Did she think so little of him that she concluded he was capable of such malice?Of course, there had been a time when he’d been the master of destruction, even going so far as to make his own children suffer for his desires, but that was a long, long time before.
He was a different god then, hellbent on his own needs and little else.Time, and the mortal women he’d worked with since, had changed him, rounding off his harder edges and giving him purpose.
His gaze shifted to the flowers blooming on the table between them.Named after him, the deep lavender hyacinth was in full bloom, its enticing fragrance filling the large, airy space.
Kristina didn’t know anything about him yet.
She had no reason to trust him.
That thought, while logical, depressed him.He felt such a tug toward her and sensed their ballooning connection that, in his impatience, he wanted to fast forward to the outcome of the time they’d spent together, rather than living those blessed moments and allowing her to get to know him.
As Father Time, he should have known better, yet still, she had gotten under his skin, affecting him more brazenly than he was prepared to admit to anyone other than himself.
He closed his eyes briefly, envisaging the meal he’d chosen for them, and by the time his lids fluttered open, the plate of steaming hot food had materialized before them both.
Until he could understand what was going on between them, he would focus on what counted—his rules and responsibilities.
“Eat.”He motioned to her, still blindsided by her recrimination, yet wanting to maintain his air of calm authority.
Ultimately, that was the dynamic between them.She would obey his rules, and he would ensure she was well taken care of.
“Wow.”She glanced down at her plate, her focus flying back to his face.“What’s this, Master?”
“Roasted salmon with braised lentils,” he told her matter-of-factly.“Marinated with garlic, lemon, and thyme.It’s healthy and delicious.”
That was the exact combination she looked as though she needed.Kristina was gorgeous, but a glimpse into her mortal life had revealed a propensity to skip meals and resort to high-calorie snacks when she was hungry.There would be no more of that while she was in his care.All of her meals would be loaded with fresh ingredients to provide her with the right balance of nutrition.
“Thank you.”
She sounded genuinely impressed by the plate of food that had appeared in front of her, and possibly, he suspected, rather daunted.Based on the small quantities he’d witnessed her eat with the female she lived with, the portion he’d provided would be a challenge for her to finish.But that was the point.He would give her everything she needed for optimum health, and all she was required to do in return was cede.She didn’t know it yet, but she would eat everything on her plate.
“It’s a pleasure.Go ahead.”Picking up his knife and fork, he suppressed the urge to smile.“Eat while it’s hot.”
A satisfied hush fell over the dining hall as they both tucked into the meal.Kronos reflected on the balance of flavors, congratulating himself on the ideal blend of herbs and spices.His magic had a great many advantages, but being able to produce food on command had always been one of his favorites.
Finishing a mouthful of fish and vegetables, she placed her fork down.“I don’t usually eat like this, Master.”
“You don’t normally eat salmon?”He had the sense she was feeling awkward after her prior inaccurate assumption but didn’t know how to appease the situation.Reaching for his glass, he watched her reactions as she replied.
“Not often,” she confessed.“But it’s lovely.Thank you again.”
She’s definitely on the back foot.
The thought danced wryly in his head.He’d rarely seen her so well-behaved since she’d stirred.Sitting with the correct posture, she was being polite and respectful, and she hadn’t even glanced back at the window since he’d resumed his place.She was quite unlike the sulking woman he’d encountered when he’d refused her an orgasm.
“I’m glad you approve.”
His tone was sardonic as he collected another mouthful and slid the roasted salmon into his mouth.Watching him, she smiled hesitantly before returning her attention to her plate of food.
“I don’t usually eat so much, either,” she started, her expression wary.“This is a lot of food, Master.”
“It’s what you need,” he assured her.“You told me you were hungry, and weren’t you heading out for food when we first met on that cold, dark street?”
His knowing tone told her he already knew the answer.She had been out in search of pizza, even though she hadn’t eaten the pasta her housemate had made for her.
“Yes, Master.”
The way she nibbled at her lower lip suggested she knew that conversation was best avoided.The last time the matter was raised, she had rightly ended up turned over his knees for a spanking.
