Page 29 of Tabitha

Not even the Bellas know the extent of my ignorance.

It’s not like I’m helpless. I can catch any animal in the woods, field dress it, build a smokeless campfire, and stick my catch over an open flame.

But it’s not the same.

The girls made that abundantly clear when, the first time they asked me to get food, I returned with a cooked goose I caught.

Instead of being put off by my comment or looking at me oddly, Bast flashes me a gorgeous smile that makes his canines almost resemble fangs. “Then you’re in luck. I’m an excellent shopper. I’ll teach you.”

For the next hour, I ignore the curious stares and follow Bast as he fills the cart.

Don’t get me wrong—I understand the fundamentals. I can follow a recipe simply enough, it just seems to take a lot of time and work that I could be spending more productively in my garage. I don’t see the need to go through all the extra effort. It’s much easier to order food and have it delivered, ready to eat.

To my surprise, I actually enjoy following Bast around the store. Though he is quiet, for the most part, I find his company soothing. We load up on meat, bread, eggs, and potatoes. The list seems endless. Once the cart is full, Bast pushes it toward the checkout.

Only for me to come to a halt when I find the chocolate aisle.

How could I not know this existed?!

Bast continues pushing the cart a few more feet before he notices my absence and stops. He comes back to my side, looks at what caught my attention, then shakes his head. “Not those.” He scans the options, then clicks his tongue. “I’ll make you something better back at the mansion.”

I rip my attention away from the chocolate goodness on the shelves and gape at him. “You cook?”

“Bake,” he corrects me, his grin flashing in my direction, his teeth bright against his dark skin, then he tugs me along behind him. “Gage is the cook.”

I’m not sure why, but he’s instantly more attractive to me. I edge closer, my fingers itching to touch him, and the sensation leaves me completely flustered.

I don’t know why I’m surprised Bast can bake. The man is capable of doing anything if he puts his mind to it. Gage, on the other hand, would no doubt poison me at the first opportunity. I give one more look of longing at the chocolate confections, then resolutely turn away.

Even I am surprised that I chose Bast over chocolate.

That’s never happened before, and I’m not sure what to make of it.

Only once we’ve loaded the groceries in the back of the truck and pile into the cab do I dismiss the unsettling sensation and ask the questions that have been nagging at me.

“You talked to your client?” I watch his expression for any sign of deception, but his amber eyes remain steady.

He gives me a measured glance before he pulls into traffic. “You already know the answer to that. Why don’t you ask me what you really want to know?”

I purse my lips, debating the wisdom of his request, then shrug it off. “If McNeil was alive, you would’ve already found him. Why stay?”

All emotions drain from his face, and he tightens his grip on the steering wheel, avoiding my gaze as he drives down Main Street. It’s not until after we leave town that he finally speaks. “It’s doubtful that he’s alive, but his father deserves to have a body to bury. Too many families have been left with nothing after soldiers sacrificed everything. I can’t turn my back when it’s in my power to do something.”

I study his face, but I can’t sense a lie.

The man seems almost too good to be true. I’m not sure how to act around someone like him. In my line of work, I deal with the darker side of life. I feel almost tainted and unworthy sitting next to him.

I don’t want my darkness to rub off on him.

“It’s dangerous for you and your men to stay.” I run the edge of my fingernail along my thumb in a nervous habit. “What if I promise to do what I can to find McNeil? Would you—”

“You can stop.” He casts me a flat look. “We’re not leaving. Banks and his men are dangerous, and you’re going to need all the help you can get. Even if you order us to stop looking, we won’t leave. Not without you. No matter how capable you might be, we’re not going to leave you unprotected.”

It’s all I can do not to swoon…even as I want to stab him.

People are so confusing, and it reminds me why I do my best to avoid them.

“If you knew who I really am, you wouldn’t be saying that,” I murmur, turning away from him to stare out the window.

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