His voice lost its cockiness. "Did you feel that?"
"No." She knew the answer came too quickly and was clipped in tone, so took a breath and looked back into the glass of scotch, searching for resolve. "As I started to say, I would like to be left alone. Why don't you turn your attention back to Lucy there? I'm sure you'll have luck with her."
"She's not my type. Jealous, are we?"
The audacity of him, so typically conceited. God, how she hated vampires. She felt certain he would be wearing a smug grin, and wanted nothing more than to wipe it off that perfect face, but deemed it prudent to keep her eyes directed elsewhere.
"Oh, yes sir. I was so hoping you would sweep me off my feet and take me away from my sad, lonely life straight to fairy-tale land."
He slinked onto the next bar stool and leaned in, caressing her with his cool breath. "Do you think we could start over again with a more civil tone perhaps?"
"We have started nothing. Is it really impossible for you to believe that a woman exists who isn't foaming at the mouth to bed you down?"
"Actually, it is."
Elisabeth could not subdue her laugh this time. "Well, at least you're honest." If she were to be honest, she would have to admit to finding this exchange enjoyable. The rapid-fire thoughts crisscrossing her mind made no sense whatsoever.
The vampire heaved an exasperated sigh. "All right, let's make a deal. Look me straight in the eye. Shake my hand, introduce yourself, and I'll leave you alone if that's what you want."
Finally. Asking for eye contact meant he had given up on seduction and decided to influence her. Her disappointment was something for later contemplation. The immediate question was - should she let him think he was successful and run once they left the restaurant, or blow his mind by ignoring his commands? Why was she considering playing games with this egomaniac? This needed to end now.
"Fine." She held out her hand, but avoided his eyes while bracing for what was to come. "How do you do, Jackson? My name is Elisabeth." The coolness of his hand provoked a desire to hold it against her flushed cheek. She met his eyes, steeling herself against their effect.
The black of his pupils dilated into liquid gold as he commanded, "You want more than anything to be with me."
The truth of that statement stung. She willed her eyes away from him along with her thoughts, and slowly stood. Holding her breath, she leaned into him and touched her lips to his ear. The proximity of his body ignited and cooled her all at once; a sensation beyond comprehension. Without inhaling she rasped, "I'll be dipped in shit before I let a misogynist pig like you lay a hand on me," and raced to the rear exit.