Chapter 31. Rule Number Five (4)

“We’re going to be thrown out because of you!” Aria laughed.

“Hey, I remember you eating that cake too,” he returned, laughing too.

The laughter subsided and was replaced by something quieter, something that wasn’t part of the plan for tonight. He knew he wanted to woo her, to sweep her off of her feet, but damn if she didn’t end up getting to him too. So much for being on his best behaviour. So much for keeping her at an arm’s length. Watching her with other men had made Troy wary, put him on guard. Made him determined not to get swept up in her. But she was Aria, his friend, his partner. The night felt like his home had, before the wars, before everything went to shit, before he started fighting his brother for control, before he lost Diane. There were no tricks, at least not between them. She didn’t want anything from him. She simply enjoyed his company and he hers. Could such a woman exist?

“So what’s Rule Number One?” she asked.

“Rule Number One: don’t c