Page 45 of Blood and Bonbons

“None of your business,” Vena snapped.

“Three sets of eyes are better than two, and he can ask questions while we work,” I said.

“No.” She took a box of pancake mix from the cupboard and a bag of blueberries from the freezer. My tastebuds started a preemptive revolt. Box mixes were for those uninterested in culinary works of art or those low on time. Unfortunately, we were the latter.

Cross stood and walked over to the pancake mix. Picking it up, he shook the box and sniffed it. Based on his expression, he agreed with my silent opinion as well.

Vena snatched it back from him and emptied it into a mixing bowl.

As I watched the interaction, I saw Cross’ actions for what they were. Curious. Cautious. Frustrated. But not threatening. Not even when Vena was being extra provoking.

As I’d already acknowledged, I knew nothing about vampires. Did I think he was safe? No. But I didn’t think he was a murderous, killer vampire like everyone stated.

“Vena, after what you said last night, I think we need to find Miles sooner rather than later. We should let Cross help us.”

“No,” she said at the same time he said, “I am not here to help you find lost people. You promised to help me.”

Cross resumed his seat at the table. “I have a few questions.”

“Fine,” I said, slightly annoyed with both of them. Nudging Vena aside, I took over making the pancakes and started a blueberry compote to go on top.

When Cross didn’t ask anything, I looked over to find his gaze running the length of me. It wasn’t to check me out. He was studying.

“Do all women wear tight breeches that reveal their shapely legs and shirts unencumbered by bodices?” he finally asked.

“We even show ankles,” Vena said with heavy sarcasm. “And knees.”

He looked thoughtful. “I approve the change. But I don’t approve of women working. Where are your men to provide for you?”

I glanced over at Vena, who was holding a knife like a shank as she eyed him. I reached over and took it from her.

“He’s from another time, remember?”

As I whipped the water into the mix, I said, “A lot has changed for women since you were last awake. We can provide for ourselves. We can make our own money, purchase our own property, and even vote.”

“There’s only one thing we need a man for, and not even then,” Vena said. “There are toys that take care of that. Most of the time, it’s even better than the real thing.”

I gave her a what-the-hell look and glanced at him to see his confusion.

“She means sex,” I said with a sigh as I placed the bowl down and dug out a pan. I knew Vena didn’t like Cross because of what he was, but she didn’t need to make it sound like she hated all men. Not when we both knew how much of a lie that was.

“Surely you still need a man for procreation,” he said, looking insulted.

Vena smirked. “Sure, for a quick donation. Otherwise, men are overrated.”

I rolled my eyes at her.

“You are content to be spinsters?” he asked.

Vena went for the knife again, but I blocked her with the frying pan. “Why don’t you go look for the book while I finish here?”

“And leave you alone with fangs?”

He growled softly.

“Then make coffee, and stop making things difficult.”

While she grudgingly turned and dug through the cupboard to find the coffee, I placed the pan on the stove and turned on the burner.

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