Page 18 of Embers of Torment

"Because I'm enjoying someone else getting hammered with Adam's impromptu quizzes for once." Della snickered again, instantly rewarded with one of Adam's mock glares.

"You're such a brat." Adam turned his back on her. "It was nine thousand years ago and was a fermented beverage found in China made from fruit, honey, and rice."

"Huh. I have to admit, that was a fascinating piece of information."

"Told you my trivia was intriguing," Adam declared, wrinkling his nose at Della.

"Okay, fine. Only some of it is boring. Happy now?"

"Yes, I am. Thank you."

I shook my head and chuckled at the two of them. Being around Adam and Della was like watching a brother-and-sister comedy team, and it didn't take much to figure out they cared about each other like siblings.

I took a few more bites of my dinner, scanning Adam's apartment as I chewed. It was meticulous, like Adam, who disliked having anything out of place. "Your unit is comfortable, and the setup makes it feel roomy. Have you lived here long?"

"No, Theo and I moved here two years ago. We wanted to be in a more walkable neighborhood with easier access to public transportation. This complex fit all the criteria we were looking for."

"Plus, it's closer to me," Della added. "And I can take the T since the Haymarket station is across the street."

"That's convenient." I finished my soup and set my spoon on my now-empty plate. "Dinner was delicious. I had no idea you were such a fantastic cook."

"Thanks. Cooking has always interested me, but I didn't experiment with new recipes and different techniques until I moved here after college." Adam stacked our plates and bowls and took them into the kitchen, tossing, "We can start the movie after I clean up," over his shoulder.

"I'm going to change." Della scooted her chair backward. "Jace can help with the dishes."

"Thanks for offering my services, although I don't mind helping out." Afraid I was missing something, I asked as she walked away, "Why are you changing?"

"So I can be more comfortable while I scare myself half to death."

"Della likes to put on a pair of wacky pajamas and curl up on the couch when I turn on a movie," Adam called out from the kitchen. "She hides under her hood during the best parts."

"So what if I hide? And for your information, my jammies are not wacky."

Della marched from the dining area and disappeared into one of the bedrooms. I went to help Adam, the thought of what she might be changing into nibbling at the back of my brain. It took little effort to get the kitchen in order. I put detergent in the dishwasher and turned it on as Adam cleaned the counters. Ready for the movie, I retrieved my cup from the table and went to join Della in the living room.

I did a double-take when I saw her sitting in the middle of the couch.

"What the… Oh, shit. What are you wearing?" I struggled to ask, overcome with laughter.

"My jammies."

"Told you," Adam yelled from the kitchen.

I stared at Della's pale pink and very fuzzy long johns with a zipper front, which looked like an infant's sleep-and-play outfit without the feet. The material was uniformly covered in tiny print flowers in red and green. "Damn, that's hilarious."

"Just wait," Adam shouted.

"Shut up!" Della made a face and pulled the attached hood over her head.

"Oh, fuck," I blurted, unable to help it. The sight of Della's unicorn hood with its multi-colored mane, protruding eyelashes, and horn was too much, and I laughed so hard I was close to spilling my drink. I set it on an end table and dropped onto the chair beside it, battling like crazy to get it together.

"You can stop anytime now," Della growled.

I lifted my head and held my hand up. "Sorry. I'm sorry," I managed to say between shaky breaths. "Oh, God. That isn't what I expected."

Della narrowed her eyes at me and scowled. "Can we watch the flick now?"

"Yes, fine." I took a deep breath and crossed the room, setting my cup on the coffee table and plopping down at the far end of the couch.

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