Chapter 2: Day one, Survived
Merlina’s POV
I blinked and leaned in like I was inspecting evidence at a crime scene. The tear at the corner of the page was barely noticeable.
"Seriously? It’s a paper cut. The book’s still breathing," I said, trying to keep things light.
He raised an eyebrow, deadpan. "It was mint condition."
I smirked. "You’re not gonna sue me, are you?"
For a second, I thought he might actually crack a smile. But nope, just that same stoic stare.
"I’m really sorry," I said, dialing back the sass just a little. "It must’ve happened when I was flipping through it. I’ll get you a new one if it matters that much."
I tried to offer him a peace treaty in the form of a small smile. "I’m Merlina, by the way. You are...?"
He looked at me like I’d asked him the most obvious question. "Like you don’t know."
My smile wavered, irritation creeping into my voice. "Excuse me?"
He stepped forward, closing the space between us like it was nothing. "Craig Lesnar."