Page 78 of Traitor

I plate the lasagna, and bring it to the table, where he's waiting.

And then, we sit. Face to face. The hunter and the hunted.

There will be no dessert.

At least, not for him.

"Bon appétit." I raise my glass, flashing a small, innocent smile.

Bones takes a bite, and I watch. Close. Careful. He doesn't know it yet, but I just sealed his fucking fate.

His eyes go wide. Pure appreciation.

"This is amazing, Ely." He groans, savoring the taste, completely unaware of what's about to happen. "The best damn lasagna I've ever eaten."

"Thank you." My smile stays perfectly in place. I can barely contain the excitement thrumming in my veins.

"I wish I had more time for cooking, but clients keep me too busy."

"You work as a brand designer now," he says, pride evident in his voice.

"Yeah," I say. "It's something I enjoy a lot."

"I'm happy for you." He smiles. "That you found something you're not only good at, but you enjoy."

I nod, sipping my wine, watching him over the rim.

Then he smirks. A little lighter. A little teasing.

"So... Temperance Brennan, huh?"

I pout playfully. "Spur of the moment. Always loved that show."

"I know." His smirk deepens. "You'd stay up all night binge-watching. One more episode. Then another. Then another."

I smile. And then, I see it.

The tremor in his hand.

My heart slams in my chest. Excitement bubbles in my veins. It's starting. It's fucking starting.

I can't even eat. Too much energy. Too much anticipation.

Of course, he doesn't know. Doesn't realize that I made two lasagnas. That his béchamel sauce is a little more special than mine.

Bon appétit, Bones.

Bones

The wine is good. Smooth. Strong. And the lasagna is delicious.

I tip the glass back, letting the burn slide down my throat, watching Ely over the rim. She looks so fucking beautiful.

She lifts her own glass and then I see it. The smallest evil smile hidden behind her glass.

Not the first thing that registered as off tonight. But the most obvious.

I lean back in the chair and decide to go for it. I know she has some kind of plan for tonight.

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