Page 35 of Evil Hearts

“If you tell me, I can make sure it comes true,” he said.

She shook her head. If he did even half the things that popped into her head, she might not survive the night. At least she’d die with a smile on her face!

Chapter 3

“Are you sure you don’t want more?” Reed asked as he finished off his second helping. Cassi looked down at her empty plate, surprised to find she’d eaten all of it. Her stomach had been too upset to eat all day, but not anymore.

The size of her meal was nothing compared to Idris’s. He’d eaten four heaping platefuls. Feeding the gargoyle must be a big job, but Reed seemed to love it.

“Cassi?” Idris said. “Are you feeling okay? Is the food upsetting your stomach?”

“Hey, my food is great!” Reed objected in an overly dramatic tone.

“Cassi’s human,” Idris argued. “There might have been something in there that’s bothering her.”

Now Reed looked annoyed. “Spaghetti with Bolognese sauce is human food!”

“But did you cook it long enough?” Idris asked. “You and I can tolerate a lot of things that could make humans sick.”

Reed’s eyes narrowed, and he looked like he was about to launch himself across the table at Idris. “What are you sayin’ about my food?”

Idris finally seemed to realize he’d upset Reed. “I love your food, but it took a few years for you to get the hang of cooking. Remember that time you didn’t cook the chicken long enough? You got really sick.”

“Enough,” Silas said, interrupting Reed and Idris. Once they both went quiet, he focused on her. “Cassi, is there a problem?”

“N-n-no problem at all!” she said quickly, casting worried glances around. This was the first time she’d seen Reed anything but cheerful or reassuring. Did the two men ever get into physical altercations?

She shivered at the thought of all the damage they could do if they got into a fight.

“I was only s-s-surprised that I ate everything,” she continued. “I didn’t realize I was so hungry.”

Idris looked at her plate then back to her. “You thought that was a lot? Are you sure you’re eating enough?”

Reed’s irritation vanished. “Good point, Idris. I thought it was a snack, but if that was what she considered a meal, it’s not enough. I could make her lots of small meals to eat throughout the day. I’ve heard that’s better anyway.”

“Maybe we could also talk to a nutritionist,” Idris said, then looked to Silas. “Can you hire one?

She yawned as they talked about her as if she wasn’t there. The late hour, stress of the day, and full belly were all making her sleepy. That was probably why their conversation wasn’t irritating her.

“Those are concerns for later,” Silas said. “I think Cassi might need to rest for a while.”

All eyes turned to her mid yawn. Covering her mouth with both hands, she blinked at everyone and snapped her gaping jaw closed the moment she was able.

Standing up, Silas moved to her side of the table. “Let me show you to your room,” he said, holding out a hand. Idris was quick to get up, pushing his chair back so quickly, it fell with a loud clatter.

“I can carry you,” he said, ignoring the chair.

Reed came around and righted the chair. “I’ll clean up the kitchen later, I’ll go with you guys now.”

“Of course,” Silas agreed. “You can leave the mess until tomorrow if you like. No need to rush back. We need to savor every moment with Cassi.”

Suddenly she wasn’t so sleepy anymore. It seemed it was time for her to pay her part of the bargain. She only hoped Silas would keep his promise and save her sister.

She smiled up at Idris. “I’d like to walk, but th-th-thank you, Idris.”

Idris nodded and held out his hand. Now she had two hands to help her stand. Giving up, she put a hand in each and stood. Neither man let go as they escorted her out of the kitchen and back to the grand staircase.

The thought of having sex with these three men should’ve terrified her, but she was getting nothing but excitement from her nervous system and interest from her lady parts. In an attempt to distract herself, she looked around as they walked up the stairs. The entire castle was decorated in the sleek but comfortable Scandinavian style. It didn’t really match the rough stone walls or high arched ceiling.

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