Page 61 of The Gods Forbid

Sebastian dropped his gaze to the plate, crossing his arms over his chest. “You should eat before the eggs get cold.”

I picked up my fork and ate a bite of eggs just to prove a point, but also had to clamp down on a noise building in the back of my throat. I didn’t realize how severely my diet was lacking in flavor until now. “We have a busy day. You need to eat, too.”

All of the sudden, it seemed imperative that he feed himself.

Sebastian matched my movement, though much stabbier, and shoved eggs in his mouth. A small smile twitched at the corner of his lips, clearly pleased with his own culinary prowess.

On any other morning, I might have pointed it out. Today, I asked again, “Did you know this was my favorite breakfast?”

Sebastian took another bite of eggs, raising one eyebrow as if to say I can’t answer, I’m eating.

I stood, coming around the counter to stand next to him. He watched me like I was a wild animal coming up to him in the woods and he was trying not to move too fast and spook me.

I leaned my hip against the counter, realizing too late how close I’d stepped up to him. My brain just hadn’t stopped me any sooner.

Sebastian clearly realized I wasn’t going to give it up. “The only food you had in your fridge when I moved in that would make breakfast were eggs, jam, and butter. I guessed.”

I nodded slowly, scared of any other reaction I might have, because that was something I would have noticed. I never thought I’d meet a person who saw the world the way I did, and I’d accepted long ago that there would always be a bit of distance between me and everyone else.

I’d made peace with it, accepted that I’d always feel a sliver of isolation and loneliness. So much so, I wasn’t quite sure how to handle the realization that there was someone else out there—and the fact that person was Sebastian of all people.

Just move forward. It was the only thing I knew worked. “I have something planned for us today.”

“I have plans,” Sebastian said, his voice still rough and grumbly.

I almost asked him to stop speaking in that tone. I could hardly focus when he did, which was why it took me a second too long to realize what he’d said. “With who?”

Sebastian kept his eyes on his plate, stabbing his eggs like they’d personally offended him. “I’m meeting Penn at three.”

Breathe, Persy. Don’t get too excited. “I’ll have you back by then, I promise.”

We were both early risers, it seemed. I enjoyed mornings, but I did wish that there was a bit more sunlight. The sky outside was a pale blue that was waiting for the sun to rise.

Now that I was noticing it, it did seem slightly brighter.

Sebastian’s response pulled my focus before I could think about that further. “Where are you dragging me to?”

I smiled, just a half grin. “I think you’ll like it, so do you want to try asking me that again? Nicer, perhaps?”

A little flicker of life appeared in Sebastian’s expression, returning to me. Returning to his old self, I forcefully corrected.

Sebastian grinned for the first time all morning, and unfortunately, that made my chest swell with pride. “What do you have in store, love?”

“That’s better,” I said, my lips breaking into a full smile. Sebastian’s grin dropped an inch, but reset casually. I wasn’t sure what that meant.

He seemed to be more willing to engage in conversation now, and I didn’t want to risk interrupting the flow. I leaned over the counter and reached for my plate and fork, planning to eat standing like he was.

By the time I straightened with my food in hand, Sebastian was leaning against the opposite counter, a frown cemented on his face.

Oh.

I kept the disappointment off my face as I responded, “A museum. I thought we could look at the new installation in the University of Athena gallery.” There was also another reason I’d chosen that place, but—

“And you thought seeing some of my own art might remind me of the value of my power?”

Well. When you were caught red-handed like that, it was only natural to just admit it. “As a matter of fact, yes.”

Sebastian released a breath of laughter, crossing his arms over his chest. “Well played. You want to leave now?”