Page 55 of Twilight of Embers
“I’m going to take that as a yes.” I studied them both as I lifted a bite of the soup to my lips. My eyes closed as the flavors played on my tongue. I couldn’t help it, I moaned. “This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
When my eyes opened, I found two sets pinned on my mouth.
“What?”
Knox shook himself out of his stupor. “I’m glad it’s good. Then you’ll eat it all.”
I fought the urge to stick my tongue out at him.
“There’s fresh bread, too,” Cáel said, pushing a plate closer to me.
It smelled amazing. “Who cooks?”
They shared a look.
“What?”
Knox shifted in his spot on the bed. “We have a cook.”
Of course, they did. Must be nice to be rolling in cash. The thought had me biting my lip, my earlier worries about some sort of drug-dealing operation flaring to life.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway, and I looked up to see Cillian stride into the room.
My spoon froze in midair, and my mouth went dry.
He looked absolutely lethal in his black suit that was tailored perfectly to his body. He wore a black shirt beneath it with a couple of buttons undone. He was some dark, avenging angel, and his eyes were locked on me.
“Hayden.”
Cillian’s voice was pure grit. Low and coated in sandpaper and promise.
“Hi,” I squeaked.
He strode toward the bed, his eyes flashing at Knox for the barest moment before returning to me. But I’d seen the warning there. Why was everyone pissed at Knox? Did they not want me here? Maybe they were worried I’d get everyone sick.
“I can go home,” I said quickly.
Cillian’s teeth ground together. “You aren’t going anywhere, Little Flame.”
My stomach hollowed out at that.
“I have to go to work in a little bit.”
Annoyance flashed in his eyes. “Fiona doesn’t need you today.”
I sat up, meeting his gaze in challenge. “Since I’m scheduled to work, I’m guessing she does.”
Cillian let out a low growl. “You’ve been sick. You need to rest.”
“I feel completely fine. No fever. It was just a twenty-four-hour bug like Knox said.”
Cillian’s gaze prowled toward Knox. “Is that what he said?”
Knox winced, staying silent.
Cillian’s gaze stayed locked on him. “Weren’t you going to help Easton with yard work?”
Knox’s mouth opened as if to argue, and then he snapped it closed again. He nodded, pushing up from the bed. “I’ll call you later to check on you.”
