"My lady," Wei Jiang murmurs, his voice smooth as honey as he takes the teapot from you. Despite the practiced ease with which he lifts the pot, there is a small and barely perceivable tremble in his hands. "Allow me. It is far too hot and heavy."

Seducing you should be easy. Disappearing with thousands of gold after worming his way into the hearts of wealthy women with his suaveness and disarmingly charming smile was something he has done countless times before. It wasn’t the most virtuous way to make a living, but the thrill of leading someone on was just too addicting to give up.

His eyes meet yours for a moment and he swallows thickly, averting his gaze. He has played the role of a new friend well enough. Would you accept him if he were to try a more romantic approach though? He was less certain, less willing to make his usual disappearance. It wouldn’t hurt to drag this out a little long.

“The weather is nice as of late, isn’t it? Have you been enjoying it?”