Page 67 of Taste of Death

I hid my face behind the pillow again. “Great. Now I’m even more embarrassed.”

Novak stole the pillow and threw it off the bed. “Those humans should be embarrassed. Not you.” With no barrier between us now and his gaze locked on me, vulnerability crept up my spine like a ghostly chill.

“I meant everything I said last night.” Novak made no move to touch me again, but his words were like a caress. “You’re important to me. I find you breathtakingly beautiful, and… ” he paused as if wrestling with himself. “I like having you in my home. Especially in my bed.”

My eyes widened. “This isyour?—”

I looked around the room for the first time ever. This was definitely not the guest room I’d stayed in before. The bed was much bigger, as was the room itself. A massive fireplace took over the far wall, with two armchairs and a coffee table in front of it. The windows reached from floor to ceiling, showing a starry night sky and a waning half moon.

“Are you okay with being in here?” Novak asked in response to my jaw-dropped gaping.

“Yeah! I mean, of course. It’s just, I thought your guest room was luxurious, but this feels… resplendent.”

“You haven’t even seen the four heads in the shower.”

“Four shower heads?!”

“That’s not even the best part.” He grinned. “There’s a bench built into the wall.”

I stared at him. “A bench is the best part?”

“Yes! So you can sit down.” He quirked an eyebrow. “A hot shower is supposed to be relaxing. Who wants to be on their feet the whole time? The shower bench is a genius invention.”

I shook my head, laughing. “If you say so.”

Novak’s smile softened. “If you’re feeling up for it, I thought we could go out tonight.”

“Out? Out where?”

“Just into the Cap for a drink or meal. Get some fresh air. Spend some time together outside of these walls.”

“Like a… ” I wasn’t even sure if I had the guts to say the word. “A date?”

His grin widened and my heart fluttered. “Yes, exactly.”

“I’d love to, but I don’t have anything clean to wear.” I was still in the clothes I’d worn to Sapien.

“We can shop for clothes first, if you’d like. Rack up a bill on Blood ‘til Dawn’s account, or,” he paused, voice lowering, “let me take care of everything.”

“You don’t mean that.” I tried to laugh it off but Novak looked dead serious.

“I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it. You can keep sets of clothes here if you want. I have plenty of closet space.”

“Why?” I demanded.

“Massive shirt shortage, remember?”

My laugh was a mix of nerves and genuine amusement. “No, I mean why would you offer to buy me clothes?”

His gaze heated. “Is it so hard to believe that I like you and want to see you taken care of?”

I swallowed. “I mean, a little.”

He let out a frustrated little growl as he leaned in closer, stroking his knuckles against my cheek. “It should be a fucking crime that so many people in your life caused you to feel that way. If I can’t punish those humans, then I’ll make you see your worth for as long as you let me.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “You should be cherished, akra. A few changes of clothes is just a drop in the bucket.”

I was too choked up to respond. Novak dropped another kiss on my brow before backing away.

“Go ahead and shower. I’m going to take care of a few things in my office. Come get me when you’re ready.”

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