Page 17 of Twisted Devotion

“But you think I’m cute,” he points out.

“No, I—you know what? Never mind. It’s not worth the battle.”

“Because you know I’ll win,” he tosses back at me with a wink.

Jesus, is there something wrong with this guy’s eye?He can’t seem to stop winking.

I huff out a breath. “Because you’re insufferable.”

He pouts. “Mean. And to think, I cooked you this lovely meal, shared my alcohol with you, and this is how you thank me? I’m disappointed, Red.”

When I don’t answer, he heaves a dramatic sigh and carries the dishes away, muttering under his breath about something I choose not to hear.

I take my time finishing my glass of wine in the peace and quiet. I hear the water running in the kitchen and smirk at the image of Jackson wearing yellow rubber gloves and using a soaped-up sponge to clean the dishes he used to prepare our meal.

Once my glass is empty, I get up and take it to the kitchen.

He glances over his shoulder when I walk into the room. “Do you need something?”

“Where’s the closest feeding unit?”

“There’s one about fifteen minutes from here, but I usually have them come to the house. Gloria can arrange the same for you.”

“Hold up. Gloria knows what you are?”

“Yeah,” he says casually. It’s not totally uncommon for humans to know about fae, especially when they work for them.

“How long has she known?” I guess I figured he wouldn’t provide that information to Gloria for concern over frightening her.

“Since about seven months after she started working for me. She’s been with me for almost four years now.”

“Wow.” I don’t bother trying to hide my surprise.

“I told you, Kelsey, I treat my employees very well.”

“Noted,” I reply. “That’s fine, if you usually have a feeder come to the house. Whatever works. That’s probably easier than me having to leave to feed.”

“Just let me know when you need it,” he tells me, drying his hands on the towel near the sink.

“Any time would be great.”

He takes a few steps closer, closing the gap between us, and takes the empty glass from my hand. “Any time meaning sooner rather than later.”

I swallow, glancing at my hand when his fingers brush mine. “If possible, yes.”

I need to be on my A-game, which means staying well-fed to keep my strength up and my abilities at their peak. As much as I don’t enjoy the feeding process, it’s necessary. It’d be as fatal as a human not eating food and drinking water. Sure, it would take longer to kill me than starvation or dehydration would a human, but the end result would be the same.

“I fed this morning, so usually we wouldn’t have another feeder for a few days, but I’ll have Gloria arrange one for you for tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry, I should have fed before I came. I can—”

“Relax, Red. That’s what they’re there for.”

I press my lips together and nod. “Thank you.”

“Unless you’d rather feed from me,” he says in a light tone, as if he didn’t just suggest something so wildly personal it would make most of our kind uncomfortable.

When I open my mouth to force a laugh, nothing comes out, so I’m left standing with my mouth hanging open as I stare at him in disbelief.

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