“You conduct a lot of business while women straddle you?” 

Ilya’s laugh was as sinful as the vampire himself. “Would you believe me if I told you you’re the first one?”

I huffed and climbed out of his lap, although a part of me—the one I really didn’t want to listen to—believed him. If not for anything else, then for the fact that Ilya was simply too business-oriented to get sidetracked by a pretty face and banging body occupying his lap. 

“How much do I owe you?” I weighted the pouch in my hand, then undid the strings and peered inside.

My brows rose. He hadn’t been kidding about the good stuff. With this, there was no chance the summoning would fail.

“How much?” I asked again when the vampire only kept gazing at me, a dark, delectable quality to his turquoise eyes that would mean nothing but trouble if I let it pull me in.

Ilya waved my question away. “I’ll put it on your tab. Pay me once you’re in the clear.”

“Not even going to demand a kiss?” I teased—and regretted it instantly when Ilya stood, his lean, yet corded body looming over me.

His gaze flicked down to my mouth. “Are you offering a second round, Crina?”