far too much."

"Maybe." His eyes darken slightly. "But at least I admit what I enjoy."

The words settle heavily between us. I force myself not to react. Not to acknowledge the dangerous current threading through every exchange.

"I did not come here to entertain your ego." I say evenly. "If you are finished flexing in dim lighting like some overpriced fantasydesigned for lonely women, we can discuss why I am actually here."

Another laugh leaves him, quieter this time. "You wound me, Zora."

"You will survive."