I told myself I could handle this.
Blackmere. Jude. The past. The fact that my heart had tripped the moment I heard his voice again.
Totally manageable.
What I did not account for was Cassian deciding I was now his evening entertainment.
He followed me into the bar like he belonged there. Like I belonged to him, which was bold, considering we'd met approximately ten minutes ago.
"You always ignore introductions," I said, ordering a drink.
"Only when I'm more interested in the aftermath," he replied.
I glanced at him sideways. "You talk like trouble."
He smiled. "You say that like it's a warning."
The bartender slid my drink over. Cassian paid without asking. I didn't stop him. That felt like a choice worth making.
Jude was across the room. I felt his attention before I saw him. Quiet. Heavy. Familiar.
Cassian noticed immediately.
"You're being watched," he said softly.
"I know."
"By someone you don't want watching?"
I shrugged. "Depends on the night."
His grin widened. "Good answer."
Music swelled. The bar filled. Someone brushed past me, and Cassian's hand landed at my lower back automatically. Not possessive. Not gentle. Just there.
I didn't move away.
Across the room, Jude's jaw tightened.
I pretended not to notice. I pretended this was casual. I pretended my pulse wasn't climbing.
Cassian leaned in, close enough that his breath warmed my ear. "You do this on purpose, don't you?"
"Do what?"
"Make men forget how to behave."
I laughed. "Men forget that all on their own."
His eyes darkened. "I like you."
"That was fast."
"I'm efficient."
I took a sip of my drink, letting the moment stretch. "Careful. I'm only in town briefly."
He tilted his head. "Then I'll enjoy the time limit."
I looked back toward Jude. He was still watching. Still silent.
The past on one side. Temptation on the other.
And me, right in the middle, pretending I wasn't enjoying this far too much.