I grinned, sharing her infectious joy. “And you’re so beautiful, I might have to eatyouinstead of this dinner.”
“Oh, I like the sound of that.” She flung her arms out, beckoning me to stand between her spread legs. “I could be dessert.”
I grew hard.
I wasalwayshard around her.
“I told you to behave.” I growled, refusing to go to her because I knew what would happen if I did.
Doing my best to focus, I tossed handfuls of vegetables and meat into the wok. I had no idea how Auntie Mei kept the kitchen so well stocked. I hadn’t seen anyone since we’d arrived home, but...I was once again grateful.
Everything had worked out so well. I’d gotten my vengeance. Saved the girl. And claimed my freedom.
Fuck, I’m lucky.
My skin flared with flames, my emotions spilling out with pure joy.
“You’re smouldering again.” Rook licked her lips from where she’d stolen a lychee from the already peeled stack. “I know what that means.” She winked. “You’re about to flip me around and have your wicked way with me over the bench.”
“Wrong.” Grabbing a bowl, I ladled the meal into it, snagged two pairs of chopsticks, and captured her hand. “I’m going to feed you first.”
“Fine.” She pouted with a giggle. “I suppose I can let you do that...but only if you give me wine.”
“Deal.” Together, we headed to the wrought iron table where carp blew bubbles in their pond.
Rook sat down, and with a twist of her wrist, summoned an earthen jar of alcohol.
My knees gave out, making me thump into the chair. “How...?”
“Just like wishing our clothes off, silly.” Taking a deep drink, she moaned dramatically. “Ugh, you were so right. I’ve missed this. Being a closed energy circuit with you is highly convenient, but...you don’t taste nearly as good as this little jar.”
“I’m offended.” I chuckled at her joke, unable to stop unease weaving around my heart.
I shoved it away like I always did.
That awful little niggle liked to haunt me, doing its best to destroy our perfect paradise.
Reaching for a pair of chopsticks, I miscalculated my new strength and snapped one.
The wood cracked in two, slicing my palm.
“Oh no!” Rook grabbed my wrist. “Are you okay?”
Blood welled—a lustrous gold instead of tarry black.
I stared at the nasty cut.
It should hurt, right?
Even immortal, I should feel pain.
But...nothing.
“Lucien?” Rook leaned close. “Are you—”
“Wake up! You have to wake up! You’re dying!”
I almost fell off the chair as a male’s voice rang in my head, followed by a vicious panther snarl.
