His kiss still burned my lips. I licked them, tasting once again his masculine, woodsy taste, my nether regions throbbing heavily. "Yeah, I saw him. I'm…this is going to sound silly, but I've agreed to have a drink with him. Downstairs, in full view of everyone, I'd like to add."

"Silly?" Sarah wrinkled her nose at me. "Why on earth would you having a drink with him be silly?"

"Is the English water affecting your memory or something? Did you forget that we've been trying to have him arrested for assault and kidnapping?"

"You've been trying to have him arrested. I haven't done anything other than try to reason with you. He's your champion, Portia. You need him." Sarah turned back to her laptop and continued to type.

I shook my head, too tired to try to reason with her. "I'll be downstairs if you need me."

"Enjoy yourself for a change. And kiss Theo for me."

I shot her a piercing look, but her face was devoid of emotion, her eyes on the laptop screen as she tapped away.

Theo was waiting for me by the time I arrived at the pub proper. He had claimed a corner table, the one farthest away from the music videos. He had changed into black pants and a silky-looking crimson shirt that set off his dark skin, hair, and eyes. For one wild moment, he reminded me of a stereotypical pirate: deadly, dangerous, and very bad to know.

"There is a private room, if you would prefer to be away from all this noise," he said, standing up as I approached the table.

"No thank you. I'd rather be in full view of everyone in case you get any ideas about attacking me again." I sat in the chair he pulled out for me, the skin on my back tightening when his hand brushed the bare flesh of my neck.

He sighed. "Portia, I have told you repeatedly—"

"I know, I know, you didn't know I was mortal. But you haven't said what you expected me to be if not mortal."