Page 14 of Blood Heir

The scent of chicken hits me before we even walk through the door. I breathe in deeply, letting the rich aroma seep into my senses. My stomach growls in protest, so loud I’m sure Serevin heard it. I’m starving, and this food? This food smells like heaven.

Without hesitation, I dart forward into the kitchen, practically half-running toward the chef who’s preparing a huge roast on the counter.

“Can I have some?” I ask, my voice high and desperate, pleading. “Please, oh please, oh please?”

The chef looks at me like I’ve just asked him for a billion dollars, eyes wide with surprise. Serevin stands a few feet away, watching me, an odd expression on his face.

He nods, and just like that, the chef quickly plates me a generous portion of chicken.

I sit down at the table, not bothering to be ladylike, and immediately dig in. The first bite—crispy skin, tender meat—makes me sigh. It’s delicious.

I don’t care that I’m eating with my mouth full. I don’t care about manners. The chicken is everything. I shovel another bite in.

“I love chicken,” I say, grinning between mouthfuls. “Seriously, I could eat chicken every day.”

Serevin stands across the table from me, his eyes narrowed slightly as he watches me devour my meal. I can feel his gaze, but I’m too busy enjoying the food to care.

Just as I finish my first plate, I hear footsteps behind me. I turn and spot a tall, stunning man walking in, dressed sharply in a suit. His eyes lock onto me immediately.

He freezes in shock, like he’s seen a wild animal in the middle of the kitchen instead of a woman eating chicken. His disbelief is obvious as he stares at me.

I chew, swallow, and then look up at him. “Hi, handsome,” I say with a cheeky grin, eyeing him from head to toe. “How are you?”

He’s still standing there, gaping at me, too stunned to respond. He swallows and looks at Serevin, who lets out a long sigh.

“Wait in my office, Cassian," Serevin says flatly, his voice cool and dismissive.

I shoot gorgeous Cassian a wink, watching him leave the room with an unimpressed look on my face. I turn back to Serevin with a shrug.

“Is he like your bestie or something?” I ask, the question dripping with sarcasm. “Can I have him? I like him better than you.”

Serevin’s eyes flick to my hand—specifically, the wedding ring on my finger. I can see it now, the way he glances at it. He doesn't say anything. The silence speaks for him.

I can’t help but let out a nervous chuckle. “Sorry, I forgot we were married. But whatever. You cheat, don’t you? I can look outside, too. You don’t seem to want me.”

Serevin doesn’t flinch at my words. His gaze remains steady on me, like he’s already heard all my complaints a thousand times. He doesn’t even bat an eye.

Before he can answer, Emilia walks in, loud and obnoxious as usual. She practically bounces into the room with that fake sweetness in her smile.

“He doesn’t cheat,” she says, sitting down at the table beside Serevin. “He’s stupidly loyal.”

I stare at her, eyes narrowed. She’s way too perky. Too eager. Too…young. I have no clue who she is, but something about her rubs me the wrong way. I feel like I’ve known her forever. But I can’t place why.

I focus on my chicken, taking another bite, not responding.

I chew slowly, then look up at her. “Hmph,” I say, the sound dismissive.

Emilia leans in closer to Serevin, her hand brushing his arm, and I swear I see her eyes glitter with something I don’t like.

“If she gets fat and ugly,” Emilia says with an edge in her voice, “you can have me.”

I throw a half-eaten chicken bone at her. Hard. It’s an automatic reaction. It hits her right on the chest, and she screams in surprise. She turns to me, her face contorted in disgust.

“What is wrong with you?” she snaps, hands on her hips.

I don’t flinch. I look at her calmly, chewing with great delight. “I’m having a meal with my husband. Walk away before I rip your eyes out of their sockets.”

Emilia’s mouth drops open. She looks at Serevin, but he doesn’t respond. His eyes are still fixed on me, and she knows it. She knows she’s being ignored.

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