Page 113 of I Ran Away to Evil 2
“Are you even drinking that wine?” The words were out before my mind caught up to me, and the minstrel looked up at me with shock.
“Not very much, no,” she grumbled. “I’m good at pretending to drink. And I’m not using a skill or perk, just basic Dexterity and my storage ring. Most don’t notice.”
“Why?”
“Because this is my revenge for stalking me,” she said, taking what Iassumedto be a real sip of the mead. “Andthatwastwoof your questions!”
If I was paying attention, I could focus on watching the liquid fall past her rosy lips … and her tongue licking her lips afterward.
“We’re going to have a rousing night, and you are going to be a mess tomorrow when dealing with my uncle, and I will feel better about you taking advantage of me. Also …” She paused. I had to wrench my lascivious eyes away from her lips and drag my eyes up to her own. “Are you just being nice to me because you’ve been ordered to?”
“No!” My fist hit the table as hard as hers did earlier … Alright, maybe a little harder. Our waitress appeared at my elbow.
“How are your desserts? Can I get you the bill?” The foxkin stared at my fist, and I self-consciously withdrew my hands into my lap.
“Everything is delicious,” I said, before realizing I hadn’t even taken my first bite of my lavender scone. I hurriedly did so now.
Bronwynn came to the rescue. “We’re almost done, promise. You can bring the bill anytime. I’ve got it.”
The foxkin nodded. “Two gold, four silver.”
Brownie handed over three gold, and the waitress left them smiling. The amount was exorbitant, and I stared at the half-empty bottle of bimbleberry mead that’d cost my bard two gold.
Speaking of my bard, she was beaming at me despite my outburst. Brownie took a bite of her scone, then appeared distracted for a second as she closed her eyes in obvious enjoyment.
“I was going to buy dinner,” I told her. “At least let me pay for half?”
“No, and that’s another question.”
“Wait, no it wasn’t—”
“My turn.” She finished off her scone. Then she leaned forward across the table. “Rufus …”
She so rarely called me by name that it startled me. I drew back and asked tentatively, “Yes?”
“Can I pet you?”
CHAPTER 68
This is More Important Than Scones!
Brownie
As much as she’dsaidthe bimbleberry mead was for Rufus … Brownie had wanted liquid courage to help her ask theimportant questions. Especially since the absolute shock that dawned on Rufus’ face wasnotinspiring. She tripped over her tongue as she added, “Or not! You don’t have to—”
“Yes.”
“What?”
Golden eyes locked onto hers, serious and intense. “Yes, you can pet me. I consent. Let’s do it right now.”
“Wait—”
Rufus stood up and almost knocked over his chair. “We need to leave.”
“What about the mead, and your scone?” Brownie laughed but stood up as well.
“Leave them. This is more important than scones!” Rufus offered his hand, and she took it. Instead of linking it into his arms politely like he normally did, Rufus slid his fingers between hers and gripped her hand gently. The soft fur and rough beanies were an interesting feeling that she immediately loved.
