“I think that’s the only thing I didn’t order.”
Raya dived in, sampling from all the plates. “Come on, you have to try this,” she said around a mouthful of pancakes. “Don’t give me that garbage about how you don’t eat. I already know you’re a liar and a french fry stealer.”
“You promise you haven’t put a spell on this?”
“Ha, ha. Very funny. Now shut up and get in here.”
That first stolen fry had forced him to admit he could be made to feel from something so fleeting as food. Now, faced with a breakfast of epic proportions, he found himself wanting to revel in the sensations of the moment, all thoughts of witches or demonkind suspended in favor of just enjoying a plate of eggs and present company.
He picked up the bun, made eye contact with Raya, and bit into it.
A smile played across her lips.
Together, they demolished the meal.
When they were finished, Raya staggered onto the sidewalk, groaning theatrically and holding her middle. “Remind me never to try to keep up with a supernatural being when it comes to competitive eating.”
Phoenix steered her in the direction of the nearest Métro station. “Methinks it’s time for your nap.”
She actually nodded off on the train, its soothing motion lulling her until her head drooped on his shoulder.
He debated whether to wake her.
It was only a fifteen minute ride.
He gently positioned her head and let her sleep.
When they arrived at her station, he woke her. “We’re here.”
They walked the short distance to her hotel as the streets filled with the usual morning traffic.
As they entered the lobby, Ahmed hailed Raya from the front desk. “I was going to call you, madame. How is our little guest?”
Raya shot a mischievous glance at Phoenix. “He was just lovely. Very well-behaved. I’d take care of him anytime.”
“Shall I take him off your hands?”
Raya’s mouth opened and closed. She clearly hadn’t thought that far, and the heavy breakfast and lack of sleep seemed to inhibit her ability to lie on the fly.
Phoenix intervened. “We ran into the owner outside the hotel early this morning. He was very relieved.”
“So relieved,” added Raya.
Ahmed’s gaze traveled between Phoenix and Raya. “Oh? Well, I guess all is well that ends well.”
Raya nodded enthusiastically and darted up the stairs before he could ask any more questions.
Phoenix gave the clerk a little salute and followed Raya to her room.
Inside, she flopped on the bed like a starfish. “I could sleep for a week.”
“Not for a week. We have a rogue witch to stop, remember?”
She sighed and covered her face with a pillow. “Fine.” The word came out very muffled.
He snatched the pillow away. “Shall I come back in a few hours?”
She looked up at him. “Come back? Where are you going?”
