Page 21 of Kisses at the Crossroads

“This is amazing.” I pile a plate high with scrambled eggs and ham. I shove a piece of biscuit in my mouth as I butter the rest of it. A moan escapes my lips.

“Mmmm, this is good. I got everything from a place down the street. I’ll have to remember them.”

I nod as I shovel eggs in my mouth. “Sorry. I’m house trained, but this is too good to remember proper etiquette.”

Pike snorts and waves towards Frankie. “I’m used to it.” He leans in and wipes a bit of butter from my cheek. His finger lingers and I lick off the offered butter, but get too embarrassed to suck his finger.

How did I ever think I could be a courtesan? I was never as outgoing as my brother. I stuck to the rules. I just wanted to belong. A sniffle escapes, and I slap a hand to my mouth.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. You can cry if you need to.”

“No. I’m fine.” I dab a napkin at my face and go back to eating.

“I have more clothes for you. I’m going to tell Drake they’re your reward for satisfying me.”

I nod and smooth out my napkin in my lap. “Will I ever need to satisfy you?”

Pike’s head snaps toward me. “You never have to do anything you don’t want to.”

“Thank you.”

The sun rises higher and I try not to notice. I like listening to Pike talk about being a crossroads demon and how it’s different from being a different demon type. We’re laying in a pile of blankets in a makeshift nest with Frankie between us.

“That one looks like a castle,” Pike says pointing to the blob of clouds.

“I sorta see it. This one looks like a dragon.”

“A fire-breathing dragon.” Pike takes a breath and blows, sending flames into the air.

I contain a gasp while Frankie chuffs beside me, as if she knew it’d startle me.

“Impressive,” I say.

“Parlor trick.” An alarm goes off from Pike and he frowns. “Two minutes till noon. I gotta get you downstairs.” He takes my hand and Frankie’s harness.

I blink a few times to adjust to the dimmer light of the room. Pike tugs me to the table and Frankie settles at our feet. He waves his hand over the table and we each have playing cards in our hands as the door creaks open.

Drake enters, making Frankie growl.

“Hush, girl.” Pike strokes Frankie’s head. “Would you like to join us? It’s a delightful Fae game Trick taught me.”

“No, your time is up. I’m here to take Trick back to his room.”

“Oh, do come and play,” Pike pouts.

“No. I think you and I have a few things to discuss with your investment.”

“Fine.” Pike fists a hand and everything except the box of clothes disappears. “I’ve gifted Trick clothes I expect him to keep. He’s an exceptional lover.”

My face blazes hot. We both push to our feet. His tail wraps around my waist one last time and pulls me closer.

“Sure. Sure. I won’t take them away.” Drake seems oblivious to the heat between Pike and me.

“Darling, I’ll see you soon.”

“Kiss me,” I whisper. “We have to sell it to Drake.”

Pike cocks a brow, but he dips down. I grab his horns, making him moan and his tail coil tighter around me.

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