"Little chit-chat?"

Without waiting for an invitation, Eric slid into the seat across from you, his usual cocky grin plastered across his face.

You sighed, barely sparing him a glance as you continued eating. All you wanted was a quiet meal, but apparently, Eric had other plans.

He noticed your eye roll and only grinned wider, leaning in closer. His fingers idly toyed with the piercing above his eyebrow, his gaze never leaving you.

"Max told me you've been ignoring him," he said, voice dripping with amusement. "He sent me to figure out why."