King of Pride

“Kai often showed up to read and drink by himself before the evening rush. What was unusual was the timing. It was Monday afternoon, three days and two hours before his weekly, precision-timed arrival on Thursday evenings. He was breaking pattern. Kai Young never broke pattern.”

This early introduction of Kai’s character reveals that he prefers routine and being fully in control. By contrast, Isabella is a free spirit and social butterfly who easily adapts to change and chaos in her life—including her habit of changing passions and careers so often. This introduces the “opposites attract” trope to the romance novel.

“He usually left the bar after an hour or two, but here he was, still drinking and chatting with the other members like there was nowhere else he’d rather be. Something’s off. Timing aside, his behavior today didn’t match his previous patterns at all, and the closer I looked, the more signs of trouble I spotted: the tension lining his shoulders, the tiny furrow between his brows, the tightness of his smiles.”

Isabella’s extreme attention to detail when it comes to Kai’s routine and his current mental and emotional state hints at her attraction to him. This also evidences that there is at least an acquaintanceship between the two love interests, so readers are aware that they are not complete strangers.

“Objectively, I recognized Kai’s appeal, but I liked my men rougher around the edges. He was as straitlaced as they came. Even if he wasn’t, fraternization between club members and employees was strictly forbidden, and I had no desire to upend my life over a man again, thank you very much.”

This passage lists a few conflicts that will cause tension throughout the novel. Their opposite nature suggests that their relationship might not work out. Additionally, the no-fraternization rule at the club places Isabella’s job at risk if she pursues her attraction for Kai. It also hints that Isabella has had trouble in relationships in the past.