Page 82 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

“The food is going to burn,” I murmur, questioning the same thing about him, my eyes still on his lips as he leans in once more. But the smell of the food reminds me of what we’re supposed to be doing. And even though his lips taste good, I needed actual food right now.

I smile at his dazed look and push him back before hopping off the counter. “It’s the first time I’ve made food the human way.” I was still using the coffee pot for everything I needed to cook, but I could see how useful using this pan and little rings of heat would be for other things.

Hook chuckles as I quickly plate the food. It’s a little darker than I’m sure it’s supposed to be thanks to our little distraction, but it still looks edible.

“I’m a good cook but an even better teacher,” Hook says.

“Is that so?” Handing him a plate, we move to a couple of stools around the kitchen island before digging in, nearly inhaling the food in a few bites.

Hook nods. “Also exceptionally talented. Highly skilled. Incredibly intelligent and—”

“And apparentlyextremelymodest.” My eyes widen with false innocence.

Hook narrows his eyes on me before he pounces, grabbing me and throwing me over his shoulder.

“Hook,” I laugh. “Put me down.”

“Never!” Hook declares with laughter in his voice.

“Hook!”

He chuckles. “Come on. I have everything set up.” Memories of last night flash across my mind and I squirm, clearing my throat.

“For what?”

“I told you I’d teach you how to defend yourself. We’ll start now.”

Cash walks through the side door, pausing when he spots us. I wave to him, and he smiles.

As if sensing him, Hook turns, leaving me to stare at the heated rings and counter.

While I dangle here with the blood rushing to my head, both men stay silent, and the air quickly drops in the room.

“Hook, put me down.” Hook slides me down to the floor before glancing back at Cash with a narrowed look on his face.

“Spit it out, Cash,” Hook grits out.

Cash sighs, frowning at me before giving Hook a hesitant look.

Hook releases a harsh breath before giving me a soft look. “Head to the gym and I’ll meet you there in a minute.”

I glance back at Cash and the serious look on his face before nodding and heading out of the room. As soon as I walk out of the door, Cash starts talking.

I pause to listen in.

“One of our men overheard something interesting. Apparently, the Hunters are feeling cocky. They’ve been asking around about a particular Fae.”

“Where?” Hook growls.

“Near the edge of the city in the black-market sector,” Cash tells him.

They both grow silent for a moment before Hook speaks again. “We might be able to use this to our advantage. Let’s spread the word that she’s been spotted in the area and see what comes back to us.”

“Will do.” I hear Cash leave and I make a move, walking quickly down the hall and around the corner.

There’s no doubt in my mind that I am the Fae they’re talking about. Fear churns in my stomach at the thought of the Hunter’s now actively seeking me out, adding another problem to my ever-growing list.

I glance at the bracelet on my wrist, feeling some measure of comfort from it.

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