Page 37 of ColdIron
My face flamed. Miners didn’t flush easily—our skin too weathered for that kind of display.
But I was off-balance. Scrubbed raw, smelling like his cedar soap instead of mine dust, and there was a beautiful man in front of me with a smile that could melt rock.
I shook my head. I’d meant to discourage him, not realizing the words would land as a compliment.
“I misspoke, sir.” The words came out rushed. “I was a miner. Anyone who doesn’t look too dirty is good-looking in my book.”
“Don’t underestimate yourself, Max.” His smile grew wider. “You’ll raise your standards in no time.” He tilted his head and led me through the archway. “Come.”
We entered a warmly lit dining room with a silver table set. The china was white with a golden border. Several covered dishes sat on the table, and when Nikolai lifted the lids, the smell hit me like a force.
Roasted chicken, sliced and arranged with steamed root vegetables. A bowl of thick stew: potatoes, carrots, chunks of tender meat swimming in dark broth. A small loaf of warm bread with butter beside it. Sliced apples and pears. And at the end, a cupcake with icing.
Comfort food. Nothing excessive, nothing wasted. He hadn’t laid out a feast designed to impress or overwhelm, just enough to fill me without making me feel like a charity case. My mother had drilled it into me: flaunting wealth was distasteful, wasting food a sin. Whatever Nikolai’s faults, he’d gotten this right.
My mouth watered. While I was bathing, I’d smelled food and thought I’d imagined it—hunger playing tricks on a starving brain.
I wanted to lunge for the table and stuff everything into my face at once. Instead, I stood still with an effort of sheer will. I looked at the vampire, trying not to lick my lips. But the hunger in my eyes betrayed me, matching his. Only his hunger was for my blood.
If he demanded it right now, I’d cave. I’d give him more than the one mouthful we’d bargained for. But Iheld my ground on one last thing: I wouldn’t sleep with him, even though intense want hummed through me.
“Just some simple food, Max,” he said softly. “I don’t think your stomach can handle rich delicacies yet.”
“Thank you,” I said. What I wouldn’t give to have Missy here beside me. To have my friends at this table.
“Eat slowly,” he said. “No one is going to take it from you.” His gaze swept over me. “You cleaned up well. It looks good on you.”
I fought not to flush.
He strolled out. A second later, the door clicked softly behind him.
Warmth swelled in my chest. He’d known I wouldn’t want him watching. I wouldn’t want him to see how deprived I’d been.
I sat down, tore bread with my hands, and dragged it through the stew.
As I ate, I unwound my promise to make the vampire prince pay for kneading my tit while I was out cold. My mind circled back to the jolt of pleasure I’d felt when he’d touched me. It’d been so sharp, so sweet that I’d woken up and rammed my fist into his jaw.
I probably made a pact with the devil, and I didn’t give a fuck. Not when I bit into the cake and the sugar exploded on my tongue.
15
MAX
Ireturned to the barracks.
The place was mostly empty. The cadets had gone to the dining hall for their evening meal, and I’d had mine in Nikolai’s penthouse.
I’d washed the dishes and cleaned up before I left, even though the vampire prince had said to leave it. I wouldn’t abuse his kindness, even with strings attached.
Back at my cot, I set my boots neatly beside it and crawled under the covers. I could sleep for a week straight, but rigid schedules waited, and I knew I’d have to be up before dawn. For now, I’d take what rest I could get.
I was half asleep when the room flooded with life. Cadets returned in waves, boots thudding against the floor, voices tangling in overlapping chatter and laughter.
They noticed me. The newest recruit, sprawled on my conspicuous cot. Even with my eyes closed, I felt the weight of their stares.
I listened. Every overheard word was a brick I could use to build my understanding of this place, its hierarchies, its fault lines.
I caught “spy for the White Witch” more than once. I sighed inwardly. I shouldn’t have expected things to get easier after the holding cell. I’d bet Drakken’s men had spread the rumors. He didn’t even need to touch me himself. His academy would do his work for him.
