Dessert First, Dinner later

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“Didn’t know Alpha Coucilor Shaw is a brand ambassador of all types of candles.” I smirked.

I was grateful but didn’t know how to say thank you for the light, without sounding cheezy.

“I can’t help myself when there is a damsel in distress.” He shrugged, returning my smirk.

“Really? Or maybe you just like to show off your candle-collecting hobby to your house guests.” I commented, trying not to smile at the silliness of it all.

“Hmm, that would require a lot of house guests, and I, just got my first in a long time.” He spoke slowly. His voice deepened with each step he took towards me.

My body tingled with anticipation.

“First in a long time?” I asked in the same low tone. It was like speaking louder would break the bubble that had just formed.

Suddenly there was a bright flash of lightning in the sky that lit up the whole room for a few seconds. I knew what was next.

It made me immediately close my eyes as tightly as I could and plug my fingers in my ears.

Xa