“You’re not.” Briar offered him a kind smile. And Miles looked like he could really use some kindness right then. He placed his hand over the wound on Miles’ arm, and golden light emanated from his palm. “Your side too?”
“Y-Yes.” Miles lifted his shirt, his cheeks reddening. The skin along his rib cage and around to his back was already darkening with an angry bruise.
Briar healed him before stepping back to give him space. Miles didn’t seem as wary as Lake around other people, but there was something so freaking sad about him. Like he was used to enduring the cruelty of others and had accepted it as a way of life.
“Why did you come to the bakery?” I asked. “My café is closed today, but if you wanted a pastry or anything, I can serve you. That baker is an asshole.”
“You’re the owner of The Brewed Muffin?” Miles asked.
“Yep. And everyone is allowed there.” I glared at the baker, who now had two armed guards in front of him. Maddox had called them over. They were forcing him to pay for the damage to the apple cart, which was owned by the farmer selling her fruit at a nearby market stand.
“I came here to inquire about a job,” Miles said with a sad smile. “I love making cakes and decorating them.”
“Seriously?” I grinned. “You have baking experience?”
He nodded. “No experience working in an actual bakery, but I’ve helped my Ma in the kitchen since I was a cub. Baking brings me joy. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
“It makes me happy too,” I responded. “If you’re looking for a job, come see me tomorrow at my café. I could use another baker to help out.” Miles would be a lot of help since business had been booming lately. Another set of hands would help with the autumn ball too.
“You’re offering me a job?” he asked. “What if my skills aren’t to your standards?”
“I can tell you have a lot of passion for it, and that’s the most important thing. Anything else can be learned through practice.”
“Thank you for the opportunity.” Miles bowed his head. “I’ll stop by tomorrow.”
“Great! I’m looking forward to it.”
He smiled.
Maddox approached us. “Would you like to press charges against the baker for assaulting you? He’s paying for the damage to the cart since he’s the one who threw you into it.”
“Oh no, that’s all right.” Miles waved a hand around. “I just want to put this incident behind me and move on.”
“Very well.” Maddox nodded to the guards, and they returned the gesture before taking their leave. The baker went back into his shop and closed the door—very quickly, the freaking bigoted asswipe.
“Miles is coming to the café tomorrow,” I told Maddox. “I’ve been meaning to hire someone to help me in the kitchen, and he loves to bake. That’s why he was here. For a job.”
Maddox regarded the demi-bear. Scrutinized him, really. My overprotective captain sized everyone up when it involved me. “We’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
“We?” Miles asked. “You work there as well?”
“No.” Maddox smirked. “But it’s the place to get the most delicious muffins in Bremloc.”
***
After buying groceries from the market, we returned to the cottage. I was excited we’d met Miles, even ifhowwe’d met made me sad. Demi-humans were treated so harshly in the kingdom. It was something Prince Sawyer hoped to change one day. I did too. I wanted everyone to feel welcome and safe in my café.
“I think there’s sand in my ass crack,” I said after setting the bags in the kitchen. “How does that even happen? I need a bath.”
Big hands landed on my hips, and Maddox’s lips grazed the back of my neck. “Do you need help undressing for this bath?”
“I believe he does,” Briar said, tossing me a smile.
I glanced at Maddox. “Is this where you—”
Maddox swept me off my feet, but instead of throwing me over his shoulder like usual, he held me like we’d just gotten married and he was carrying me across the threshold of our hotel room where we’d fuck like rabbits and then eat chocolate covered strawberries in bed or whatever.
Briar followed us up the stairs and to the bathroom. “Time for these to come off.” He unfastened my trousers, while Maddox peeled off my shirt.
