Read Online Soar (The Empire Chronicles #1) by Alyssa Rose Ivy - Free Book Online Page A

in it though.”
    “Okay…so I was half right.”
    “I suppose you could look at it that way.”
    He grabbed the bowl and poured the batter in. “Do you want to lick the spoon?”
    “I hope you’re referring to licking brownie batter.”
    “I assure you, I’ve never referred to my dick as a spoon before.”
    I coughed.
    “If you’re going to throw it, you need to be able to take it.” Aside from the twinkle in his eye, he looked completely serious.
    I regained my composure. “Give me the spoon.”
    He handed it over, finally letting a smile slip out.
    “Do you stay away from raw batter?”
    “No, but I prefer it straight from the bowl.” He ran a finger along the inside of the bowl and licked the batter off his finger.
    “Okay, let’s wash this stuff so we can get rid of all these sexual innuendos.”
    “That’s probably a good idea.” He took the spoon from me and brought both over to his double sink.
    “Your kitchen is bigger than my apartment.” I grabbed my cup of coffee and took a seat at the island.
    He finished washing the dishes and set them aside. “I’m well aware. I’ve been there.”
    “That’s right. You have.”
    He took a seat next to me. “I bet you’re wondering what I know about Eric.”
    “Maybe a little.” I cautiously sipped the hot coffee. No amount of milk could cool it down that fast.
    “He’s dangerous.”
    “Dangerous? I admit he’s obnoxious, but dangerous seems a little bit much.”
    “He’s dangerous.” Toby rested his hand on the counter. “Can I ask you a question now?”
    “Sure.”
    “Why did you agree to go out with me last week? You asked me what motive I had, what about you?”
    “Because you asked me.” I’m sure I blushed.
    “Somehow I doubt you’re that hard up for a date.”
    “What does hard up have to do with it?” I attempted another sip.
    “Are you going to pretend you’ve been waiting for me to ask you out?”
    I laughed nervously. “Not waiting, but I’ve never been opposed to it.”
    “Does that mean you aren’t that friendly to all your customers?” He finished off his coffee.
    “I’m always friendly, but I try harder with you.”
    “Try harder?” He drew little circles on the counter with his fingers. Either it was a nervous habit, or he was really bored. I hoped it was the former.
    “You didn’t exactly make it easy. You never even asked my name.”
    “Because I knew it. I heard you talking to your friend the first time I came in.”
    “Really?”
    He moved his hand closer to where mine rested on the countertop. “Really.”
    “What else did you know about me?” I sipped my coffee again while trying to hide the excitement I felt that the interest hadn’t been completely one-sided.
    “That you were cute and perky and were the bright spot of my day.” He glanced down into his empty cup.
    “The bright spot of your day?” His words got me—there was something so genuine about them.
    “I’m not elaborating. I’ve embarrassed myself enough.”
    “You haven’t embarrassed yourself.” Wow. Could he be any cuter? I thought rich guys who lived in penthouses were supposed to be alpha male assholes.
    “You need to stay away from Eric.”
    “That’s not really possible, and you still haven’t told me why he’s dangerous.” I allowed the subject change, considering how honest he’d been with me.
    “I can’t tell you the details, but he can seriously hurt you.”
    “Does he have a history of abuse? Do you know him from somewhere?”
    “Business.”
    “Ooh, the mysterious business again.”
    He chuckled. “Trust me. You don’t want to know about it.”
    “I do, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to tell me.”
    “Not tonight.”
    I got my first full sip in. I enjoyed the warmth in the cool kitchen. “But maybe another time?”
    He shrugged. “Maybe.”
    “I have to work with Eric. I can’t completely stay away from him.”
    “You could always quit your job.”
    “Not all of us have family