Chapter 12 Rabbits And Horses (1/2)

”Well, it may be good news for you!” Carlson wiggled his eyebrows at her.

Leena noticed that he had pulled out a cigarette, so she automatically took out her lighter and offered to light it. After, she looked up to face him-- only to be greeted by his deep, solemn eyes.

At that moment, she realized just how attractive he was. Aside from his looks, he seemed like a mature man who handled things calmly. Disregarding his playful nature, one would see how he was sure of himself, something that made people gravitate towards him. It was true. He was a charismatic man. If she stared at him any longer, she'd fall deep into his deep, dark eyes.

Snapping out of her trance, she realized just how close their faces were. Her heart began to race, but she pretended to be cool and collected. Calmly, she pulled away once she lit the cigarette, and smiled at him faintly.

Even though she didn't know anything about Carlson, she knew he was interested in her. But why?

He took a puff of his cigarette then asked, ”So, what kind of men do you prefer, Miss Yang?”

”That is not a very interesting topic, don't you think?” she said playfully, in an attempt to dodge the question. He peered at her from behind another puff of smoke, his eyes laughing silently at her feeble attempt to change the topic.

”But,” he said slowly, leaning back against the sofa, ”that's what I want to talk about right now. It's more interesting to me than you think.”

She twiddled her thumbs when she noticed his knowing look. Was he putting her on the spot because he knew something was going on between her and Miguel? Or was it just some kind of small talk? Calming her nerves, she feigned a smile. ”I think you're perfectly aware of my type in men.”

”I wouldn't be asking if I knew,” he said, a devilish smile playing at the corners of his lips.

”Let's just say,” she said as nonchalantly as possible, ”I like men like you.”

”Is that so?” He leaned towards her, coming so close she could feel his warm breath tickle her neck. ”Then, why didn't you hang out with me?”

Goosebumps. Leena could tell he was trying to flirt with her, so she pushed him away playfully. She immediately scooted away, laughing awkwardly. ”You must be missing Miss Lin,” she said hurriedly. ”Please wait for a second while I call her.”

He quickly grabbed her hand, which was fumbling to get her phone. ”You're no fun!” he pouted jokingly. ”You always call Miss Lin during moments like these.”

”It's my job. If you don't want to see her, would you like me to call someone else?” She plastered a smile on her face, trying her best to be polite. However, she struggled to pull her hand away from his grip. She wasn't supposed to get angry with the customers, which was why she could do nothing but sigh in resignation. It was so uncomfortable to be forced like this! And this wasn't the first time, too. Carlson always found ways to make her uncomfortable.

He chuckled at the helplessness across her face. ”I like it when you look like that.” He stared at her intently. ”It's seductive.”

”What?” She frowned at him. This was wildly inappropriate.

”Never mind that.” Finally, he released her hand. ”I'll tell you what kind of men would be attracted by you.” He paused and took another puff on his cigarette. ”Men may try to look different, act different, and be different-- but they are all predators. They like to hunt for something they can conquer. There are only rabbits and horses on these hunting grounds. While rabbits are meek and tame, men prefer horses who are stubborn and majestic. Whenever they stumble upon a horse, they try to look for ways to subdue it.”

”Sounds unconvincing,” she said venomously. ”After all, there are trainers who have died trying to tame wild horses.” His wo

rds just didn't sit right with her, objectifying women like that.