Chapter 148: Maria’s Promise

Those blue eyes met Maria’s gaze and caught her crimsoned cheeks. They grew round with surprise and then darkened into a dangerous shade.

“There is no alcohol in the drink,” the deep voice lowered into a raspy whisper.

Maria hastily looked away. “I know.” She stepped away and moved back to the tray of food.

The beast followed her. “Then, why is your face red?”

“It’s not,” she picked up a grape tart and popped it into her mouth. “Mmm… This is delicious!”

He was not buying it. “Are you not feeling well?”

“Of course not,” she pretended to survey the food choices to pick her next try.

“Then, look at me.”

“Why should I?” The note of annoyance in her voice was unmistakable. "You told me to ignore you, didn't you?"

Maybe it was the darkness that enveloped them, the deafening silence surrounding them, or the nearness of him… Perhaps the enticing warmth radiating from his powerful frame and that intoxicating masculine scent…