He wrapped me in one of his sumptuous dressing gowns. A classic robe in burgundy.
“Is it another steak for me?” I asked when we reached the kitchen, but he grinned at me proudly and showed me a jar of strawberry jam from the cupboard.
“Frederick was a kind gentleman and delivered this earlier.”
He pulled out a bag of bat-shaped candy to follow, and I laughed.
“I’m spoiled!”
Hans’ beautiful smile was glorious.
“You deserve it. I wouldn’t say you’ve had all that much spoiling this lifetime. There’s a lot to make up for.”
The contrast jabbed me pretty deeply. He was right. I wouldn’t say I’d ever been all that spoiled my Mum or Grandma. They’d usually been criticising me every chance they got.
“Don’t worry,” I told Hans, stepping up to him. “I can get my own toast. You don’t have to keep looking after me.”
He didn’t hand over the butter knife, just kept on watching the bread in the toaster.
“No, you’re right. I don’thaveto,” he said. “Iwantto. Now, get your tender butt over to the breakfast bar and sit yourself down. You need some sugar to get your blood levels up.”
“Thanks,” I said and did as I was told, grabbing myself a glass of water on the way.
“Good call,” Hans said. “You’ll need plenty of hydration for later.”
My stomach was fluttering at the thought of later. My confidence from last night still evading me.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” Hans said. “Any moment you feel uncomfortable, we can turn around and walk away. Your pace, your choice.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
He delivered me a very generous helping of jam on toast and sat opposite me as I ate.
“What will the blood house be like?” I quizzed.
“Probably not quite like you’re imagining it. It’s not like a brothel, or a scene from a horror movie. It’s a lot more upmarket than that.”
“Yeah?” I pushed, but he shook his head.
“No spoilers. I want you to enjoy the experience through fresh eyes. No preconceptions.”
“Exciting.”
“Yes. It will be. At least, I hope so.”
I wondered how many times he had been to the blood house himself. What he’d done in there before, and what he’d seen. Who would be there, and what kind of games would they be playing… maybe things I’d never even thought of.
“No preconceptions,” Hans repeated, and I rolled my eyes.
“Are you going to be reading my thoughts for ever?”
He smirked. “Yes. Unless you block me.”
“Block you?”
He nodded. “Yes. There are skills you can learn in order to be moreselectivein what I get to hear from your mind. They are not suited to everyone, but I’m sure you would be quite adept in no time.”
“Really?” I asked between mouthfuls of toast. “Are you going to teach me? Can I be aselectivemind-blocking student of yours?”