AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sheena said, “Remember, whatever you do on the left side of the equal sign, you must do on the right.”
How could a couple of letters and some numbers be so damn confusing?
“Learning Algebra, I see,” Davian said as he strode into the room.
Jade laughed. “Learning would imply I have an aptitude for this, which I clearly do not. General math was the extent of the lessons when I was in school, given there’s not much use for anything above what I’ve studied thus far.”
Sheena made
a tsking sound. “Everyone should know Algebra.” She snapped the textbook closed and placed it on the nightstand. “Keep at it.” She stood and faced Davian. “My Lord, if you’ll be staying awhile, there are a few matters I should attend to at the castle.”
“Of course.”
To Jade, the vampire said, “I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”
Guilt overcame her. “You don’t have to continue visiting me. I’m taking you away from your work. And I’m much better. I’m sure I can survive on my own now.”
“I’m not here out of obligation,” Sheena said, somewhat indignant. “Friends keep friends company when they’re under the weather.” With that, she swept from the room, always one to make as much of a grand exit as an entrance.
Davian asked, “Do you win over everyone you meet?”
“I don’t know. Ask the fire wraith who pounded me against a granite pew.”
“Ah, yes. Him. I have news.”
Before Davian could sit in the chair Sheena had vacated, Jade asked, “Mind if we move into the living room? I could use a change of scenery.”
“Are you feeling up to it?”
“Definitely.”
She climbed off the bed and he held out the champagne-colored satin robe Sheena had brought days ago to replace her old, ragged one. The robe complemented her nightgown, also new. Of both garments, Jade said, “I’m convinced Sheena is trying to class me up. Perhaps make me fit to be the mistress of a king?”
He frowned. “Mistress, to me, infers there’s something shady between us.”
“There is something shady between us,” she reminded him in a delicate tone. “We have to hide our affair from the villagers and your alliance.”
“Morgan and Sheena know. Jocelyn as well, obviously. And the slayers, I suspect, since they patrol the area and have likely seen my horse.”
“Michael knows too.”
“Well, then. It’s hardly a secret, is it?” He took her hand and led her to the other room.
“It should be, beyond the people who are currently in the know.”
Gently clasping her upper arms, his head bent and he kissed her. Then he said, “I don’t really give a damn who finds out about us.”
“But you ought to.”
He groaned, yet conceded the point. “Yes, I ought to.” He released her and added, “Settle at the table. I brought dinner.”
“Please, no more soup. I can make my own food.”
“I thought you liked the soup,” he called from her kitchen.
“I love the soup. But that’s all I’ve been able to eat, because even chewing has been a chore.”
“You’re in luck,” he told her as he returned. A savory aroma instantly permeated the room, making her stomach growl. On the dining table, he deposited two plates, both piled high with thick slices of glazed ham, mashed potatoes with gravy and stuffing. “A belated Thanksgiving meal, compliments of my chef, who enjoyed studying up on traditional human fare for the occasion. You being such a fan of his broth seems to have made him a fan of you.”
