His expression was soft, but not playful this time. “I want you healthy, Love. I could still see your ribs last night.”
Last night…
When I had answered the door naked.
My face heated a bit, and I growled back, “Maybe I like looking like that.”
I didn’t.
Really, I didn’t care all that much how I looked. But I didn’t want to look sickly, or tortured, or unhealthy.
“You look fucking incredible.” He didn’t so much as hesitate with those words, and that made me bite my lip to hide a small, irrational smile. “But I want you tofeelincredible.”
My heart squeezed.
Damn him.
A sigh escaped me. “I really can’t eat anymore, or I’m going to puke.” I slid the plate over to him, setting my fork down on it. “You don’t look so hot yourself today, though,Love. I think you need the extra food soyoucan feel incredible.”
A laugh sputtered out of him. “Stars, you’re adorable.” He grabbed the fork, and I noticed surprised gazes glued to us from around the room.
Yeah, yeah. He was cheerful this morning, now. Not every morning, and not because of me.
Probably.
Sort of.
Ish.
I pushed away the thought, but let my eyes linger on the gorgeous man as he worked on the food.
As Namir finished up his food, the male fae I’d spoken to earlier walked up to our table, nodding his head toward the king.
I noticed Namir’s body stiffen a bit at the man’s presence, but he didn’t otherwise react. I didn’t think the other fae noticed the king’s sudden stiffness, either. I leaned a bit closer to him, hoping that would help with the possessiveness he was probably feeling—and he shocked me by setting his hand lightly on my thigh.
The contact made my throat swell, and my body flush the way it had the night before.
Holy hell, I liked the way that felt.
“You surprised me with your request earlier, Miss…” the chef trailed off.
I blinked, still caught off-guard by Namir’s hand on my thigh.
“Diora,” Namir offered, his voice not entirely kind.
“Miss Diora.” The man inclined his head toward me. “We’d be honored to teach you how to cook.”
My forehead wrinkled, and I glanced over at Namir. “Because I’m fated to him?”
“Does it matter?” The fae chef tilted his chin slightly.
I supposed it didn’t.
“That would be incredible, thank you. Right now?” I glanced around the room; it was a bit full. It would probably be better for me to learn when there wasn’t a crowd, honestly. I didn’t exactly function well when under a lot of pressure.
“Your dresses will be delivered any time now. After you’ve tried them on.” Namir’s hand squeezed my thigh gently.
“After the breakfast rush would be perfect,” the fae agreed. “We look forward to it.” He gestured toward the rest of the fae in the kitchen, and hope blossomed in my abdomen.