Page 45 of Their Pretty Little Monster

She claps all her hands. “I welcome it.”

As I eat, she watches me, especially as I moan about how fruity the yellow bun tastes. I wash it down with the tea that is slightly bitter and deep green, but it’s drinkable.

“My name’s Kiri,” she says softly, and I realize how rude I’ve been.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m Sage. I was so hungry I didn’t even introduce myself.”

“It’s been a long time since someone has shown so much passion for my food,” she responds, still smiling as she watches me eat. “I have a few loyal customers who come after hours, so I welcome you as well.”

I laugh. “I might even take some of the buns with me to my room. Back home, my mother used to make these delicious milk bread rolls. You could eat them with every meal or even plain. They were so good.” Just talking about her makes me miss her deeply, and as much as I tell myself barely any time has passed back home compared to here, it doesn’t lessen the sting.

Kiri’s expression softens, her lips pulling into a smile. “I learned all my cooking from my mother, who died in the Great Desolation along with so many others. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to try your milk bread recipe. We have some milk suppliers on the ship.”

Something about the way she says that leaves me feeling slightly nauseous, imagining terrifying monsters, maybe spider creatures being used. I shudder on the inside, but I just nod to Kiri, saying, “Of course.”

Then she breaks into telling me about her daughter, Rina, who’s already learning to bake. We talk for what feels like hours, and it’s the first time I’ve felt semi-normal on the vessel. I also eat every last roll on the table.

I finish my second cup of tea, the warmth of the drink soothing me. Just as I’m about to savor the last sip, the door opens from the kitchen.

Something tall and blue enters, and at first, I flinch. It takes me seconds to realize that it’s Killian in his monster form. An excitement flutters through me at his presence. White hair falls halfway down his muscular chest. The top half is pulled back from his face, some loose strands tumbling over his eyes.

Skin a faint blue hue, he stands about two feet taller than his usual height, broader and more imposing. Darker blue markings snake across his exposed torso, arms, and neck. Some are healed scars, while others form intricate patterns I don’t recognize—tribal flames and diamond shapes of thorns and blades.

Two leather bands circle around his biceps, seeming to strain under the pressure of his bulging muscles. Hands are tipped with sharp claws, like nails that glint under the light.

Regardless of what they mean, they ignite an inferno inside of me, a raw, animalistic attraction I have no chance of ignoring.

I’m practically drooling as I stare at him.

My gaze trails over all those muscles, at him wearing loose black pants, the elastic band sitting low on his hips, and no shoes. At least he’s wearing clothes, considering others don’t seem to bother.

Then again, the obvious bulge in his pants, seeming to move, dancing down against one thigh, has me gasping with shock.

I straighten in my seat, attempting to appear unfazed by his arrival, even if my insides are doing somersaults. His face is still his, those piercing deep blue eyes boring into me, yet everything else about him screams warrior.

His blue gaze finds me, and there’s a glint behind them as he strides over. The room seems a lot smaller with him in it.

Is it wrong that I’m becoming badly infatuated with a monster?

His powerful presence heats up the air, wrapping around me.

Kiri’s instantly on her feet. “My Lord, it’s so good to see you tonight. Seems you’re no longer the only lone midnight snacker. I’ll bring you the usual?”

Killian nods, thanking her, then strolls over to me. My stomach is full, yet part of me feels empty just looking at him. There’s something about his presence that always leaves me wanting more, yet he’s brooding tonight, with darkness behind his gaze. He stops in front of me, scanning my face as if searching for an answer.

“Sage, I’ll join you,” he states in that deep, smooth voice that sends shivers down my spine.

“Okay,” I answer, trying to keep my response steady, but I can hear the slight tremor in it, feel the quiver deep inside me—the one that has been keeping me up all night, remembering the things he did to me in the ritual. The seduction of his lips on me, his face buried between my thighs—just the thought has a delicious quiver fluttering deep in my stomach.

He pulls out a chair and sits across from me. He seems barely comfortable on it and might fit better on two seats, but he stays there.

“Couldn’t sleep either?” he asks.

“Something like that,” I admit, unable to stop staring at him in his monster form. At the intricate tattoos on his body, at how his muscles flex with each movement he makes. “I needed some normal food, and Howler suggested this place.”

“Kiri’s bakery is my go-to,” he admits. “I struggle to sleep most nights and end up here.”

She soon returns, placing a plate of assorted pastries, double the size of mine, and another cup of tea in front of Killian. “Enjoy, my Lord,” she says with a smile before leaving us alone.

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