Page 56 of Death and Donuts

“Fine.”

“Yay! You’ll flip when you see how many dwarves are wandering around the market. They were glaring at people. A troll got offended and called one an ankle-biter and told him to toddle off. If Anchor hadn’t been there, I would have had a front-row seat to a fight.”

“Sorry to disappoint you,” Anchor said.

“You’re forgiven,” she blew him a kiss. “It’s your job to keep the peace.”

I was cuddledup against something warm and firm. The hand gently stroking my hip told me this wasn’t my body pillow.

“Cross?” I mumbled, not feeling the need to open my eyes yet.

“Hmm?” he hummed back, sounding just as relaxed as I felt.

“You smell delicious,” I said, inhaling the scent of coffee and cinnamon.

“There’s a reason, and it’s on your nightstand.”

I lifted my head and blinked my eyes open to see the most mouthwatering cinnamon roll plated next to a lidded coffee.

Reaching over him to get to the coffee first, I grazed his entire chest with mine. Yes, both of us were clothed, but that didn’t stop the tingles from rushing through my body at the contact.

Cross’ eyes flashed black, but he didn’t make a move. Just allowed me to grab the liquid energy and sit back against the headboard.

A single sip told me it was exactly the right ratio of coffee, creamer, and sugar. A sigh escaped my lips, causing the veins around his eyes to darken as well.

“Sorry,” I said, “but it’s really good.”

“I thought you might like it.” He lifted the cinnamon roll plate. “This looked and smelled divine too.” He cut into the gooey goodness and offered me a bite.

Normally, I was the one feeding people. This was a nice change of pace. Leaning over, I accepted the offering and moaned as soon as cinnamon, fluffy roll, and cream cheese icing hit my tongue.

“I’m delighted you’re enjoying it.”

“I can tell. Your eyes are getting a workout, and Doc probably thinks something is going on.”

“He can hear our conversation. Plus, I already gave him the same wake-up treat as you, minus the cuddling. I offered, but he impolitely declined.” Cross flashed a beautiful smile and reached over to touch the corner of my lips to wipe away a bit of frosting. He brought it to his lips to taste. “Delicious. Just like you.”

I smiled at his flattery.

“Not that I mind the cuddles and sweet treats first thing in the morning, but is there a reason you’re here today? Good news on Adriel?”

“Unfortunately, no news yet. However, Shepard is debriefing the fae queen in hopes of gaining her assistance. I told him removing her briefs would help if she actually wore any. He wasn’t amused.”

“He’s with the fae queen?”

“Does that make you jealous?”

I slowly chewed the bite he fed me and shook my head.

“A person’s feelings are their own. Affection can’t be forced.”

Cross smirked. “Tell that to the fae.”

He fed me another bite and asked, “Do you have plans for the day?”

After swallowing, I said, “I’m thinking of going to the Shadow Trade market with Vena. It’ll be a good place to do some recipe research, and I need to get my protection charm charged. It fizzled when Adriel touched me.”

“I know someone in the market who can help you with your charm. She’s half fae and is skilled with protection spells. Can I give you her name?”

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