NINE

MATTHAN

A bluff. That was what it was. But it worked. A little too well. My stomach twisted watching her face turn pale. I was ruining my chances long before they could even blossom. Not good. It was moments like this I asked my wolf for advice. But I could sense the cringe surge from deep within my soul. He also thought it was rash and stupid of me to pull such a trump card.

"You are bluffing," Eloise mumbled. I wasn't quite sure who she was trying to convince. But the way I saw it, the statement was directed more at herself. I let her play the scenario out in my head and if she needed the final push to take my offer. I was willing to give it. "You are bluffing." She repeated. This time around, her eyes were fixated on me like tiny chestnut brown daggers.

I took from my chest pocket a pen and a card. I proceeded to write my number on the card before sliding it towards her. "Try me, Eloise Carter."

She reluctantly took it. Mostly because her colleagues were whispering and she did no