Page 27 of Daughters of Chaos

"Viper said you had a problem with your microwave," he replies smoothly.

I'm still blocking the doorway as I explain, "Yeah, it blew up when I went to make lunch."

He quirks an eyebrow. "Blew up, huh?"

I stick out my tongue as I shuffle aside to let him in, enjoying it far too much when his arm brushes mine on his way by. "I hit start, and there was a weird noise. Then, boom, dead microwave."

The corners of his mouth twitch as he heads for the kitchen. "I'll take a look. See if it can be salvaged."

I lean against the wall, trying to calm my racing heart as he sets down his toolbox. The erratic thumping only intensifies as I watch his muscles ripple as they work against the confines of his shirt. A thought crosses my mind that makes me stifle a giggle.Isn't this the plot of a bad porno?

Raptor hears me and shoots a questioning look my way. "You okay over there?"

I try to compose myself, pushing away the thought of Raptor starring in a home video in my kitchen. "All good," I lie.

He meets my gaze with a smirk. "Is that why you're blushing?"

My hands fly to my cheeks. The skin beneath them is radiating heat.Damn it.He laughs, and the sound echoes in a low rumble, making my thoughts go wild. "I'm going to check the breaker."

As he passes me, he stops, leaning close enough that I can feel his breath on my heated face. "I'll pretend I don't know you're imagining me shirtless in a home movie right now." A strangled gasp escapes my lips as I watch him walk outside.

How the hell did he know that? Am I that obvious?

When Raptor comes back inside, I busy myself cleaning up the living room. As much as I'd love to, I don't want to ogle him while he works. It's bad enough that he knows what I was thinking earlier. "Think I found the problem," he says. "Need to change out the breaker. The power may shut off in here for a bit while I switch it out."

I nod, pretending not to be impressed at his prowess as a handyman. He knows how to fix electrical . . .New kink unlocked.

When the job is complete, the power returns, and I hear a beep from the kitchen. The blue numbers on the microwave screen are back on. I pull my plate back out of the fridge and test it out. "Yes," I cheer as the machine dings, and out comes my plate of now piping hot chicken.

A chuckle sounds behind me. "I take it, everything's in working order now?" Raptor asks, leaning against the wall.

I nod as a huge smile spreads across my face. "It is. Thank you so much. You're a lifesaver."

"Happy to help."

I can't help but notice the way his arms bulge as he crosses his arms over his chest. His shirt is working overtime. Annnd here come those dirty thoughts again. I clear my throat, motioning to the plate in front of me. "You want some?"

A smirk flashes on his face as he pulls his lower lip between his teeth. "I could eat," he tells me, his voice husky, makingme think oh-so-naughty things. I quickly turn away, feeling the blush returning to my skin as I make him a plate.

As we eat in comfortable silence, the only thing I hear is the sexy hum in his throat as he enjoys his meal. When he catches me staring, he grins my way. "Did you make this?"

I shake my head. "Raven did. We take turns cooking. Last night was her turn," I tell him.

He looks surprised. "Wouldn't peg her as the home chef type."

I let out a small laugh. "I know, right? Mom taught us both how to cook when we were younger. We learned so much from her." The memories of her come flooding back, and my throat tightens.

"You miss her," Raptor says softly.

"I do."

A warm hand covers mine, making my skin tingle when his thumb starts stroking gently. Desperate to change the subject so I don't break down in tears in front of him, I ask, "So, earlier . . . how'd you know what I was thinking?"

His eyebrows come together as confusion shows on his face. Before I can clarify, his smirk returns as he figures it out. "You mean the home video thing?" I nod, looking away, embarrassed.

Raptor laughs before answering, "I mean, the setup was all there—single guy comes over to fix his hot neighbor's microwave, tight white tee and toolbox on board. She opens the door looking like a sinful snack. It's classic dollar bin porno."

I can't help but laugh at his explanation. He hit the nail on the head with that one. That's when his words fully register. "Wait, you think I'm hot?" I look down at my outfit—a simple t-shirt and leggings—hardly snack-worthy.

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