Page 3 of Death and Donuts

“No, it’s because your curiosity overrides your common sense,” I said.

“You’re not wrong,” she said as I followed her up.

At the top of the stairs, I had a clear view of Cross' efforts on the second floor. Ducts and wires were fully visible in the exposed ceiling and walls. Yet, despite the demolition he’d done,the space was free of debris and flooded with natural light from the large, arched windows.

The vampires who’d previously used the space must have blocked off the sunlight when they were here, or they would have died. Only Cross had a ruby ring that allowed him to walk in the sun.

He led us to a folding table in the middle of the room. Blueprints lay open on the surface.

Vena leaned over the top one, studying it. Shaking my head at her, I glanced at Cross.

“If you leave stuff out, she’ll look at it. She’s nosey like that.”

“The blueprints are why I invited you. I would like your feedback on the design plans.”

I joined Vena and stared at the first floor’s proposed layout.

A beautiful glass arctic entry would keep the interior toasty during the colder winter months and cool during the summer. Once inside, guests would see a long display counter for coffee and bakery orders. Behind that, in the center of the large, open space, double doors would give access to a large industrial kitchen. Bookshelves lined the perimeter of the building’s first floor, and over two dozen tables took up the horseshoe-shaped space between shelves and the kitchen. The plans even had bathrooms at the back of the building.

The well-thought-out layout made a cute and functional bakery and bookstore.

“This is amazing, Cross,” I said.

When I looked up, I caught him studying my face.

“Amazing enough to return to, day after day?” he asked.

“I’m not sure I follow.”

“Please. Sit. Allow me to explain.”

He pulled out one of the three chairs for me. Vena quickly took a seat, and while her expression bordered on giddy, I felt a bit more wary as I sat.

“I would like to establish a partnership,” Cross said.

Vena snorted softly under her breath.

“With both of you,” he clarified.

“Whoa. You’re hot and rich, Cross, which is tempting, but I’m holding out for Anchor. He’s close to breaking. Maybe after I’ve sailed on his banana boat for a while, I’ll check out your schooner.”

I slowly turned my head to stare at her. No words were needed. She immediately did the zipping her mouth motion and folded her hands in her lap.

“Please excuse Vena,” I said, focusing on Cross. “I think Miles tested malfunctioning charms on her as a baby.”

Cross' lips twitched like he wanted to smile.

“I’ve grown used to Vena’s erratic behavior and know when to ignore her. Don’t distress yourself on her behalf.

“The partnership I’m suggesting is strictly business. You wish to run your own bakery but lack the capital. I have the capital and the space but lack the skill.”

“You want to run a bakery?” I asked, doubt lacing my words.

“Yes and no. I’m thinking of something more than a simple bakery. The key to making this place stand out will be to keep everything—the books and the food—centered aroundallthe races.

“The fae adore their exotic food restaurants, which are in high demand but too overpriced for most people. The werewolves like whatever humans like. And while we both know what vampires like, they’re not welcome anywhere. The rest of the creatures prefer to stay in the Shadow Trade markets where they put themselves on exhibit so humans see them as beneficial and less threatening.”

I studied Cross' face. He didn’t look angry. He didn’t look anything other than his usual self. Yet his words conveyed a resentment his tone didn’t.

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