“Yep. I’m fine. Only my pride took a hit.”
“Someone who cooks as good as you should have no issue with your pride.” Callum’s smile lit up his whole face, shining through his brown eyes and creating a dimple in his cheek. “You fill our bellies and our hearts.”
“Thanks, Cal.” Yep. He was precious and ooey-gooey sweet.
“Besides, every man is made different and has their own talents,” he continued. “Some are swift runners but lack strength. Some, like myself, are skilled with swords but have little aptitude for bows. And some, like you, are masters in the kitchen but face death every time they take a step. There is no shame in it.”
“I take back my internal thought.” I stuck my nose up at him. “You’re not precious or sweet at all. You’re a demonic cinnamon roll.”
Little flutters swarmed in my belly as he laughed.
Probably just indigestion.
“Small but mighty Evan!” a deep voice boomed right before I was lifted off the ground by two beefy arms. “You are quite the sight for sore eyes.”
“You’re playing with fire, Duke.” Baden approached from my other side. “A wise man would place the goods back down and step away.”
“The goods?” I asked, my feet dangling. Duke’s muscled chest pressed to my back as he held me. There were worse situations I could’ve been in.
“The captain’s most precious treasure.” Baden smirked and lightly flicked my nose.
“Treasure is meant to be admired, is it not?” Duke asked, voice gruff. “After being forced to see all of your ugly faces all day, our adorable Evan is a reprieve.”
“Speak for yourself. My face is chiseled and handsome.” Baden smoothed a hand along his lightly stubbled jaw. “If you wish to see ugly, take a glimpse into the looking glass, you redheaded bastard.”
“Well, this redheaded bastard is highly sought after among men and women alike, while your prick remains dry,” Duke countered. “What’s that say about you?”
“That I have standards. Unlike you.” Baden crossed his arms over his chest. “Desperation is an unflattering trait.”
With a deep, rumbling laugh, Duke placed me back on my feet and patted the top of my head. “What do ya have in that basket? Snacks, I hope. I’m starved.”
“No one goes hungry while I’m around.” I jammed a thumb to my chest. “Evan to the rescue.”
Magic words. They swarmed me. Wedged between the three knights made me feel so short. I didn’t mind it so much anymore. My size brought out their protectiveness over me, and I’d started to like it. A little.
Okay, a lot.
By the time they’d helped themselves to the treats, only two muffins were left. Hopefully, that’d be enough to hold Maddox over until later. He got cranky when he didn’t get his afternoon sweet fix. My insatiable grump.
“Do any of you gluttons know where Maddox is?” I asked, amused as they devoured their treats.
“In his quarters last I saw him,” Baden said between bites. Crumbs sprinkled down the front of his armor.
“Thanks. I’ll be sure to let him know who ate all his muffins.”
All three of them stopped chewing.
I laughed. Hard. Then, I headed toward the barracks, hearing them argue about who’d take the fall for the captain’s wrath. Apparently, Quincy became the fall guy despite him not even being there.
Poor Quincy.
As a gust of cold wind swept around me, I shivered and lowered my face to my cloak. Which didn’t help my “don’t think about Rowan” mantra, because good lord, his scent hit me hard. Again. Stronger now than before, which was… weird.
Movement caught my eye from a branch higher up in one of the trees along the path. Something much bigger than a squirrel or bird. I came to a sharp stop and squinted up at the spot, catching a flash of red.
Hair?
“What are ya doin’ here, boy?” a gruff voice boomed from behind me.
