Page 44 of Ruled By Wizard

“You might have gotten a better reception if you had actually met me at the restaurant like I told you to.”

Taking advantage of the open door, Wizard strolled inside. “Why? Afraid I’d learn your address? All I had to do was ask Doom. Or did you forget he brought you home last night?”

She had, but she wasn’t going to admit it under threat of torture.

Noticing that Wizard made no effort to hide his interest in her home, Natalia remained pointedly beside the open door. “I’ve been on enough bad dates to know it’s easier to ditch them at a restaurant than at my doorstep.”

Chuckling, he sauntered back toward her. “Safer, too, I bet.”

Natalia stared directly into his eyes. “My safety isn’t an issue. I can take care of myself.”

Wizard regarded her seriously. “Don’t overestimate yourself. That’s how people get killed. It’s easy to believe you can defend yourself, but there’s always someone stronger or better than you.”

Unfazed, she motioned for him to go out the door. “Why is it that whenever a woman says she can defend herself, men can’t resist telling her she can’t?”

Wizard was quiet for a moment before nodding. “You’re right. Point taken.” He walked outside then stepped aside so she could follow and lock the door.

“We can take my van …” Turning, she expected to see his motorcycle in the driveway. Instead, she found a huge black truck.

“You have something against riding in a truck?”

“No. I just assumed you’d bring your motorcycle.” She walked beside him toward the truck, glancing between it and him. “You don’t seem like the type to drive one.”

“I borrowed it from Buck. You don’t seem like the type to ride on the back of a motorcycle.”

Her lips twitched at the comeback. She had no problem with people returning what she dished out.

Wizard unlocked the passenger door and opened it for her. “Need some help getting in?”

“No, thanks. I’ve got it.” Reaching up, Natalia grasped the handle with one hand and braced the other against the door before jumping into the cab.

“Nice,” Wizard complimented before shutting the door.

After climbing behind the wheel, he looked at her before starting the truck. “You seemed like a pro getting in.”

As she fastened her seat belt, Natalia appreciatively surveyed the expensive interior. “I’ve dated a couple of men who drove trucks. Is Buck a Last Rider?”

Wizard’s expression hardened at the question. “Yes.”

“Have I met him?” she asked, running a hand over the leather seat. His name sounded familiar.

“Not that I’m aware of.”

Wizard backed out of the driveway, becoming quiet.

Shrugging off his sudden coldness, Natalia focused on where he was taking her.

Well, this was off to a wonderful start. Hopefully, wherever they were going wouldn’t bore her out of her mind.

Judging by his silent treatment, Wizard already regretted making her date him. The thought brought a question to mind.

“How did Jesus react when you told him to stay away from Lucia?”

“Let’s put it this way: he’ll do it because I ordered him to, but I think you’re going to have a hard time convincing her to go back to the guy she broke up with.”

CHAPTER 18

TEENI’S BAR & GRILL