Page 81 of Heart’s Prisoner

"Is there anything you do before beginning a meal?" Lana asked carefully. She didn't want to do anything that was considered impolite by his people's standards.

Xerus' eyes finally left her as he looked the food over. With the end of his tail, he speared a piece of meat. "I wouldn't hold you to any of my people's rituals in this situation,kissala."

Lana tensed, heat licking up her neck. She had heard him use that word before towards her but never could translate it fully nor did he explain. But she was beginning to believe it was some form of endearment.

He took the meat in his sharp fingers then ripped off a piece with his fangs. Lana took it as a sign and carefully took a few pieces for her plate as well as some fruit and vegetables. She noticed he didn't use his plate and wondered if maybe his kind didn't bother with them.

"Always trying to figure me out," Xerus said. "I see you observing me still, don't look so shocked."

Lana glanced away, embarrassed. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I'm use to it by now." His mouth twitched and his eyes seemed more playful than angry. "But you will find," he said, picking up one of the eggs, "that I have curiossities of my own. And I hope you will...indulge me."

Lana eyed him seriously. "Like what?"

Xerus said nothing as he ate his egg in one bite, his eyes, full of amusement now, never leaving her. Lana could feel her pulse in her throat. "How do you like the setting? she asked.

Xerus gazed around. "It is like home...you did well." He looked back at her. "You have my thanks."

Lana smiled, bringing a mango slice to her lips and taking a slow bite. The juice hit her tongue and dripped down the corners of her mouth, tangy and sweet.

"There is one thing missing, however," Xerus said.

Lana swallowed and licked her lips. "Oh?"

"It is...too quiet."

Lana thought for a moment and then said the word herself, "Esika." Music.

Xerus nodded once and Lana got up and turned to a sound system just under the TV screen on the wall behind her. She turned on the system and searched through the apps and their playlists on the screen. She found the type of music that Xerus had told her was like his own–sultry beats and low base instruments, the exotic music of her world–and pressed play.

They listened as they ate, Lana unable to keep the smile off her face. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, envisioning his world and her within it. She imagined the warm breeze on her skin, the scent of spices in the air. Though things were darker than usual, she imagined the sun, in its deep orange and red glow, hanging low in the sky. When she opened her eyes she met Xerus' curiously sharp gaze.

They stared at each other like they did and Lana felt a warm feeling settle in her stomach. Once they had finished with most of the meal, she quickly wrapped up the leftovers and threw the bowls and plates in the sink.

"I didn't make any kind of dessert," she said. "As I know sweets aren't really your thing."

"What is dessert?" he asked.

"Usually an after dinner treat. But it is usually something very sweet."

Xerus grunted. "My kind have a drink calledSivasafter a meal."

Lana raised her eyebrows. "Oh? What is it like?" Perhaps she could replicate it.

"A mixture ofFrasi blood andLeeki milk."

Lana nearly gagged. "Oh," she choked. She heard Xerus let out a hiss of laughter.

"Not for everyone," he said.

Lana looked over at the bar and eyed the different bottles there. "Perhaps you try something of my kind?"

When she saw Xerus shrug she went over to the bottles and studied them carefully. There was mostly vodka and rum but when she looked down in the mini-fridge she found an unopened bottle of Merlot not too old. She took it out and uncorked it and tasted it herself. A little bitter but not sweet. Perfect. She took out two glasses and poured some in each. When she handed Xerus his glass he sniffed at it curiously.

"It's called wine. It is made from grapes. Another type of fruit on my planet," she said, sitting back down.

Xerus eyed it briefly then took a full swig, drinking the dark liquid down. Lana choked down a laugh and sipped at her own.

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