Chapter 136: Jewel

Taking a deep breath, Jewel knew pink washed across her cheeks. She was used to the open perusal from men until they saw her "bad" side, but she wasn't accustomed to anyone calling her beautiful afterward. This man was almost convincing, and his close appraisal made her feel even more uncomfortable. Wrapping her stand-offish armor tightly around herself, she looked the behemoth in the eye. "You're a talented liar."

His dark brown eyes flashed in mild irritation before softening. "Yes, I was rude, but you took me by surprise and I reverted to the age of twelve." His velvet voice traveled across her skin. The timbre dripped sexual desire, if that was possible.

She straightened her spine. "When you were twelve, you told girls with facial scars that they were beautiful?" She couldn't keep the derision from her voice.

His lips tilted in a crooked smile. "No. I missed every opportunity due to being a foot taller, awkward, and having the beginnings of an acne problem. I swore when I grew u