Page 3 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas
“I am Lord Percival Everflame, of the Everflame phoenixes!” He pulled his shoulders back. “You must have heard of my family’s wealth and status in society. And today, I have important work to do, which you and your poor customer service have kept me from.”
The lord sniffed. “I shouldn’t have to waste my time waiting for a dirty horde of children to get some cookies.”
Leo kept his face neutral. He had heard of the Everflame phoenixes. But only vaguely. He knew they were rich and important. He got the sense that they didn’t really belong in this part of town—the poorer part, that was.
But this man being a phoenix explained why he radiated light, the smell of ash in the air, the bursts of embers in his hair, and his flashing eyes.
Still, his family name didn’t excuse him for being a stuck-up twat.
“What can I get you, Lord Percival Everflame?” Leo swept his arm and bowed low so his head almost touched the ground.
The phoenix’s lip curled. “You have some nerve!”
“I have a lot more than nerve.” Leo smiled and gestured to the display. “I have cakes, cookies, savoury and sweet pies, truffles, pastries, and of course plenty of bread. All fresh. So what can I get you, Your Lordship?” Was that how one addressed a lord? He had no fucking clue. Nor did he give a flying fuck.
Lord Everflame’s mouth fell open. He moved his lips for several seconds, clearly not knowing how to respond to Leo and his blatant rudeness. After a moment, he seemed to collect himself. He drew himself up.
“What sort of pie?” he snapped.
“Today we have individual mushroom and leek pies. It’s?—”
“I’ll take one.” He turned away, as if he didn’t want to lower himself by looking at Leo a second longer than necessary.
Leo had made the mushroom and leek pies earlier that day. He usually enjoyed when customers ordered them.
As a hearth and kitchen witch, he provided and cared for his customers through his food. But today he kind of hoped he’d accidentally dropped stones into the pie and Lord Percival Everflame would choke on them.
“That’ll be forty bells. Will you eat it here?”
“I’m not eating here!” Lord Everflame glanced around. He pulled out his purse and placed several coins on the counter. “Just hurry up so I can leave!”
Leo gritted his teeth. He packaged the pie and took the coins.
As he counted out the change, he couldn’t help but glance at the phoenix. It really was a shame the stunning phoenix was such a haughty dickhead.
Leo wondered if he’d be as rude during sex, tapping his foot, sneering at his lover as he said, “Well are you going to suck mycock or what?”Leo smothered his laugh as he handed the change back.
The phoenix looked it over. “What is this? You’ve given me the wrong change. You’re ten bells short! What, are you a common thief too?”
“Oh.” Leo glanced at the coins in the phoenix’s palm and saw that he was right. “Right. Sorry.”
“Sorry?” The phoenix scowled. “You can’t keep this bakery clean, you make me wait, you are terrible at serving your betters, and you can’t even count! What good are you?”
Leo’s cheeks flushed as he counted out the ten bells. He dropped them into the phoenix’s hand.
“Like I said, I’m sorry.” Because even though Lord Percival Everflame was a giant knobhead, Leo had made a mistake and so had to apologise. But still, the words caught in his throat.
Leo pushed the packaged pie across the table. “Merry Christmas!” he said, trying to muster up some holiday cheer. There was no way he could muster up a smile for this shitfucker.
The phoenix picked up the pie. “Christmas. Of course you’d celebrate Christmas.” He scoffed. “It’s all frivolous nonsense. Just a complete waste of time!” He glanced around the bakery. “And an excuse to put up tacky decorations.”
Then he glided out the door without a backward glance. The bell tinkled.
Leo let out a breath. He didn’t think he’d ever met anyone so repulsive in his life! The phoenix might be the most handsome man he’d ever seen, but his insides were as appealing as rotted meat.
At least the phoenix wouldn’t return to their “dirty little bakery” with their “poor service.” Which meant he’d probably never have to see the prick again.
“Thank fuck,” Leo muttered.
