Page 12 of Devilish

Kai’s eyes narrowed and he let got of the tin.

“I want you to feel safe here, comfortable, that’s all. And the best way to make sure of that is to ask a little about you. Including what you like to drink in the morning.”

Kai nodded, but I could tell there was more on his mind. Something I needed to address sooner rather than later.

“I don’t want anything from you, if that’s what’s running through your head.” I pulled the lid off the tea. “And I don’texpect anything in return for letting you sleep here or share a meal. I want to help, that’s all. You can come and go whenever you like. You’re not a prisoner.”

“But why? You don’t even know me.”

“No, I don’t. But I don’t need to know you to know that you were in a bad situation.”

Kai crossed his arms over his chest in a defensive pose, and that was my cue to give him some space.

“Why don’t you head out to the dining table and I’ll get this finished. Did you want something to eat? Some toast? Cereal?”

“Toast would be good.”

Would you look at that—I didn’t have to pry it out of him this time.

“Anything on it? Jam? Honey?—”

“Honey and butter?”

“Honey and butter it is.”

Kai nodded and headed back the way he’d came, but then stopped and turned to look at me. “Thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure. I’ll be out soon.”

Tea and toast. It was simple enough, and I was glad he didn’t protest letting me take care of it. Of him.

I toasted the bread and loaded it up with butter and honey drizzle before spreading the pieces out on another vintage tray from my collection. Then I finished the tea, making two cups for Kai to choose from. One with the chai served plain, and the other with a bit of frothed milk and honey. I had a feeling I knew which one he’d choose, but I wanted him to decide his preference.

“Oh wow,” he said softly as I carried both trays to the table and set them down in front of him.

The simple spread looked fancier than what it was with the addition of the trays and tea set, which was exactly why I’d bought them. Life needed little luxuries too, not just the big, extravagant ones.

Kai’s gaze roamed over it all, like he was wondering which to start with. “You really didn’t have to?—”

“I wanted to.”

He lifted his eyes to mine, a silent thank you in them, and then reached for one of the cups before frowning and pulling his hand back.“Which one is yours?” he asked.

“They’re both for you.” I nodded. “Try them.”

He brought the plain tea to his lips first and took a small sip. “It’s good.” Then he set it down carefully and reached for the other one.

The second he tasted the milky chai, his eyes lit up, and bingo.

“I thought you might enjoy that,” I said, picking up some toast.

Kai nodded, drinking even more, and I felt a deep satisfaction at his pleasure. Especially when he polished off three slices of toast and I made him another cup of tea just the way he liked it.

With the satiated look on his gorgeous face, I wished I could stay longer and ask him questions I hoped he’d answer. Unfortunately, work beckoned and I’d need to leave soon, but I wanted him to know he didn’t have to run off this time. He could stay.

I’dlikehim to stay.

“I’ll be gone most of the day,” I said, and fished the key from the pocket of my robe before sliding it across the table. “In case you feel the need to run away again and I’m not here.”

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