Page 64 of Sacrifice
A mark of possession that satisfies something primal.
"Morning," I say.
She jumps, hand over her heart. "Good Gods. Make some noise, maybe?"
"Sorry. Habit." I move behind her, arms around her waist. "Sleep okay?"
"Better than I expected." She leans back against me. "Your bed's comfortable."
"It has its benefits." I nuzzle her neck. "You being in it is the main one."
"Smooth talker."
"I have my moments." I reluctantly release her to pour my own coffee. "I need to take you to work soon. Full patches and officers are meeting forkirkja."
"About what happened?"
"Among other things." I check the time—seven AM. "You okay with prospects watching you today?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"There's always a choice. But I'd strongly prefer you let them."
"Then yes." She turns to face me, leaning against the counter. "I'm done fighting you on keeping me safe. At least until we know who did this."
"Progress." I check my phone. Several messages waiting. "Ivar says Elfe woke up around five. She's asking for you."
"I need to see her."
"After work. Too many people coming and going during visiting hours. Evening's safer."
She nods, accepting the logic even though I can see it kills her to wait. "I need to go by my place. Get clothes."
"Already handled. Tindra and Astrid packed some of your things last night." I gesture to a duffel by the door. "Enough for a few days."
"You think of everything."
"I try." I finish my coffee. "Shower. Get dressed. I'll make eggs."
"You cook?"
"I'm a man of many talents."
"So I'm learning."
She disappears back to the bedroom, and I get to work on breakfast.
Nothing fancy—scrambled eggs, toast, bacon.
The kind of fuel we'll both need for whatever today brings.
I'm plating everything when she emerges, dressed in her own clothes from the duffel.
"Smells good," she admits, taking a seat at the breakfast bar.
"Military taught me the basics. Can't survive on MREs forever." I set a plate in front of her. "Eat. You need to eat if you’re going to stay strong.."
"Sorry if I’m a little distracted by our date being interrupted by a break-in."
