Page 72 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

“Of course, miss.” The server explained that the chef believed the meal was best explored without further directions. According to him, it would increase their ability to taste individual, unique flavors. The server would be in the hall if they had any questions.

Kydona, the mother goddess the fae had adopted when they crossed the Indigo Ocean, must have been watching over Ryker because the server took his leave after that.

They were alone once again.

The moment the door slipped shut, Ryker turned back to Brynleigh. His fingers clenched and unclenched, and he wished he could see her. “I’m sorry,” he blurted. “About the food… I wasn’t thinking when I planned this.”

That was a mistake he wouldn’t be making again. Right after this date, he would find Jacques and Horatio, the two male vampires in the Choosing, and ask them what he could do to make Brynleigh’s life more comfortable with him.

No more guesses, no more mistakes.

“No need to apologize,” Brynleigh said.

“On the contrary, there is a need.” He cleared his throat. “I made a mistake, and I will endeavor to do better by you.”

“That’s very sweet.” The vampire hummed. “You know, we can eat. It’s just that when we put food in our mouths, it tastes like ash. Not coffee, though. Thank Isvana, because I love it.”

“I love coffee, too.” He palmed the back of his neck. “So you’re not angry with me? It’s alright if you are. I should’ve thought ahead, and I didn’t.”

“No, I’m not. No one has ever prepared me food laced with blood before. Honestly, I’m intrigued.”

“By me or the food?” he asked, unable to help himself.

Brynleigh chuckled, “Both.”

Somehow, that was exactly what he needed to hear.

They dug in, trying a little bit of everything.

Once in a while, they touched. Each time was as explosive as the first, leaving Ryker wanting more.

Time slipped by. The meal was delicious, and they spoke about nothing in particular as they ate.

Ryker loved every single minute of it.

“Gods, that was good.” Brynleigh sighed.

“Yeah?” Ryker chuckled. “You enjoyed it?” He’d quickly adapted to the blindfold, and it wasn’t impeding his experience at all.

“It was amazing. I never would’ve guessed chocolate and blood paired so well together.” She smacked her lips and sighed in delight. “I’m going to have to find this chef and get the recipe.”

Ryker leaned back in his seat, his stomach full. The chef was undeniably skilled. The plates had varied from a spiced, roasted venison to a shaved, raw salad. Everything he’d tasted had been delicious. “The cake was that good?”

“The best,” she gushed. “Thank you, Ryker. Truly. I didn’t even realize I missed food until tonight.”

The happiness in Brynleigh’s voice sent a rush of heat through Ryker. Talking to her was always enjoyable, but tonight felt even better than normal. He wasn’t sure whether it was the small, stolen touches or something else. Either way, his heart soared.

Ryker slowly navigated his way around the obstacles of empty dishes and cups strewn across the table until his hand found Brynleigh’s once again. This time, nothing was unintentional about how his fingers laced through hers.

She inhaled deeply but didn’t pull away. If anything, her grip tightened around his. “Ryker, I don’t know if we should?—”

“Dance with me?” he asked before she could finish that thought.

He was all too aware that their time together in the Choosing was slowly slipping away. He didn’t want to waste a single second of their remaining time.

A tinkling laugh tinged with darkness slipped from Brynleigh’s lips. “What? There’s no music.”

“We can make our own.” Ryker rose to his feet, grateful he’d chosen to wear comfortable shoes tonight. “I want to feel your body against mine.”

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