Page 110 of House of Crimson Cloak and Silver Teeth

“That was hours ago.” He’s already reaching for the package. “What is it?”

I unwrap it carefully. The pastries are works of art. Delicate things dusted with actual gold, filled with what smells like honey and spiced cinnamon. The rich and sweet scent fills the room instantly.

Garrett takes one immediately and bites into it without hesitation.

Damn it.

He has zero self-preservation instincts. No caution whatsoever. Any sensible person would have checked for poison first. What will he do without me after this contract is over?

“Oh, these are incredible.” He closes his eyes in appreciation, making a sound that’s almost obscene. “Where did you get these?”

“A friend gave them to me,” I say simply.

He opens his eyes, studying me while he chews and swallows. “The same friend you visited tonight?”

“Yes.”

He pushes the package toward me. “Have one.”

“I don’t really eat sweets.”

“Wolf. You brought them to share.” When I don’t move, he picks up another pastry and holds it out to me. His fingers are dusted with gold. “Come on, have one bite. Live a little.”

It’s too intimate, this gesture. The way he’s looking at me and his fingers so close to my mouth. I lean forward and bite into the pastry he’s holding. Honey floods my tongue. The pastry dissolves against my teeth, delicate as snow. It’s ridiculously indulgent.

I must make some expression. Whatever crosses my face makes Garrett smile broadly. “Good, right?”

I nod, still taking in the sweetness. The way it coats my mouth, lingers on my tongue.

Another pastry disappears between his lips. He licks the sweetness from his fingers and I need to look anywhere else.

“Tell me about your friends,” he asks casually, reaching for a third pastry. “Are they someone from the guild. Other Grimsbanes?”

“Yes.” I don’t offer more detail.

He doesn’t press, which I appreciate. He takes another bite and chews slowly. “The guild is very busy in Aelfheim lately. Multiple high-profile contracts. Should I be worried?”

Probably.

There are whispers of war. But that’s not my concern right now.

“Don’t worry.” I meet his eyes. “I’ll protect you.”

Garrett smiles warmly at that. “Of course you will.”

He licks honey from his thumb, oblivious to how distracting that is.

“Your move,” he reminds me.

I refocus on the chess game. My position is deteriorating rapidly as my king is running out of safe squares.

I make what I think is a defensive move. Garrett immediately punishes it, his pieces advancing across the board like a coordinated army.

“You’re distracted tonight,” he observes, moving his knight into position for the final strike.

“I’ve had a long night.”

“Want to talk about it?” He moves his king into what looks like a vulnerable position. It’s just sitting there, exposed.